Jewelry is not just a beautiful accessory; at CANARY Jewelry & Accessories we also see it as a significant investment that we want you to get the most from should you ever choose to sell.
Because, let's face it, it's rare that the rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, etc. we've fallen in love with at some point in the past – whether bought by us or for us – are still the pieces we love the most years later. Trends change, life changes, and our personal style changes too over time. Taking care of your jewelry isn't just about keeping it shiny and pristine for you, it's also about ensuring that if or when you ever decide to sell or consign your jewelry you can secure the best price!PROPER JEWELRY CARE, CLEANING & STORAGE:
Proper care, cleaning and storage not only keeps your jewelry looking its best, but it also extends the life of your pieces – and can earn you more if or when you decide to sell:
Top Benefits:
- Keeps your jewelry looking & functioning at its best
- Reduces risk of loose or lost stones
- Reduces risk of fastener failure to avoid loss
- Extends the life of your jewelry
- Preserves your jewelry's resale value
General Jewelry Care Tips:
- Put on jewelry after applying perfume, makeup, lotions, or hair spray: Perfumes contain alcohol and oils that can react with metal, potentially causing discoloration or even corrosion – especially on plated and non-precious metals. Lotions, makeup, and hair spray cause hard to remove residue build up that can cause damage, discoloration and dulling of metals, gems, and stones.
- Remove before sleeping, exercising, showering, bathing or entering a hot tub or pool: Chlorine, bar soap, and sweat can cause damage and dulling of metals, gems & stones. When showering, jewelry can easily slide off and go down the drain due to the combination of slippery suds and spirited scrubbing. Sleeping in necklaces, bracelets and earrings especially, can increase metal wear, risk of gem or stone loss, and closure/fastener fatigue.
- Always wear gloves when gardening or cleaning: To help prevent scratching, catching, and dirt. Especially avoid direct contact with harsh chemicals such as ammonia and bleach that can damage metals, gems and stones.
- Regularly check your jewelry for loose stones and/or failing settings or fasteners/clasps: This is a common yet always heartbreaking reason for loss that is somewhat avoidable with regular inspection.
- Have your plated metal jewelry re-plated as needed: If your jewelry's gold, silver or rhodium plating is wearing away or dulling, having it inexpensively re-plated by a professional helps to maintain its appearance, longevity, and resale value.
INSIDER INSIGHT: How often plated jewelry needs to be re-plated depends on how often the piece is worn, the thickness & quality of the plating, the care taken when wearing & proper storage when not in use. Gold-plating typically lasts 1-2 years; Rhodium-plating typically lasts 18 months-2 years; and Silver-plating typically lasts 1-3 years.
- Have strung pearls restrung about once per year if worn often: This is key to preventing breakage of the delicate silk string. If not worn frequently, or only very occasionally, restringing pearls every 2-5 years should be fine. As well, CANARY recommends that, if your pearls are of high-value re-stringing should include a knot between each pearl so if the string does break you're likely to only lose a single pearl (if even that!) instead of risking all the pearls falling to the ground and scattering everywhere.
Jewelry Storage Tips:
Proper storage is critical to protect your jewelry's condition!
- Store your jewelry in a safe, dry place (exposure to moisture causes tarnishing – especially for silver and plated metals).
- Use a compartmentalized, lined jewelry box or stackable organizer trays to prevent scratches and tangling.
- Delicate jewelry should be stored in individual jewelry pouches.
- Silver and plated metal jewelry should be stored in individual anti-tarnish jewelry bags to help prevent oxidization that causes tarnishing.
PRO TIP: Never store pearls in plastic! Pearls need to 'breathe', and plastic bags or other airtight plastic storage materials can dry them out and cause discoloration.
Jewelry Cleaning Tips:
Proper cleaning is an essential part of jewelry care and maintenance.
COMMON JEWELRY CLEANING OPTIONS:
1. Professional Cleaning
For extra spectacular shine and sparkle, stubborn tarnishing – or if you are unsure what other methods are safe for your jewelry type – a professional cleaning is a great choice. They will also check for and repair loose settings and ensure the fastener is in tip-top shape. CANARY recommends having vintage jewelry and antique jewelry professionally cleaned.
2. Retail Jewelry Cleaning Solutions
There are many quality jewelry cleaning products and kits on the market, from dips to wipes to sprays to other solutions. You can find formulations and tools specific to gold, silver, gemstones, etc.
3. Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines
Ultrasonic cleaning is an affordable and effective cleaning method to remove deeply embedded dirt, buildup, and oils using either only water or an ultrasonic solution.
*Be aware that not all gems, stones, or metals can be safely cleaned ultrasonically. The sound waves/vibration can cause damage to the finish of certain jewelry, exacerbate cracks, cause chips, loosen gems and stones, etc.*
Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaning on These Jewelry Metal, Gem & Stone Types:
- Soft, organic, porous or treated coloured gems and stones such as pearls, emeralds, opals, coral, ivory, amber, etc.
- Plated metals, Costume/Fashion jewelry, and Antique jewelry.
PRO TIP: Check with a reputable gemologist or other trusted resource beforebefore using an ultrasonic cleaner to confirm safety for your jewelry type if unsure.
4. Do It Yourself (DIY) With Simple Household Materials
There are a few ways to clean your jewelry at home, but the safest way for almost any gem, stone or metal is to use of warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush or cloth – and to steer clear of abrasive cleansers or tools.
For most* precious metals, gems and crystals, using a solution of dish soap and warm water is a safe method. If you're unsure, visit the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) website, which provides cleaning guides for most common gems and stones.
Materials/Tools:
- 1 cup warm water
- 2-3 drops of dish soap, such as Dawn
- Small glass bowl(s)
- Soft-bristled baby toothbrush and/or cotton swab(s)
- Clean, soft, lint-free microfibre cloth(s)
- Reputable jewelry polishing cloth
Instructions:
- Mix the dish soap and warm water solution in the glass bowl until sudsy.
- Add 1 to 2 pieces of jewelry to the solution at a time. Soak* for 5-15 minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to gently remove dirt and/or oils trapped in crevices.
- Empty the solution from the bowl and refill it with cold water to rinse away soapy solution/film.
- Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to dry your jewelry thoroughly.
- Use a polishing cloth to remove tarnish, polish, and buff metal components to a brilliant shine.
PRO TIP: Avoid rinsing jewelry over an open sink to reduce the risk of your jewelry – or any related loose stones – going down the drain!
*Take Extra Caution With treated precious or semi-precious gems; soft or porous stones such as pearls, turquoise or coral; non-precious metals, and costume or fashion jewelry that may incorporate glue as an adhesive. E.g. Don't soak! Use a soft toothbrush or cloth dipped in the dish soap and warm water solution to clean. Rinse in the same manner, and use a clean, soft cloth to wipe down and dry thoroughly and then use a polishing cloth to maximize shine.
ALL IN ALL, WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO KEEP YOUR JEWELRY – OR MAY CONSIDER SELLING OR CONSIGNING IT IN THE FUTURE – BE SURE TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT!
Well-loved and cared for jewelry pieces (as well as pre-owned designer handbags and accessories!) stand the test of time and are most likely to capture the eye of a future buyer. If you do decide to sell or consign your pre-owned jewelry treasures, CANARY is always here to help and assist you in getting top dollar for your pieces!
Like many jewelry consignors, CANARY is selective about what pre-owned jewelry we represent to ensure we meet our customer's high expectations of quality, value, and authenticity. Learn more about what types of pre-owned jewelry we're always on the lookout for as well as our consideration standards, here.