While made of metals and gemstones, jewelry is vulnerable to the elements. Gold, silver, and platinum are easy to scratch and tarnish, while jewels can loosen and dull in color. Nature and everyday life can take their toll on these exceptional accessories. It’s possible to ensure their safety, but one must know what to protect them from first. Learn more with Pucci’s Jewelers.
Salt Water
It should be no surprise that salt water is detrimental to jewelry. Whether in the sea or a pool, it should always be avoided if you wear jewelry. Salt water erodes and corrodes metal, causing blemishes and damaging parts. This can lead to tarnishing, prong snapping, and other bad things. If prongs break – which is certainly possible considering their small size – a secured gemstone can slip out and drift into the abyss. When visiting a beach or any other body of salt water, either leave the jewelry at home or take a secure container with you.
Chemicals and Cosmetics
Only don your jewelry until after you have applied your lotions, perfumes, makeup, and other cosmetic products. Chemicals commonly found in these essential items are not suitable for jewelry. They can tarnish and harm jewelry, causing a corrosive film to accumulate on the piece. If you are in a situation where you do not have a choice, such as with sunscreen, make sure to wipe off the jewelry and give it a quick rinse at the end of the day.
Heat and Sunlight
Never leave jewelry to soak up the sun. Metal is an exceptional conductor of heat. As a result, it can get searing hot, causing it to soften and melt over time. It will not liquify, but it will warp and weaken. Prongs can break, and rings can change in size. Heat can also cause colorful gemstones to dull. When not in use, the jewelry should be stored in a cool, dark place.
Crowds
If you are in public, never take off jewelry you can afford to lose. No matter how impossible it may seem, losing jewelry in a crowd is easy. It can fall out of your pocket and get trampled on. In the best-case scenario, it will be buried in the dirt; worst case, it will be broken and smashed into bits. In addition, thieves are always present in crowds. It may be tempting to take off a piece to show it to friends, but you will have to resist the urge.
Repair Your Jewelry at Pucci’s Jewelers
If you have exposed your jewelry to these troublesome factors, take it to Pucci’s Jewelers. Our talented expert goldsmiths can make your most treasured accessories look as good as new using advanced technology and techniques. Whether it is routine maintenance or a diamond remounting, our professional jewelry repairs are conducted only by the most trustworthy hands. You can also find a wide selection of jewelry to replace anything beyond repair, including engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. Email Info@PuccisJewelers.com for advice on jewelry repair and the answers to all of your questions.