Jewelry can make or breaka look.

Unfortunately, many commonly accepted hacks will do more harm than good.

Here’s what we learned.

jewelry

Save the heavy-duty abrasives andbleachesfor countertops and toilets.

Your jewelry isfarmore delicate than your bathroom tile.

Plus, some types of jewelry are extremely sensitive and could be seriously harmed by chemical ingredients.

cleaning jewelery

Consider adding this task to your daily routine as it is a measure that’s universally safe.

Silver polish, for example, is only suitable for you guessed it silver pieces.

Vodka or gin, asQueen Elizabethpersonally prefers will make diamonds sparkle.

jewelry box

But you may want to rethink your habits, particularly if you shower with your accessories on.

In short: Water ismostlya no-no.

You should also rethink wearing your favorite jewelry during certain activities.

toothpaste for cleaning jewelry

The experts in jewelry stores are readily available to help you care for the jewelry you’ve already purchased.

Consider these visits your precious jewelry’s semi-annual wellness checkups.

And don’t forget about your watches.

woman showering with jewelry

Bob Moeller, owner of R.F.

Well, it turns out the sun’s harsh light can also affect a gemstone’s hue and strength.

But the sun’s bright light is not the only potentially harmful issue.

jeweler

Extreme heat and dramatic fluctuations in temperature can actually cause breaks in certain stones.

This is because the heat robs gemstones of their natural moisture.

So be sure to store your favorite jewelry in a cool space without direct exposure to sunlight.

jewelry

Conversely, remove baubles and accessories before taking your clothes off at the end of the day.

But take note that you should never hang your pearls.

They should always be gently placed flat to avoid stretching the string, as noted byInsider.

makeup with jewelry

This may be easy enough to do at home, but what if you’re traveling?

But it is important to realize that certain chemically-treated surfaces could also potentially harm your jewels.

Investing in a jewelry storage system will help you preserve the life of your pieces.

jewelry

It’s time to embrace change and switch things up.

Wear a too-loose ring and you fire off the risk of it slipping off your finger.

Plus, when there’s too much space, you could snag it and potentially cause damage.

jewelry pouch

According toBrides, a ring “should fit snugly but comfortably.”

Additionally, rings should only be adjusted by two sizes up or down.

Otherwise, it could harm the integrity of the metal.

woman in bed wearing jewelry

One easy way to keep your gems clean and beautiful is to keep your hands off of them.

Try not to touch the stones too much or, better yet, avoid handling them altogether.

Fine Jewelry and Diamonds toldBrides.

woman in jewelry

If your stone ever looks hazy or cloudy, it’s likely that something is stuck underneath it."

In addition to removing your ring correctly, you’ll need to place your ring in a safe spot.

If so, you should consider having it appraised and getting yourself somejewelry insurance.

ring sizing with jeweler

Jewelry insurance compensates you when covered accessories are damaged or stolen.

jewelry: diamond ring

jewelry appraisal