A Precious Guide: Caring for Your 14 Karat Gold-Filled and 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry
Jewelry holds a special place in our hearts, often symbolizing cherished memories and moments. If you're the proud owner of a ready to wear or permanent jewelry piece made of 14 karat gold-filled and 925 sterling silver, you understand the value and sentiment attached to these pieces. To keep them looking their best and preserve their beauty for years to come, it's essential to follow a few simple care and maintenance steps. In this guide, we'll explore how to properly care for your precious jewelry and ensure it remains as stunning as the day you acquired it.
Keep it Clean
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent tarnish and maintain your jewelry's shine. For 14 karat gold-filled jewelry or 925 sterling silver, a gentle jewelry cleaner (we recommend Shinery products) or mild soap, like Dawn, and water will suffice. Use a soft toothbrush to clean intricate details and crevices. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using paper towels, as they can scratch the silver. Instead, use a jewelry polishing cloth.
Wear with Care
Jewelry is fine and delicate. It is important to remember that the pieces will only last as long as you are able to care for them. 14 karat gold-filled and 925 sterling silver are waterproof metals, however, should not be exposed to any chemicals, lotions, perfumes, hairspray, etc. If they are exposed to any of those, it is crucial that they are cleaned immediately after using the instructions from the section above. If you have ready to wear jewelry pieces, avoid wearing them when doing heavy-duty tasks that could scratch or damage your pieces. If you have permanent jewelry, be extra cautious and aware when doing heavy-duty tasks to ensure your jewelry does not get in the way or caught.
Store Properly
If you are only reading to learn how to take care of your permanent jewelry pieces, this may not be relevant, but could be helpful for your other pieces of jewelry. Proper storage prevents tangling, scratches, and exposure to air, which can lead to tarnishing. To avoid tarnishing, we recommend storing your jewelry in a clean, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Although not the most aesthetic, small plastic Ziploc® bags are the best to store your jewelry in, especially ones made of 925 sterling silver. This prevents pieces from potential tarnishing and them rubbing against each other. Consider even using anti-tarnish strips or containers to minimize tarnishing for your silver items.
Your 14 karat gold-filled and 925 sterling silver jewelry deserves the best care to preserve its beauty and value. By following these simple tips for cleaning, storing, and wearing your jewelry, you can enjoy these precious pieces for a lifetime and pass them down as cherished heirlooms. Remember, a little care goes a long way in keeping your jewelry looking stunning and meaningful.