Pre-owned jewellery is not just accessories, but it brings with it a lot of history, stories, and a touch of nostalgia that cannot be replicated by new jewellery pieces. It is a surreal feeling to get your hands on pre-loved treasure, but it comes with its baggage. These pre-loved accessories need extra care so that their beauty and integrity stay intact.
Whether you have inherited a family heirloom or bought yourself a gorgeous vintage piece, proper storage and protection are essential to maintain its charm. At Retrogold, we have got you covered.
Explore with us some key tips to help you store and protect your pre-loved treasure.
Top 10 Tips to Store and Protect Pre-Owned Jewellery
1. Clean before you store: It is very important to ensure that your jewellery is clean and free of any dirt or oil before you proceed with storing it. The best way to clean is to use a gentle cleaning solution which is suitable for the type of jewellery. For example:
- Gold and Platinum jewellery: A mixture of warm water and mild dish soap can be used to clean such pieces.
- Silver: You can buy a dedicated silver cleaner or use a silver polishing cloth to clean silver jewellery.
- Gemstones: Some gemstones need special care. It is always better to check specific cleaning instructions for each gemstone. Do not use harsh chemicals to clean as they can affect the shine of your stone or even damage it.
Once you are done cleaning your jewellery, make sure to gently dry each piece with a soft cloth to avoid moisture damage.
2. Store your pre-owned jewellery in appropriate containers: To make sure that your jewellery stays intact, it is of paramount importance to choose the right storage containers. Here are some options:
- Jewellery boxes: You can find good quality storage boxes to store jewellery that come with multiple compartments lined with soft fabric. Such boxes can prevent jewellery pieces from rubbing against each other and getting scratched.
- Anti-tarnish strips: The best way to prevent tarnishing is to place anti-tarnish strips in your jewellery box. This trick would be especially helpful for silver jewellery.
- Individual jewellery pouches: If you have delicate jewellery, it is the best idea to store such pieces in individual pouches or cloth bags. This provides them with extra protection.
3. Keep your jewellery pieces separate: If you don’t want damage to happen to your jewellery, it is important to keep them separated using compartmentalised boxes or individual pouches. This would keep them from tangling and getting damaged. Jewellery pieces such as necklaces can be hung on hooks or placed on necklace stands to avoid tangles.
4. Control humidity and temperature: Your pre-loved treasures are delicate and sensitive to environmental factors such as humidity and heat. Always store your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This would ensure their longevity and shine. Don’t keep jewellery in areas with high humidity as moisture can lead to tarnishing and deterioration.
5. Do not expose your jewellery to chemicals: It’s best to keep chemicals such as perfumes and lotions away from your pre-owned jewellery. These substances can cause damage to metals and gemstones, and we’re sure you would not want that! The best way to avoid this is to wear your jewellery after you have applied any beauty products.
6. Routine inspections and maintenance: Remember, what we said earlier? Your pre-loved treasures need a lot of care and attention. So make sure you keep an eye on any signs of wear or damage to your jewellery. Check if there are any loose stones, worn prongs, or clasps that need to be tightened. If you find any issues, make sure to take prompt action to avoid further damage. Take the help of a professional jeweller for repairs and maintenance.
7. Proper Handling: Treat your pre-loved treasure as a real treasure. Make sure your hands are clean when handling jewellery. Refrain from touching gemstones directly as oils from your skin can impact their appearance. If you are wearing a stone ring, always grasp the band when removing it rather than the stone to prevent loosening the setting.
8. Insurance: Jewellery is both valuable and sentimental. Though you should always keep it safe, but anything can happen. So, it is generally a good idea to insure jewellery. That would ensure peace of mind and financial protection in case you lose your jewellery or there is theft or damage.
9. Ensure safe travels: Carry your jewellery safely when you travel. Use a travel jewellery case that has separate compartments to store your pieces. This will keep them organised and protected. You can also use jewellery rolls or small pouches to add a layer of security to your jewellery.
10. Know when to wear it: As much as it is important to know when to wear your adorning piece of jewellery, it is equally important to know when not to. Avoid wearing jewellery when indulging in activities such as swimming, exercising, or any other activity that exposes you to chemicals, impact, or abrasion, as these can be harmful to your jewellery.
To ensure that the timeless piece of elegance you possess stays eternal, it is important to store and protect it correctly. By following the tips mentioned above not only will you be able to preserve the beauty of your pre-owned jewellery, but also expand its lifespan, ensuring that your cherished piece shines brightly and brings joy for years to come.
If you are planning to invest in serene and timeless vintage treasures, Retrogold is your place to be. We offer elegant and classy pre-loved jewellery pieces that are professionally cleaned and hallmarked to ensure authenticity. Explore our magnificent collection of pre-owned jewellery and find your next treasured piece today!