At Anjali Bhimrajka Fine Jewels our jewelry is crafted to last eternally, however with regular wear proper care is required to keep it looking good. Chemicals found in everyday substances like hairspray, lotions, perfumes, or other cosmetics can cause damage. Understanding how to care for your treasured jewelry can make a world of difference in maintaining its beauty and keeping its heirloom quality sparkling for generations to come.

Preservation

Light and heat can affect a colored gemstone’s durability and color, over time and in excess, it can also fade and weaken some gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz, and pink conch-shell cameos. Pearls and other delicate materials, like ivory, will bleach under extreme exposure to light. Other gems, especially amber, can darken over time when exposed to too much light.

Excessive heat and sudden temperature changes may also fracture the gem. Heat can easily remove the natural moisture some gems need to keep their beauty. Pearls, for instance, can dry out, crack and discolor. Opals will turn white or brown, develop tiny cracks, and might lose their play-of-color.

Exposure to chemicals can damage and discolor precious metals and may harm some colored gems. Fine jewelry should be removed before entering a chlorinated swimming pool as chlorinated water can react with the metals found in jewelry causing color changes and even structural damage. Also before using make household cleaners as they can not only change the color of your diamond but the color of the settings and mountings that hold it as well. Chlorine bleach, another common household solvent, can pit gold alloys. Cosmetics, hairspray, perfumes and lotion can contain chemicals that can often damage jewelry. Putting jewelry on after applying these materials will limit exposure to jewelry and any potential damage.

Caring

Due to our everyday movement diamonds on our jewelry get smudged and soiled. Noted that if you do not wear diamond jewelry it still gains dust. When cleaning try not to touch the stone with your fingers, and handle the diamond ring or necklace by the edges. A negative impact on the diamond is made by humans’ natural skin oils. These can cause grime and thus negatively influence the luster of diamonds.

Clean most colored gems with warm water, mild soap (no detergents), and a soft brush. A pulsed-water dental cleaning appliance and a soft, lint-free cloth can also be used.

Soft gems, such as pearls, on the other hand, can easily be scratched. Using an unused makeup brush instead, and warm, soapy water. Lay the pearls on a towel to dry. The wet string can stretch and attract dirt, so do not touch a string of pearls until they are completely dry. Pearls worn every few days should be restrung once a year.

Polish gold with a jewelry polishing cloth for best results. You can use a svelte or an old diaper, but the professional cloths are the best. Use of tissue or paper towels can cause scratches because of fibres in these products.

Cleaning your own jewelry regularly can keep it looking good, but be careful. You either purchase commercial cleaners from a jeweler or make a cleaning a solution yourself. Rubbing alcohol can work wonders, but bleach can literally destroy jewelry so avoid it at all costs.

Storage

Proper jewelry storage is often overlooked. Jewelry should never be tossed into a drawer or on top of a dresser - that’s a recipe for scratches and fractured gems. Store your jewelry in a container and prevent pieces from moving around. It you do not wear you diamond jewelry for a length of time, you should store it in a jewelry box and keep it apart from other jewelry.

Most jewelry pieces come in a box or pouch from the store, which is a perfect place to keep them. Jewelry boxes that feature individually padded slots for rings, and posts for hanging necklaces and bracelets, are also ideal.

Like pearls, opals draw moisture from the air. Storing your opal ring or pearls earring in a dry area, such as a safety deposit box, can actually do more harm than good. Store your pearl necklace in a soft lined box or pouch, made from such fabric as silk, satin or velvet. Never use plastic pouches to store pearls, as this will cause them to dry out and crack.

Travelling can be touch on jewelry, so it’s wise to use a travel case to protect your favorite pieces from scratches or other impact damage by padding the jewelry. Traditionally made of fabric or leather, a jewelry travel case can carry jewelry of all types. Clearly, a case like this is a good investment to protect your jewelry on the road.