From a blazing revolted cold air and snow-stormed ground brings ample opportunity to curl up beside the fire or caper about in merriment. However much these delights would be looked forward to, they could take their own toll on one's precious jewellery. Those favourite pieces of yours would suffer because of the cold, dry air and snow. Here are the most essential care tips on keeping your silver jewellery during the long winter months.
Know What Are the Ways
1. Understand the Effects of Winter on Jewellery
Winter conditions can affect your jewellery in many ways, and understanding these will help you care for your pieces better.
Cold Weather: Extreme cold can make some metals, such as gold and silver, brittle. The drastic temperature change, for example, from an indoor warm space to freezing outdoors, can cause stress on the metal and stones.
Dry Air: Indoor heating during winter dries out the air, affecting the moisture level in stones and the shine on some metals. For example, dry air speeds up the tarnishing of silver.
Salt and Snow Exposure: Snow and road salt can damage your jewellery if it comes into contact with it. Salt can cause tarnishing on silver and damage other metals, while the abrasive nature of snow can scratch delicate surfaces. If snow or slush builds up around your 925 silver jewellery, it can also affect the settings of stones, loosening them over time.
Read more: Jewellery Care Tips
2. Storage of Jewellery Properly
When you’re not wearing your jewellery, storing it properly is key to preserving its beauty and durability.
Avoid Storing Jewellery in Direct Cold: While it might seem safe to store your accessories in a cool, dry place, avoid leaving them exposed to cold drafts or extremely low temperatures. Very cold conditions can lead to brittleness in certain stones.
Store in Soft Pouches or Boxes: Jewellery that is stored touching other items will scratch up. Always store your jewellery in soft fabric pouches or lined jewellery boxes to avoid abrasion. Separating each piece can protect it from scuffs, scratches, or even tangling.
Consider Anti-Tarnish Cloths or Bags: With those pieces that tend to tarnish, such as silver and rose gold jewellery, use anti-tarnish cloths or bags. These help reduce tarnishing and store your jewellery for longer times with less tarnishing when taken out.
3. Be cautious when putting on jewellery outside.
Jewellery can take a heavy beating during winter, so it is best to be extremely cautious when using it outdoors.
Layer Up, Don't Overload on Jewellery: Though layering is important to keep warm during winter, avoid overlayering with too much jewellery, such as rings, bracelets, or necklaces. The more layers you wear, the higher your chances of getting caught up or damaging the jewellery. Thick clothing also traps the jewellery and makes it challenging to remove without causing any damage.
Read more: Jewellery Styling for Every Season: From Winter Whites to Spring Blooms
Avoid Wearing Jewellery While Shovelling Snow or Engaging in Winter Sports: If you’re clearing snow or engaging in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, it’s best to leave your jewellery at home. The physical activity combined with cold weather increases the risk of losing or damaging your precious pieces. For instance, rings can slip off fingers in the cold, and they may become scratched or dented during rough activities.
Be Cautious of Humidity and Sweating: While the dry air of winter may be a problem for your jewellery, it is also worth remembering that sweating can have an effect on your jewellery as well. Perspiration brings with it humidity that causes rings and pendants to tarnish or become slippery and can cause them to fall off. Remove rings, especially those containing stones, before engaging in any physical activities.
4. Cleanliness and periodic maintenance of your jewellery
Regular cleaning of your jewellery can prevent winter elements like salt, snow, and grime from building up on it. Here is how to keep your pieces sparkling:
Use Non-Abusive Cleaning Methods: Harsh cleaners can scratch or damage the surface of your jewellery. Instead, use mild solutions or specially formulated jewellery cleaners that are safe for your type of metal and coloured stone.
Check Settings and Prongs: Metals contract when it is cold, which might cause a stone or a setting to become loose. Inspect your jewellery regularly for signs of damage or looseness. Be sure to look at the prongs holding stones in place, making sure they are tight and secure.
Read more: 10 Tested & Tried Tips for How to Clean Your Silver Jewellery
5. Special Care for Specific Types of Jewellery
There are different types of jewellery that need to be taken care of differently, and the cold months are a prime example.
Gold and Silver: Gold is relatively quite hard in cold weather. However, if it is exposed to extreme temperatures, it may crack. Silver, on the other hand, tends to tarnish more quickly in winter and is more prone to it due to dry, indoor air. Keep your silver clean and store it properly. Apply a tarnish-resistant coating for extra protection.
Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands: Wear your engagement rings and wedding bands every day, which can make them particularly susceptible to wear and tear over winter. Try not to do winter tasks like shovelling snow or washing dishes that might expose your rings to scratches, dirt, and chemicals, which can be harmful.
To wrap up
Bring the shine back
With proper care and precautions, your jewellery can look just as lovely and work effectively in winter as it does in any other season. There are a few things you can do to ensure your pieces are properly stored, cleaned regularly, and then protected from the ravages of harsh winter elements. Take time and check your pieces and also protect them from extreme cold and winter activity so that they continue shining brightly for years to come. Do not forget to check the GIVA Jewellery Care section to learn more about how to keep your favourite pieces intact.