Tips for cleaning and organizing your jewelry

There are some easy steps you can take to protect your prized heirlooms. Here are some of our favorite tips for taking care of and organizing your jewelry, baubles, rings, bracelets, and necklaces. 

Cleaning tips

• Clean as you go. Regular wear can leave oils and dust on your jewelry. One of the easiest ways to keep them sparkling is to gently wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth (like a chamois) after each wearing.
• Separate for safety. Gemstones can scratch or be scratched. So make sure you store them by separating them in different cases, cloth bags, or even small plastic storage bags.
• Don’t use toothpaste. While a lot of people believe this, the abrasives in toothpaste can scratch fine jewels and metals.
• Wear gloves when cleaning. Harsh cleansers are dangerous for your fine jewelry.
• Be careful of light and heat. The GIA says, “over time, and in excess, they can also fade or damage some gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz and shell cameos. Pearls and other delicate materials, such as ivory, will bleach under extreme exposure to light. Other gems, especially amber, can darken over time when exposed to too much light.”

• Keep diamonds sparkling. According to the GIA, you can “soak diamonds in a gentle degreasing solution, such as water with a few drops of mild dish soap, once or twice a week…[then] use a soft, clean toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt.”

Organizing tips

And from O magazine, some tips for protecting and organizing your fine jewelry:

• Keep a record: Create a file of appraisals and receipts for your expensive pieces.
• Location, location: Remember where you keep your jewels, especially if you hide them. (This happens more than you’d think!)
• Travels abroad: You should consider not taking your precious jewels with you when you travel, but if you do, invest in a protective travel pouch or case to keep them from damage. Always carry them in your hand luggage. Extra tip: string chains through a drinking straw to keep them untangled.
• Protect them from oopsies: If you take off your jewelry, keep them safe. Have a ring bowl at the sink, a small jewelry box on your desk, and a velvet pouch in your handbag.

A big part of organizing—and protecting— your valuables is with an up-to-date appraisal. And the fastest, easiest way to start is to contact me.

Brilliantly yours, Aimee