How to Care for Your Jewelry During the Winter
Delicate pieces of jewelry require extra care and attention during the winter season. Between harsh weather conditions, fluctuating temperatures, and increased exposure to moisture, the winter season can take a toll on your jewelry. However, by taking some extra precautions, you can protect your prized pieces. Keep reading to learn practical tips for caring for your jewelry this winter.
Store Jewelry Properly
It’s essential to keep your jewelry pieces safe when you’re not wearing them. How you store your jewelry can significantly impact its longevity, especially during the colder months. You should choose a storage space that’s cool and dry, such as a drawer, closet, or jewelry box. This will prevent your prized jewelry pieces from getting tarnished or damaged. Adding silica gel packets to your storage area can help absorb excess moisture and keep your pieces safe.
Additionally, it’s best to use individual pouches or compartments to separate jewelry and prevent scratches. When storing necklaces, consider hanging them or laying them flat. Hanging prevents them from getting tangled, which can lead to wear and tear over time.
Keep Jewelry Dry
One of the most important rules of caring for jewelry is to keep it dry. Winter seasons typically come with a mix of snowy and rainy conditions, which means jewelry owners must put extra effort into keeping their jewelry dry. Water can damage many forms of jewelry, so make sure you remove your jewelry before any activity that involves water. Be cautious about storing your jewelry in damp areas like the bathroom. These areas increase their exposure to humidity, which can cause gradual damage over time. If your jewelry does get wet, be sure to dry it off carefully with a soft cloth before storing it.
Clean Jewelry Frequently
Regular cleaning is essential for keeping jewelry looking its best, especially during the winter months. To maintain jewelry on an everyday basis, wipe your jewelry down with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing it. This will help remove dust, sweat, and oils that can dull its appearance. Cleaning pieces with a soft cloth is an excellent way to prevent buildup that can damage jewelry.
We recommend letting a professional handle delicate or exceptionally dirty pieces. Professional cleaning ensures that your jewelry will be thoroughly cleaned without risk of damage. If your jewelry is suffering from the winter elements and needs a deep clean, we recommend taking it to a trusted jeweler. At Michael Herr Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, our expert jewelers can give your pieces the attention they need to stay sparkling all year long. Check out our professional cleaning services to keep your jewelry looking great all year long.
Wear Your Jewelry Carefully During Winter Activities
Although jewelry is a wonderful accessory to any winter outfit, it’s best to leave your most precious pieces at home during certain winter activities. This includes ice skating, skiing, and shoveling snow. Extremely cold temperatures can cause your fingers to shrink, which makes it easier for rings to slip off and get lost. Winter weather also often involves wearing thick gloves or mittens, which make it more challenging to keep track of your jewelry. When bundling up for cold weather, be especially cautious with zippers, hats, and scarves. These everyday items can accidentally catch on your jewelry and cause snags, loose stones, or damaged prongs.
Be Mindful of Extreme Temperature Changes
In addition to harsh chemicals, extreme temperature changes can also put your jewelry at risk. When possible, avoid exposing your jewelry to freezing temperatures this winter. Certain gemstones, such as opals, are highly sensitive to extreme changes in temperature. When these jewels experience a rapid temperature shift, they can crack and break. If you visit the slopes this winter, leave your jewelry at home. Wearing jewelry in the cold or keeping it locked in your car may cause damage. We also recommend keeping your jewelry away from heat sources like direct sunlight, fireplaces, and stoves.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your jewelry in good shape this winter. If the winter elements damage your jewelry, don’t worry—our expert jewelers at Michal Herr Diamonds & Fine Jewelry are here to help. If you need a jewelry repair or cleaning, or you’re looking to buy a new piece of fine jewelry, Michael Herr is your one-stop shop. Shop our website, contact us, or visit our store today to get started.