All that Glitters… Mustn't Stop Glittering | A Guide to Jewelry Care

By Upasana Gupta

All that glitters is not gold. True. It's diamonds, polki, pearls and more.

Some of the most precious possessions are heirlooms passed onto us are from dadis and nanis {seriously wondering how they manage to keep it as good as new after all these years}; the treasured Cartier emerald brooch, a string of basra pearls or just something silver. There's a story behind every piece of jewelry, and we owe it to that to take good care of it.

Blame it on the rush we're always in, or on our carelessness - it's not easy taking care of intricate, exquisite jewelry. With wedding season and Diwali around the corner, it's a must to take care of pieces that make you look beautiful. And here's telling you how |

Diamonds are Forever

• Diamonds have an odd trait; they repel water and attract oils like baking goods or makeup. Avoid wearing your diamond jewelry during heavy or laborious activities, because although diamonds are the strongest substances, they can be chipped, or the jewelry holding the diamonds can be damaged.
• Keep them neat - Diamonds can be scratched by other diamonds, so try to avoid having them jumbled up together in a jewelry box.
• Cleaning diamonds-
  • Mild Liquid Detergent Soak
    Get a small bowl or cup and fill it with warm water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent. With the sudsy water ready, soak your jewelry for about hour - this will break up and dirt and grime on your jewelry. When it is done soaking, take a soft toothbrush and gently scrub your jewelry. After, rinse your jewelry under warm water. Dry with a soft cloth, free of lint. Remember; plug the drain before you begin to ensure your jewelry does not fall down the drain.
  • Household Ammonia Wash
    Place your jewelry in a small bowl or cup that contains a half-and-half mixture of ammonia and cold water. Soak for thirty minutes. Take out and gently brush the mounting with a small soft brush. Wash the jewelry in the mixture for a second time, rinse off with cold water and air-dry on a paper towel. Remember to plug the drain before you begin, you wouldn't want your jewelry to fall down the drain.

 

Kundan / Polki | The Uncut Diamonds

• When re-placing the jewelry after use, wipe it with a suede cloth to restore its shine.
• If space is an issue, place the jewelry in between layers of cotton wool and seal it in a good plastic bag.
• Do not clean it with soap and water.
• Keep a pouch of desiccant with the piece to protect it from tarnishing due to excessive humidity. Dampness causes the silver in the setting to tarnish and the enamel to crack.
• Handle the silk chord used to adjust the length of the necklace with care. Never wet the chord as it causes the zari in it to discolor.

 

Pearls

• Wear them often. Your body's natural oils aid in keeping the pearls' beauty.
• When necessary, wipe your pearls with a damp, soft cloth. Do not use oils or other treatments.
• Never clean your pearls with jewelry cleaner or in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine! A harsh cleanser can wear away the nacre.
• Keep your pearls away from hairspray, lotion and perfume. Chemicals in these products can damage the pearls.
• Make your pearls the last item you put on when getting dressed and the first item you take off.
• Pearls should be worn alone. If worn with other jewelry, such as a gold chain or another necklace, they may get scratched or damaged.

 

All that Glitters | Gold

• Gold is tarnish-resistant, but it can get dirty or smudged.
• Every so often, clean your gold jewelry with a mild detergent or ammonia solution {one part ammonia to six parts water}.
• Do not use any kind of abrasive that might scratch the gold.
• Use a soft brush to gently clean intricate filigree designs and under stones.
• Rinse and wipe jewelry after cleaning.

 

Silver

• Acquiring fine silver is one thing. Keeping it bright and beautiful is another.
• Store your silver in a cool, dry place that is preferably airtight, to avoid oxidation.
• Avoid direct overexposure to artificial light or sunlight for long periods.
• Don't store directly on wood, which often contains acids that can affect the silver's surface.
• Store each item individually, either in its own soft pouch or in a separate compartment of your jewelry box.
• Do not store silver loose in drawers; scratches will occur if you toss your jewelry into a compartment or allow pieces to rub against each other.
• If a piece of silver jewelry becomes tarnished, use a paste, liquid polish or a treated polishing cloth to restore its original luster. Never put rubber bands or plastic directly against the surface of your silver.

 

Shine Bright!