| men, we love our jewelry. We admire it. We wear it, | | | | Tip # 3: Keep your sterling silver and cubic zirconia |
| and we always want it to look as terrific as the day | | | | jewelry out of direct light. |
| we first bought it. Every type of jewelry, including gold | | | | If possible, store your jewelry in the gift box that |
| and gemstones, needs to be cared for properly if it is | | | | accompanied your purchase. You may be able to |
| to last a lifetime and sterling silver is no different. Also | | | | slow the tarnishing process by keeping your jewelry |
| a precious metal, sterling silver is both durable and | | | | out of direct natural and/or indoor light. |
| strong. When combined with the strength of cubic | | | | Tip # 4: Separate your jewelry to prevent scratching. |
| zirconia, jewelry lovers have one sparkling duo that is | | | | If you own jewelry that features high polishing and/or |
| sure to last for years to come. | | | | bold designs with surfaces that would show scratches |
| Tip # 1: Always put your jewelry on last. | | | | easily, store them separate from other pieces. For |
| When you're getting ready for work, school or just | | | | instance, earring posts and ring settings could create a |
| running daily errands, it's a good idea to put your | | | | problem for neighboring jewelry pieces if they were to |
| jewelry on last. Why? Products such as perfume, hand | | | | be stored loosely in a jewelry box. Instead, store your |
| lotion and even hair spray can cause residue to build | | | | jewelry in a zip-loc bag and in its original gift box as |
| up on your jewelry, especially rings, and can make it | | | | noted above. Not only is this method of storage ideal |
| more challenging to clean. In addition, hand lotion can | | | | for preventing tarnish, but it will also help to prevent |
| cause your gemstones to look cloudy, so make sure | | | | contact and unnecessary scratching from other |
| that it's dry before handling your jewelry and/or putting | | | | pieces. |
| on your rings. | | | | Tip # 5: Clean your jewelry with care. |
| Tip # 2: Store your jewelry in small bags with a zip | | | | When choosing a cleaner for your jewelry, make sure |
| closure. | | | | that it's specifically made for your type of metal and/or |
| Sterling silver, over time, will tarnish. However, it's worth | | | | gemstones. For instance, some cleaners and polishing |
| noting that gold can also become dull and require a | | | | cloths are created for sterling silver and others for |
| quick polish, so the fact that sterling silver too will need | | | | gold. In addition, some cleaners are not recommended |
| polishing is no reason to shy away from it. One way to | | | | for certain gemstones, so always make sure to read |
| preserve the beauty of your sterling silver jewelry is | | | | the directions completely before using any product on |
| by polishing it after each wear and placing it in a zip-loc | | | | your jewelry. If in doubt, use only a combination of mild |
| jewelry bag. These small bags are available in all sizes, | | | | soap and water to keep your jewelry sparkling. |
| and can be found in 1" x 1" measurements and larger | | | | The information contained in this article is designed to |
| depending on your needs. When you're ready to enjoy | | | | be used for reference purposes only. It should not be |
| your jewelry again, simply remove it from the bag and | | | | used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional |
| it's ready to wear. | | | | advice on cleaning and/or caring for your jewelry. |