Having the most beautiful pieces of jewelry for your wedding can add elegance and style to the day. On the other hand, choosing pieces that don’t match your other attire can detract from your appearance. Selecting the right necklaces, earrings, and bracelets is only part of the process. You also need to make sure that you care for these items properly so that they stay in excellent shape throughout your lifetime.

 

You should enjoy your wedding jewelry but making sure you know the proper care steps can let you pass down the pieces through future generations. We wanted to share a handful of tips on caring for various types of jewelry, so your favorite piece stays shiny and sparkly as long as you own it. Follow these guidelines, and you can ensure your most beautiful jewelry remains in the condition you wore it in on your wedding day.

Visit a Jeweler at Least Once a Year

 

Every six months to a year, it’s crucial that you have your wedding jewelry (and any other essential pieces you have) inspected by an expert jeweler. This applies especially to your engagement ring and wedding ring if you are wearing them on a day to day basis. When you step into the jewelry store, the jeweler can check for prongs that are worn, loose settings, and other signs of upcoming issues.

 

A trusted jeweler can also give you information on the best way to clean your jewelry at home. This will ensure it stays in perfect shape in between visits to your favorite jeweler. You can also ask questions about anything else you’re worried about regarding your jewelry while you are in the shop.

Keep Your Jewelry Clean at All Times

 

When you’re at home between visits to the jeweler, it’s your job to keep your rings looking their absolute best. When you participate in regular cleaning, it can remove any dirt or dust that you accumulate while wearing the jewelry. However, it’s essential to be gentle and cautious about what you use for cleaning since the process itself can create wear on the jewelry.

 

If you aren’t sure that you should use to clean your engagement and wedding rings, you can’t go wrong with a soft toothbrush designed for babies along with warm water. While you are doing the cleaning, stay away from drains and sinks. The last thing you want to do is get your hands slippery and drop the ring down the drain. Then you’ll be looking at a plumber bill to get it back.

Act as Soon as You See an Issue

 

Have you noticed that one of the stones on your rings is loose? Maybe your ring has a prong that keeps catching on your clothing. These situations are some of the most common ways to lose a stone from a ring. Rather than waiting for your next annual jewelry inspection, it’s best to head to the jewelry store immediately to have things looked at.

 

Many wedding and engagement rings come with coverage for preventative repair, so you can even save money by immediately visiting a jeweler. Even if this isn’t the case for your bridal jewelry, you should still prioritize having any issues looked at. It’s the best way to ensure your rings stay in the best condition and don’t become further damaged.

Be Careful with Your Jewelry Storage Choices

 

If you have pieces of wedding jewelry that you don’t wear each day, they need to be stored somewhere secure. However, keeping them safe isn’t the only concern. Each ring, set of earrings, necklace, and bracelet should be placed in a soft compartment or bag away from the rest of your jewelry. When you store all the jewelry together in a cluster, it can cause scratches to the materials.

 

With this same line of thinking, we also want to remind you that you shouldn’t store necklaces where they hang down. This can cause the necklaces to stretch out over time. You also want to be cautious if you use jewelry dishes or ring holders that are meant for several pieces of jewelry. The pieces often stack together, and this can create additional damage.

Take it Easy on Your Bridal Jewelry

 

Even those who have diamond engagement rings need to be careful when wearing them, storing them, and cleaning them. Diamonds are one of the most rigid materials on the earth, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be damaged. These gems can chip if you strike them at just the right angle. This isn’t something you want to risk by being haphazard with your jewelry.

 

If you plan to engage in a high-impact activity, make sure that you store away your ring somewhere safe. While it might feel strange not to wear the ring 24/7, it’s the best way to prevent damage that might be costly to deal with later. You can always put the ring right back on when you’re finished with whatever project you are working on.

Special Tips for Various Types of Jewelry

 

It’s also worth knowing different tips for various kinds of jewelry. While wedding and engagement rings come to mind, many people choose to wear necklaces, earrings, and bracelets on their wedding day. It’s essential to know how to care for them as individual items.

 

• Earrings – These can also be professionally cleaned if you wear them on a regular basis. Earrings can be just as fragile as rings and should be stored in a soft bag or box when they aren’t being worn.

 

• Necklaces – This jewelry can often tangle, so keeping it in a special box is a good idea. This also prevents scratches and other damage. Keep necklaces in dry, cool, and dark areas.

 

• Bracelets – Bracelets in a soft bag will stay dry and avoid tarnishing. Keep the piece away from perfume, liquids, perspiration, and lotions to prevent unnecessary wear.

 

At this point, you have all the information you need to care for your favorite pieces of jewelry from your wedding or other events. Remember to visit a jeweler once a year, keep up with cleaning, and watch for any jewelry issues. These are the best ways to keep your jewels and metals in top condition.