Spring is the air! Your house, garage and closet are not the only things that might need a refresh this season. Cleaning and organizing your jewelry collection can be a satisfying way to update your style and preserve your favorite pieces for years to come.
Follow these tips to keep your jewelry looking shiny and new for the next season and beyond!
Six Steps to Spotless
- Get it all out in the open
Assess your collection and take time to go through each piece. Look for any damage, missing stones or broken clasps that need to be repaired. This will help you organize everything you want to keep and decide what you may want to sell or donate. - Separate the repairs from the cleanings
You may have a few that need to go to your favorite jeweler for repairs and then a handful that could use a good cleaning. Of those, decide which you can clean yourself and which require more of a deep clean. Those can be set aside with the repairs so you know exactly how many you are taking to the jeweler for a little extra TLC! - Gather your cleaning supplies
To properly clean your jewels at home, you will need some basic supplies. These may include a soft-bristled toothbrush, a microfiber cloth, a jewelry cleaner solution or gentle dish soap, and a small bowl. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as they can harm metals and even gems. Before you begin, make sure it’s safe to self-clean these jewels. - Gently clean your jewelry
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and allow your jewelry to soak in this mixture for a few minutes. Then use the soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any dirt and grime. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. Ask your jeweler how to care for softer stones like opals and pearls so you don’t damage them with at-home cleaning. - Decide what will have to go
Make sure everything is cleaned up before you decide for sure what pieces will be sold or given away. Spring cleaning is all about getting rid of the old so you can bring in the new. However, before you decide what doesn’t reflect your style anymore, it’s a good idea to make them all shiny and bright so you can see them at their best before giving them a new home. This will also make sure you get the best possible price if you decide to sell. - Look for holes
The last step is to look for any holes in your collection. You might see a need for a simple set, a new daily wear piece, or even a statement maker.
Now it’s time to reward yourself for all your hard work! The end game for a spring refresher is to make room for some fun and shiny new jewelry. You’ve created the space so when you take in your jewelry for those yearly repairs, it’s the perfect time to look for something special to fill your jewelry box back up. Looking for some trendy spring jewelry options? View both our 2021 and 2022 spring trend posts for inspiration. If these don’t interest you then look no further than floral jewelry. If you need to clean a watch specifically, click here.
References:
- 5 Steps to Spring Cleaning Your Jewelry Box. www.villagejewelers.com. (Accessed Feb 22 2023).
- Spring Cleaning Your Jewelry Box. www.jewelrywise.com. (Accessed Feb 22 2023).