Taking care of jewellery can lead to a long lifespan hence enjoyable while wearing it.
Preserving your jewellery is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain its beauty and also to prevent discomfort issues.
With a little guidance from experts, here are some of the essential tips to care for your jewellery.
According to jeweller Valerian Onyagi, jewellery should be stored in soft pouches or cloth bags to prevent them from dust and scratches.
“Keep your pieces in a jewellery box or organizer with compartments to prevent them from tangling or scratching each other and also to protect them from dust and scratches. Store each piece separately to avoid damage from rubbing against each other, " she said.
She also advised that jewellery should be kept away from moisture and chemicals; away from water and while applying lotions or perfumes to avoid reaction.
“Moisture and chemicals can tarnish and damage your jewellery; avoid wearing your jewellery in the shower, while swimming, or during activities that involve contact with water,” she says.
“Remove your jewellery before applying lotions, perfumes, or hair products, as these contain chemicals that can react with the metal and gemstones. Store your jewellery in a dry and cool place to prevent oxidation and tarnishing.”
She further recommended on regular cleaning to help maintain the shine and lustre of the jewellery by using a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away dirt and oils from the surface of the jewellery.
Another jeweller Justin Mwavaka also tackled the care of necklaces and earrings to avoid skin irritation.
“Keep them dry since moisture can cause metal earrings to rust; avoid exposure to chemicals like perfume, hairspray, and lotions that can damage the metal of your earrings and proper storage,” he said.
“Clean your earrings by using a soft cloth after each wear to remove any dirt or oils that may have accumulated. You can also use a mild cleaning solution specifically designed for jewellery to keep them looking their best.”
He said when buying jewellery, hypoallergenic materials are recommended.
“If you have sensitive ears, opt for earrings made from hypoallergenic materials like surgical stainless steel, titanium, or nickel-free metals to prevent irritation,” he said.
