"Is Hand Sanitizer Bad for My Jewelry?"
In a time of COVID and extra sanitation measures to keep ourselves and those around us healthy, the impact of the current crisis on your favorite jewelry might not be top of mind.
As your source for diamond and gemstone jewelry, we are looking out for you and are answering, "Is all this hand sanitizer bad for my jewelry?" as well as sharing some easy jewelry care tips to keep your jewelry in top shape in 2020 and beyond.
"Is Hand Sanitizer Bad for My Jewelry?"
While washing with soap and water will not cause harm to your diamond and gemstone jewelry and will actually help keep build-up and smudges at bay, hand sanitizer is a different process. Hand sanitizer is made up of rubbing alcohol and will not hurt diamonds or damage the integrity, value, or brilliance of your stone, but excessive use can make the finish on white gold wear a little faster.
In order to help extend the shine and luster of white gold, avoid applying hand sanitizer directly onto your ring and remove your ring, apply hand sanitizer, let it dry and then put your ring back on whenever possible.
The Basics of Jewelry Care at Home
By incorporating a few precautions and maintenance habits now, you can make sure your jewelry shines for years to come. We are sharing the most important (and easy!) tips to keeping your jewelry as dazzling as the day you first put it on!
Avoid harsh chemical residue.
The first step to keeping beautiful jewelry is to avoid damaging it. Chemicals from everyday products ( like the ones in perfume, sunscreen, and lotion) can add residue to gold and gemstones, which can cause potential damage. Make it a habit to remove your jewelry before applying products that may be made with harmful chemicals.
Clean your well-loved pieces at home with mild solutions.
Regularly wash your commonly-worn jewelry at home by soaking them in a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid for roughly 30 minutes before gently scrubbing them with a soft bristle toothbrush.
You can also clean metals and precious stones with baking soda with its mild, non-abrasive consistency that makes it perfect for cleaning . Simply pour a bit of baking soda into a bowl and mix it with a bit of warm water to create a soft paste. Take off your ring and use your fingers to gently rub the paste around the stone, the setting, and the ring. Rinse the ring in warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Keep a go-to safe spot.
Whether you always take your jewelry off to sleep or shower, or if you only remove it when you really must, it's wise to have a designated spot for your daily pieces. Whether you choose a specific area in your jewelry box, or a small dish on your dresser, having a go-to location will cut down on the chances of forgetting where you put it.
Consider an alternative ring.
When it comes to engagement rings, many brides are choosing to rely on a “backup ring” to supplement their prized engagement ring. This ring is an alternate to your engagement ring that is often less valuable and can be worn without worry of it getting lost or damaged. When you don't want to put your engagement ring at risk (a long day at the beach or gardening, for example), leave the real bling at home and opt for a ring of lesser value.