April 18, 2011
Handle With Care
Today is the deadline for filing in your taxes. I’m sure you all took a lot of care preparing them in hopes of limiting your liability and/or maximizing your return!
To limit damage to jewelry and maximize its life and beauty, here’s a bit about jewelry care. Let’s begin with fashion jewelry that isn’t “gold” – meaning it may be gold colored or plated, but it isn’t what is referred to as karat-gold. Much of this is plated with a thin layer of gold (or something yellow or silver-colored). The amount of coating varies; all of it will eventually dull and/or “rub off”.
Again, a soft, chamois-type material will wipe off the residue from body oils or perfumes. This is best – or you might dampen the cloth for a stubborn mark. Water and a gentle cleaner may not immediately remove the plating, but repeated or prolonged use will eventually affect the finish. If there are “stones” in the piece, water and the cleaner may be the only way to clean them.
For karat gold or platinum jewelry, a combination of a soft brush and a gentle cleaner is great. A chamois-type polishing cloth is even helpful to brighten the metal. You’d think gold was durable enough for anything, but there are some considerations. For example, the alloy used to make yellow gold white, usually nickel, can be affected by the chemicals in a pool, hot tub, or kitchen sink.
It’s best to remove gold jewelry before enjoying swimming, soaking, or dishwashing! Just like it’s best to get your taxes in by the end of today!! …Dii
