How to Clean Jewelry: Practical Tips to Maintain Their Beauty
Jewelry is precious objects that often carry with them special moments and important memories. At My Mō, our pieces in 18kt gold and 925 silver are designed to last over time, but like every piece of jewelry, they also require regular maintenance to keep their beauty. In this article, we offer you some tips on how to clean and care for your jewelry to make it shine like the first day.
1. Cleaning of Argento 925 Jewelry
925 silver is one of the most used metals in jewelry for its beauty and shine, but it tends to tarnish over time. This is a natural process known as oxidation, and it is caused by the metal's contact with air, moisture, and agents present in the skin or in the products we use daily, such as creams and perfumes.
Causes of tarnishing of 925 silver:
- Exposure to air and humidity: Oxidation is the result of contact between silver and the oxygen present in the air, as well as sulfur particles. This causes the formation of a dark patina on the surface.
- Chemical and cosmetic products: Perfumes, lotions, hair sprays, and other chemical products can accelerate the darkening process. Sweat can also contribute to oxidation.
- Environmental conditions: Exposure to high humidity, for example in coastal areas, can intensify the oxidation process.
How to clean 925 silver:
- Baking soda method: Prepare a paste with baking soda and water. Use a soft cloth to gently rub the jewelry, focusing on the tarnished areas. After cleaning, rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Bath in warm water and mild soap: Another option is to immerse the jewelry in a solution of warm water and neutral soap. After a few minutes, gently rub with a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse, and dry.
- Specific cloth for silver: You can also use a polishing cloth for silver, specifically designed to remove oxidation and restore shine.
Preventing blackening:
- Store the jewelry in hermetic bags to reduce exposure to air.
- Avoid wearing silver jewelry when engaging in physical activities or applying cosmetics.
2. Cleaning of 18kt Gold Jewelry
18kt gold, while being less prone to oxidation compared to silver, can still accumulate dirt and oil residues over time. To maintain its shine:
- Water and soap: Prepare a solution with warm water and neutral soap. Immerse the jewelry and let it sit for a few minutes. Then use a soft cloth to gently rub and rinse carefully. Dry well with a lint-free cloth.
- Polishing with a specific cloth: After cleaning, use a polishing cloth for gold to achieve a shiny and gleaming effect.
3. Cleaning of Jewelry with Zirconia
The zircons used by My Mō are of the highest quality in the world and deserve to be treated with care to maintain their brilliance. Here’s how to clean them:
- Gentle soap solution and warm water: Soak the zircon jewelry in warm water and gentle soap. After a few minutes, gently clean with a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly to remove any traces of soap.
- Drying: Use a lint-free cloth to dry the jewelry and restore its shine.
4. Jewelry Storage
Cleaning jewelry is essential, but storing it correctly is also important to keep it intact:
- Separate storage: Store jewelry in individual pouches or in special boxes to avoid scratches and damage.
- Away from humidity: Keep the jewelry in a dry and moisture-free environment to prevent oxidation, especially for those made of silver.
- Remove jewelry before specific activities: It is advisable to take off jewelry before doing sports, taking showers, or when applying creams and perfumes.
Remember, it is normal for 925 silver jewelry to tarnish over time. With the right care and attention, you can keep your My Mō always shining, allowing them to accompany you in every important moment of your life.