The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Jewelry Sparkle

You know that feeling when you put on your favorite necklace or bracelet and it just glistens? We want that feeling to last forever! Your jewelry is a little piece of you, and with a little love and care, it can keep its brilliant shine for years.

So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to clean and care for your treasured pieces.

The Everyday Maintenance

Think of this as your post-wear routine. It’s simple, quick, and makes a huge difference in the long run.

• Wipe it down: After wearing your jewelry, especially rings and bracelets, give it a quick wipe with a clean, soft cloth. This removes the oils from your skin, lotions, and makeup that can dull the shine. Each order from The Ky Collection comes with a microfiber polishing cloth that's perfect for this.

• Keep it dry: Always take off your jewelry before you shower, swim, or hit the gym. Water can cause tarnishing, and chlorine is a big no for most metals.

• Last on, first off: Put your jewelry on after you’ve applied your perfumes, lotions, and hairspray. The chemicals in these products can harm your metals and gemstones. And when you get home, take your jewelry off first before you start your evening routine.

The Deep Clean: A Spa Day for Your Jewels

Sometimes your pieces need a little more than just a wipe-down. This simple method is safe for most gold, silver, and non-porous gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

1. Create a gentle solution: Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap (like Dawn). Don’t use anything with harsh detergents or abrasives.

2. Give them a soak: Place your jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for about 5-10 minutes. This helps to loosen any built-up grime and gunk.

3. A gentle scrub: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (a clean, baby toothbrush works wonders!) to gently scrub your pieces. Focus on the hard-to-reach areas, like the back of a diamond setting or the crevices in a chain.

4. Rinse and dry: Rinse your jewelry thoroughly under clean, running water. Make sure to plug the drain so you don’t lose your treasured pieces! Pat them dry with a soft cloth.

The Big Don'ts: Things to Avoid

To keep your jewelry happy and healthy, here are a few things to avoid:

• Harsh chemicals: Never use bleach, ammonia, or other harsh cleaners. They can damage your metals and dull your stones.

• Abrasive materials: Stay away from paper towels or rough cloths, which can scratch your jewelry's surface.

• Ultrasonic cleaners: While these can be great, they can also be too harsh for some delicate pieces or soft stones like opals and pearls. When in doubt, stick to the gentle, soapy water method.

• The gym: Remove your rings and bracelets before working out. Sweat can tarnish metals, and you don’t want to risk scratching them on gym equipment.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your jewelry looking as good as new. After all, a little care goes a long way in making your favorite pieces sparkle for a lifetime!