Just as you have different care methods for various types of clothing, from wool to nylon, there are different ways to care for your jewelry too. But how exactly do you clean gold versus gold-plated? And does it actually matter how you store your jewelry pieces?
We asked Lele Sadoughi, founder of jewelry line Lele Sadoughi and former jewelry design director at J.Crew, to give us the lowdown on how to properly care for your precious baubles.
Gold-plated
How to clean it:
“Plated metals naturally tarnish over time when exposed to body oils and other natural elements. To preserve any gold plated jewelry, I recommend avoiding contact with harsh substances and putting on jewelry after using perfumes or hairsprays. Use a dry cloth to polish the jewelry every few weeks.”
How to store it:
“Store in a cloth pouch to prevent exposed sunlight and scratches from other pieces of jewelry.” Tip: use a jewelry organizer like the H HALSTON Jewelry Portfolio (featured in the FabFitFun Winter Box) to keep your earrings, necklaces, and rings separated and protected.
Gold
How to clean it:
“For your precious gold jewelry, you can make a simple cleaning mixture at home with a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid and to cups of warm water. Soak the jewels fro 15 minutes and gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush.”
How to store it:
“Keep the jewelry in a cloth pouch to prevent scratching.”
Silver-plated
How to clean it:
“Plated metals naturally tarnish over time when exposed to body oils and other natural elements. To preserve any silver plated jewelry, like the Lele Sadoughi Silver Circle Necklace (featured in the FabFitFun Winter Box), avoid contact with harsh substances and putting on jewelry after using perfumes or hairsprays.”
How to store it:
“Store in a cloth pouch to prevent exposed sunlight and scratches from other pieces of jewelry.”
Silver
How to clean it:
“Every few weeks, rub the jewelry, then rinse in cool water and buff with a cloth until dry. For heavier tarnish, mix a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Wet the silver jewelry and apply the cleaner with a soft cloth.”
How to store it:
“Store in a cool dry place wrapped in cloth or secured in a cloth pouch.”
Costume jewelry
How to clean it:
“Costume jewelry should stay dry, so using simple tools like a toothpick or air compressor can help remove any particles stuck in the crevices.”
How to store it:
“Keep your pieces separated and in its own cloth pouch to avoid tangles and scratches.”
Pearls
How to clean it:
“Whenever you come into contact with anything acidic or dirty, use mild detergent with a damp cloth to keep the luster of pearls. If you have a pearl necklace, avoid pulling to prevent stretching the thread.”
How to store it:
“Wrap the pearls in a cloth.”
Diamonds
How to clean it:
“Soak your diamonds in water with a few drops of mild dish soap, once or twice a week and use a soft, toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt.”
How to store it:
“Keep your diamonds away from your costume jewelry to make sure they are safe and not easily lost. Keep them in a cloth bag.”
xx, The FabFitFun Team
Psst! Have you signed up for FabFitFun yet? Don’t miss out on $200+ in amazing beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products, access to exclusive fitness and cooking content on FabFitFunTV, members-only sales, and more. Join today!
To get the most out of your box products, make sure to check out the Insider page.
