How to clean your Ocean Jewelry
There’s always a feeling of excitement when you buy a beautiful and unique jewelry piece for yourself or receive a thoughtful jewelry gift from a loved one. But that can quickly fade when the item loses its luster. You wear it less and less until you no longer wear it.
We don’t want that ever to happen, so here are some tips on how to clean your jewelry, keeping your precious gems looking their best for years to come.
General jewelry care tips
Here are some simple hacks you can practice daily:
- Wear it last: If you are off to a night out or you’re simply going to brunch, make sure the items worn are your accessories. Doing this will prevent them from getting damaged by make-up, perfumes, and chemicals. Let them also be the first thing you take home when you return.
- Keep in a dry place: Store your jewelry far away from liquid items. Keep them in an airtight box, so moisture never has to come in contact with them.
- Switch up your jewelry: If you love jewelry, we recommend you get a variety of them so you can constantly rotate them. By doing this, you slow down any wear and tear.
- Wear it: This is our favorite tip. You can’t just keep your gems locked up; you must wear them to keep them lasting longer. Your body oils are a ‘polishing agent,’ helping it keep its shine.
Polishing: an at-home cleaning method we recommend
Sterling Silver is the core material for our jewelry, so polishing is an excellent way to bring back its shine, especially when the tarnishing is light.
Before we get into it, we’d like to know that while these tips are handy, you are better off getting your items professionally polished, especially if it is of high value.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Use a special lint-free soft cloth to polish your items. Remember that every Ocean jewelry comes with unique material, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing something new.
- Don’t use paper towels or tissues because they contain fibers.
- When you are polishing, use a back-and-forth motion. Rubbing in circles only magnifies the scratches.
- Never use one section of the cloth when polishing; always switch surfaces.
- A q-tip can help you get into the tiny spots.
How to clean different jewelry materials
Gold Jewelry
Gold should be stored separately from other metals to prevent scratches because it is typically softer than silver. However, with regular use, gold can still quickly gather grime.
How to clean gold jewelry
- Pour some liquid dish soap into a small bowl of warm water and stir. AVOID using hot water.
- Allow the gold jewelry to soak in the mixture for a few minutes (5 minutes).
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the jewelry to remove dirt gently.
- Put it through a warm water rinse.
- Use a gentle cloth to blot it dry.
Silver Jewelry
Silver is our most popular jewelry material. So, to maintain the beauty of your silver jewelry, here’s what you can do.
- Silver oxidizes when exposed to air. Therefore, you should always store them in an airtight container, which helps to delay the process.
- It is preferable to polish silver jewelry rather than wash it with water. It would be best if you only washed when it is essential.
Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil is far more durable than traditional gold-plated jewelry. It is made with only precious materials and goes through a meticulous manufacturing process. It guarantees that, with proper care, the jewelry will last a lifetime. However, because of the nature of the product, it will eventually wear off. You can ask your local jeweler about re-plating your piece if this occurs.
How to care for my Gold Vermeil Jewelry?
- Water and other chemicals can shorten the gold plate’s lifespan. As a result, remember to remove your jewelry before going to the gym, taking a shower, swimming, or washing your hands.
- Certain beauty products, such as perfume, body lotion, and makeup, can dull the gold’s luster. We recommend wearing your jewelry last.
Gemstones
There are two groups of Gemstones: porous and non-porous rocks. Cleaning methods differ depending on the type.
Non-porous gemstones: Lukewarm water and a small amount of ammonia are safe options for this jewelry. If you are concerned about ammonia, substitute a non-concentrated soft detergent liquid.
Porous gemstones: Due to the delicate nature of Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, they need careful cleaning to avoid discoloration, scratches, and chipping. Don’t use warm water when cleaning them.
Gently rub with a soft linen cloth or jewelry cleaner for a short period.
Pearls
Pearls are very soft stones, which means they scratch easily. Although it is extremely tough, dehydration, aging, and excessive bleaching during processing can cause it to become fragile.
Here’s what you need to do to keep it in good condition:
- Be cautious: Because of its organic nature, it is prone to dents and scratches, so handle it carefully.
- Avoid direct sunlight: When exposed to direct sunlight, pearls bleach.
- Don’t soak them because it can damage them.
Here’s what you can do to clean your pearls:
- Make a cleaning solution of warm water and a little shampoo.
- Using a small makeup brush dipped in the solution, brush the pearl.
- Wipe with a damp cloth to clean.
