In the hierarchy of regularly cleaned possessions, jewelry, particularly earrings, often finds itself neglected. This is not a mere consequence of laziness, but rather a lack of knowledge on proper earring maintenance. As a daily accessory staple, earrings demand a level of care that extends beyond occasional glances. Tim Bovasso, Piercing Experience Manager at Banter by Piercing Pagoda, suggests a meticulous routine, ideally cleaning earrings twice a day for both everyday wear and occasional use. Silver earrings, in particular, merit monthly cleaning due to their susceptibility to natural tarnishing in exposed air.
Understanding the importance of this rigorous cleaning routine, especially for the longevity of jewelry and personal hygiene, prompts the need to learn the correct methods for earring maintenance. To provide clarity on this front, we consulted experts for their invaluable tips.
Key Tips for Proper Earring Maintenance:
1. Understand Not All Materials Are Treated Alike
Certain materials, such as 18k vermeil, demand additional care, advises Justine Lançon, Mejuri’s Chief Creative Officer. Durable materials like 18k solid gold, however, offer greater resistance to oxidization and discoloration from water exposure.
2. Be Gentle
Handling earrings with care is crucial, especially when dealing with sensitive materials like porous opals or oxidizable silver. Tim Bovasso suggests using gentle cleansers for posts and Q-tips soaked in suitable solutions for intricate areas, avoiding prong displacement or stone removal.
3. For Silver: Use Soap and Water
To combat tarnishing in silver earrings, a gentle clean with soap and warm water is recommended by Bovasso. Specific silver cleaning chemicals can be used for more intensive cleaning, but it’s essential to employ a jewelry polishing cloth on broader surfaces.
4. For Gold and Fine Jewelry: Do a Gentle Soak
CEO of The Clear Cut, Olivia Landau, shares a time-efficient method involving a warm water and dish soap solution. A 15-minute soak followed by a gentle brush with a toothbrush helps maintain the sparkle of fine jewelry.
5. Invest in a Jewelry Care Kit
Mejuri’s Chief Creative Officer, Justine Lançon, recommends a jewelry care kit like the Mejuri Jewelry Care Kit, equipped with a cleaning spray, anti-tarnishing polishing cloth, and a brush. Proper usage of these tools ensures optimal results, but caution is advised with delicate gemstones, pearls, black titanium, or purposefully oxidized jewelry.
6. Use a Bling Brush for Travel
The Clear Cut’s Bling Brush proves to be a handy tool for on-the-go earring maintenance. A simple scrub with the pen’s soapy solution, followed by a rinse and optional blow-dry, ensures diamonds stay sparkly anytime, as recommended by Olivia Landau.
By incorporating these expert-recommended tips into your earring care routine, you can elevate your jewelry hygiene, ensuring your favorite pairs retain their pristine appearance for years to come.
