Hey A+B Besties! Today we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to our hearts: keeping your beautiful jewelry looking its absolute best. Some of our pieces are water resistant jewelry, and some need a little more love, so here's the scoop on how to care for both and keep that fresh, sparkling look.
Start here: check if your piece is water resistant jewelry
First things first: always check the "details" or description of each item you're purchasing. If it's labeled water resistant, you're in luck. These water resistant pieces are fine for hand washing and everyday wear. Just take them off before you shower or swim, and they'll stay looking great.
No label? Then it's one of the pieces that does best with a little extra care, and the tips below are for you.
How to care for jewelry that isn't water resistant
For those cherished pieces that don't have the water resistant label, follow these essential tips to keep them in top shape.
Limit exposure
Plated metals can naturally tarnish over time, especially when exposed to body oils and other natural elements. To preserve their beauty, limit their exposure to water, body oils, perspiration, cosmetics, and cleaning agents. These can cause discoloration and dull the finish.
Beauty routine first
Apply your makeup, lotion, perfume, and hairspray before putting on your jewelry. This helps prevent any unwanted chemicals from coming into contact with your precious pieces. An easy way to remember it: jewelry goes on last and comes off first.
Skip the bath
Avoid wearing your jewelry while bathing or swimming. Water and jewelry are not the best of friends, so it's best to keep them apart to maintain their shine. The same goes for anything sweaty or wet, like a workout or cleaning the house.
Gentle cleaning
After each wear, gently wipe the surface of your jewelry with a soft cloth. This simple step helps keep it clean and polished, so it always looks its best. If a piece does get wet, pat it dry and let it dry completely before you put it away.
Nighttime routine
Remove your jewelry before going to bed at night. This prevents any accidental tugging or scratching while you sleep, keeping your pieces safe and sound.
Smart storage
Store your jewelry in an airtight plastic bag. This helps prevent tarnishing and scratching, so your accessories stay in pristine condition for years to come.
A few more jewelry storage and wear habits
Once your pieces are clean and dry, where you keep them matters too. A few simple habits go a long way:
- Give each piece its own spot or bag so metals don't rub together and scratch
- Keep your jewelry somewhere dry, not on a steamy bathroom counter
- Untangle chains before you put them away so they don't kink
- Put your bracelet stack on one piece at a time instead of several at once, so nothing gets overstretched
Beaded pieces have a few extra rules of their own (like laying necklaces flat instead of hanging them), so we put together a separate guide on how to store and care for beaded jewelry.
Quick answers on jewelry care
Can you shower or swim in plated jewelry?
We wouldn't. Take your jewelry off before you shower, bathe or swim, even pieces labeled water resistant (those are fine for hand washing). Water, body oils and cosmetics can cause discoloration and dull the finish.
How do you keep plated jewelry from tarnishing?
Limit its exposure to water, sweat, lotion, perfume and cleaning products, wipe it with a soft cloth after each wear, and store it in an airtight plastic bag.
Should you sleep in your jewelry?
Take it off before bed. It prevents accidental tugging or scratching while you sleep.
Keep your pieces ready to shine
By following these tips, you'll keep your Allie+Bess jewelry looking fabulous and ready to shine at every occasion. And when you're ready to add to your collection, you can always find what's new at A+B.
Happy accessorizing!
Love, A+B