ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — You wear your favorite ring every day. You wash your hands, put on lotion, clean the house and maybe even head to the gym without giving it a second thought.
But some of those everyday habits could be taking a toll on your jewelry.
From harsh chemicals to ordinary wear and tear, even expensive, well-made jewelry isn’t indestructible. And some damage can happen so gradually that you don’t notice until a stone comes loose or a piece needs repair.
In this installment of Ask the Expert, sponsored by D.C. Creasman Jewelers, we’re looking at some common jewelry-care mistakes and how to avoid them.
Your shower might not be your jewelry’s best friend
It may be convenient to leave your rings, necklaces and bracelets on when you shower, but it’s not always a good idea.
Soap, shampoo and conditioner can leave a film on gemstones and precious metals, making them look dull. Over time, residue can build up in settings and around stones.
For most sturdy gold and diamond jewelry, an occasional shower is unlikely to cause lasting damage. But repeated exposure to soaps and other products can make jewelry harder to keep clean.
Some materials, including pearls and certain treated gemstones, require extra care because moisture and chemicals can affect their appearance or condition.
Cleaning the house? Take off your rings
Household cleaners can be especially hard on jewelry.
Bleach and other harsh chemicals can damage certain metals and gemstones. Chlorine, particularly with repeated exposure, can also weaken some gold alloys.
Even routine chores can pose risks. Scrubbing countertops, washing dishes and working in the garden can expose rings to chemicals, dirt and accidental bumps.
The safest approach is to remove jewelry before using household cleaning products and store it somewhere secure until the job is done.
The gym isn’t always jewelry-friendly
Wearing rings while lifting weights or using exercise equipment can cause more than a few scratches.
Pressure from weights and metal equipment can bend rings, damage settings or loosen gemstones. Rings can also cause serious finger injuries if they become caught on equipment.
Sweat isn’t necessarily harmful to every piece of jewelry, but moisture, skin oils and repeated exposure can contribute to tarnishing or buildup on certain materials.
If you’re heading to the gym, leaving valuable jewelry in a safe place at home is usually the better choice.
Not all gemstones are created equal
Diamonds may be famous for their hardness, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to damage.
A diamond can chip if struck at the wrong angle, particularly along vulnerable edges or points.
Other gemstones can be considerably more delicate.
Pearls are relatively soft and can be damaged by cosmetics, perfume and improper cleaning. Opals can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes, while emeralds often contain natural fractures that may be treated with oils or resins.
The Gemological Institute of America cautions that some gemstones and treatments require special care, particularly when cleaning jewelry.
That means a cleaning method that’s safe for one piece might damage another.
Think twice before reaching for the toothpaste
You’ve probably heard that toothpaste, baking soda or other household products can make jewelry sparkle.
But some popular home-cleaning tricks can do more harm than good.
Toothpaste contains abrasives that can scratch softer metals and gemstones. Harsh chemicals can damage certain finishes, treatments and settings.
Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners aren’t suitable for every piece, either. Their vibrations can loosen vulnerable stones or damage some treated or fragile gemstones.
For many durable pieces, gentle cleaning with mild dish soap, lukewarm water and a soft brush may be appropriate. But pearls, opals, emeralds and other sensitive materials may need different treatment.
If you’re unsure what your jewelry contains or how it should be cleaned, ask a qualified jeweler before trying a home remedy.
Sleeping in your jewelry can cause problems, too
That necklace you never take off? It could be getting more wear than you realize.
Chains can become tangled or kinked while you sleep, and delicate clasps may be strained. Rings and bracelets can also catch on bedding.
One night probably won’t cause a problem, but repeated pulling and twisting can eventually take a toll on delicate pieces.
Removing jewelry before bed also gives you an opportunity to check for loose stones, damaged clasps or other signs of wear.
A loose stone can become a lost stone
One of the biggest risks to valuable jewelry is damage that goes unnoticed.
The small metal prongs holding a gemstone in place can wear down over time. A ring that gets bumped against countertops, door handles and other hard surfaces may gradually develop problems with its setting.
Warning signs include a stone that moves, a prong that catches on clothing or a setting that looks bent or uneven.
If something doesn’t seem right, stop wearing the piece until it can be inspected.
Jewelers of America recommends having jewelry inspected at least once a year for loose stones, worn settings and other signs of damage. Frequently worn pieces or jewelry showing signs of wear may need attention sooner.
A jeweler may be able to tighten a loose stone or repair worn prongs before the damage leads to a costly loss.
A little prevention goes a long way
Taking care of jewelry doesn’t have to be complicated.
Remove delicate or valuable pieces before swimming, exercising or cleaning. Apply lotions, perfume and other cosmetics before putting on jewelry, and allow those products to dry.
Store pieces separately to prevent scratches and tangled chains. Keep jewelry away from excessive heat, harsh chemicals and unnecessary moisture.
And don’t wait until something breaks to have a favorite piece checked.
Jewelry often carries more than a price tag. It might be an engagement ring, a gift from someone special or a family heirloom passed down through generations.
A little extra care today can help make sure those pieces are still around — and still sparkling — years from now.