Diamond Care in Cold Weather

For most people, jewelry isn't just an accessory; it's a personal expression and sometimes a significant investment. As each winter arrives, it is prudent to adapt your jewelry care routine to ensure your cherished pieces look their best. In this guide, we'll start with a list of straightforward, must-know, year-round tips that form the foundation for maintaining your jewelry's beauty on a daily or weekly basis, before getting into some of the more specific things that you can do to preserve your pieces when extreme temperatures start to kick in. From everyday favorites to standout pieces, your jewelry deserves the best care. So, let's dive into the practical aspects of keeping your jewelry shining, covering the basics and specific tips for the colder winter months.

The Do's And Don'ts Of General Jewelry Care

The chances are that you will come across plenty of different tips and tricks for jewelry care online, but sticking to these simple do's and don't is a good plan for a winter season routine.

DO

Use the Soap and Water Cleaning Method

Clean your jewelry regularly using a mild soap and warm water solution. Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt and oils without causing damage.

Take Your Jewelry Off When You Apply Certain Products

Remove your jewelry before applying lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays to prevent product buildup. Apply beauty products before putting on your jewelry to minimize exposure.

Store Your Jewelry Safely

Use a designated jewelry box or pouch to prevent scratching and tangling. Store different pieces separately, and consider using individual compartments or soft fabric pouches for delicate items.

DON'T

Use Harsh Chemicals To Clean Your Jewelry

Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals like chlorine and bleach which can damage metals and gemstones. Stick to mild cleaning solutions to preserve the integrity of your jewelry.

Use At Home Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners

Refrain from using at-home ultrasonic cleaners unless recommended by a professional. These cleaners can be too abrasive and may damage certain gemstones and delicate settings.

Wear Your Diamond Jewelry To Sleep Or Take It Off Over A Sink

Avoid sleeping with your diamond jewelry on to prevent unintentional pulling or bending damage. Remove jewelry over a soft surface, not over a sink, to minimize the risk of items falling and potentially getting damaged or lost. By following these dos and don'ts, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your jewelry all year round, ensuring it remains a cherished part of your collection for years to come.

Jewelry Care Tips For The Winter Season

So, moving into a time of the year where you might need to take extra care with your perfect diamond pieces, the winter is certainly the season where extra considerations need to be made. With everything from heavy snowfall, flaky skin, sensitive skin, chapped and other skin issues, humidity levels, wind chill and various other extreme weather conditions to consider, the wide variety of jewelry care tops for the winter weather includes the following.

Don’t Wear Your Diamond Rings On Outdoor Adventures

Avoid wearing diamond rings during winter outdoor activities, especially in snowy or icy conditions. Cold temperatures can cause fingers to shrink, increasing the risk of rings slipping off unnoticed. Additionally, exposure to harsh winter elements can impact the integrity of the setting.

Watch Out for Sweater Weather

Be mindful of wearing delicate bracelets and necklaces with sweaters or other knitted fabrics. The fibers of sweaters can snag on jewelry, potentially causing damage to both the jewelry and the fabric. Opt for tucking your necklaces inside collars or wearing them over smooth fabrics.

Keep It Clean

Clean your jewelry more frequently during the winter months, as exposure to elements like salt and snow can lead to buildup. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any accumulated dirt, and for a more thorough cleaning, utilize a mild soap and water solution. Ensure your jewelry is completely dry before storing it.

Mind The Moisture

Be cautious of moisture when storing jewelry during winter. Ensure pieces are dry before putting them away. Moisture can lead to tarnishing, especially for silver jewelry. Consider using silica gel packs or airtight containers to absorb excess moisture in storage.

Take Off Jewelry Before Winter Sports

Remove jewelry, especially rings and bracelets, before engaging in winter sports and activities like skiing and snowboarding. These activities can subject your jewelry to excess impact, and the cold weather may cause fingers to contract, increasing the risk of rings slipping off.

Avoid Hot Tubs And Saunas

Refrain from wearing jewelry in hot tubs and saunas, common winter indulgences, as exposure to extreme heat can affect certain gemstones and metals. Heat can cause stones to expand and contract, potentially leading to damaged or compromised settings.

Schedule Professional Checkups

Consider scheduling professional checkups for your jewelry, especially for pieces with intricate settings or valuable gemstones. Jewelers can inspect and clean your jewelry, ensuring it's in optimal condition to withstand the winter elements. The staff at 1-800-Loose Diamonds are always happy to advise on issues of cleaning, maintenance and repair of your diamonds and other fine jewelry. Contact us at any time.