Safeguard the Timeless Splendor of Your Necklaces

By: Lewis Jewlers Click author's name for more of his/her articles

In the western world, the necklace has effectively been worn to not only add beauty, but also start trends and adorn its wearers with influence and status. Think of Audrey Hepburn and one immediately recalls images of Breakfast at Tiffany's and that spectacular pearl choker. Princess Diana remains another icon whose use of jewelry set a new criterion in ornamentation. Who can fail to remember her sterling silver pendant with blue sapphire and rows of diamonds, which flawlessly matched her engagement ring?

The majority of us may not wear such priceless treasures around our necks, but the selection and style of the necklaces we wear still say a great deal about our good taste and preferences when it comes to jewelry. So preserving the timeless beauty of our jewelry necklaces is still essential. This can only be achieved with special carefulness and storage. How you do that will vary, depending on the metals and materials utilized in your jewelry necklace.

Sterling Silver
It's one of the most versatile and loveliest of metals when it comes to jewelry. The brilliancy of sterling silver is that continued wear in fact helps to slow down the tarnishing process. Set aside your sterling silver necklace in a drawer and it will soon become tarnished. However, the body's oils keep sterling silver necklaces in good condition. In other words, put on your sterling silver jewelry necklace regularly. To wash sterling silver jewelry, utilize a cleaning cloth made for for such metal or a soft, lint-free cloth and tepid, sudsy water. Once the necklace has been gently dried, it should be stored in an air-tight zip lock bag.

Pearls
Pearls are another popular choice for jewelry necklaces. Worn around the neck of a lady, the luster and radiance of pearls is stunning. Because they are fragile, careful attention to your pearls must be used to ensure a long life. Inattentiveness can even harm cultured pearls. After each wear, pearls ought to be wiped clean with a smooth damp cloth to remove dirt and makeup. For cleaning your pearl necklace, use a gentle soap and leave the necklace on a soft cloth to air dry. Harsh chemicals should be avoided on the whole when wearing your pearl jewelry necklace.

Gold
Gold is maybe one of the most popular forms of metals in which to fashion a jewelry necklace. It's not only good-looking, gold requires less work to sustain its look than other metals. Gold is also known to be resistant to tarnish. Its durability makes it a preferred metal for long wear. But just like any other type of metal, gold can lose its glow with daily wear. To offset these effects, gold can be cleaned with a mild soap and tepid water. Always use a soft cloth to dry your gold necklaces. It's also important to keep away from chemicals such as chlorine, which can cause permanent damage to gold. Always remember to remove any gold jewelry before entering a swimming pool or Jacuzzi. Like any other piece of jewelry, gold necklaces ought to be stored separately from other necklaces. This keeps them from getting tangled and scratched. Put your gold necklace in a soft cloth bag or its original box.

Gemstones
To preserve the splendor of your gemstone necklaces, periodically check for loose stones ahead of wearing and at all times remove any gemstone jewelry before vigorous activity. They should also not be worn while housecleaning. Over time, cosmetics and other beauty products can leave the gemstone in your necklace looking dull. Make sure to apply products ahead of putting on any jewelry with gemstones to circumvent this. Gemstones may be delicately soaked in temperate, soapy water and dried with a soft cloth. However, gems such as pearls, coral and amber must never be soaked. Instead, dab them clean with a moist cloth. If you're doubtful about how to appropriately cleanse your gemstone necklace, check with a trustworthy jeweler for support.

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About The Author: Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.lewisjewelers.com/pandora_bracelets/ or www.lewisjewelers.com.