Sweater Weather Sparkle: Fall-Proof Your Favorite Jewelry Pieces
As the crisp autumn air rolls in and temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to give your jewelry the extra attention it deserves. The fall's drier weather can take a toll on your favorite pieces, from metals to gemstones. Proper care can help maintain the brilliance of your jewelry, ensuring it stays as stunning as the day you first bought it.
1. Beware of Cold Air and Dry Skin
Just like your skin, your jewelry can be affected by colder temperatures. The cold can cause metals to contract, potentially leading to loose stones or weakened settings. This is particularly true for pieces or rings with prong settings. When you’re out in the chilly weather consider wearing gloves to protect rings.
Jewelry Care Tip: Before putting on gloves or scarves, make sure that your jewelry is secure and will not get caught on any fabric, which could cause damage or loss.
2. Avoid Contact with Lotions and Perfumes
With fall comes the need for extra skincare, but it’s essential to apply lotions, perfumes, and hair sprays before putting on your jewelry. These products can contain chemicals that may tarnish metals or damage gemstones over time. Give lotions and sprays a few minutes to dry completely before wearing your jewelry to avoid any contact.
Jewelry Care Tip: Make it a habit to put on your jewelry last when getting ready to minimize exposure to potentially damaging substances. Be mindful of the lotions and creams you apply when wearing your jewelry. Allow any skincare products to fully absorb into your skin before putting on your jewelry to prevent buildup. Also, consider moisturizing your hands and neck regularly, as dry skin can increase friction, causing thin chains to weaken or break.
3. Store Jewelry Properly
Proper storage is key to keeping your jewelry in great shape during the fall. Keep pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and discoloration. Use individual pouches or compartments to prevent pieces from scratching each other, especially softer gemstones like pearls and opals. For added protection, wrap delicate pieces in a soft cloth before storing them.
Jewelry Care Tip: Store your jewelry in a temperature-controlled environment, away from direct exposure to cold air or heat. Using a fabric-lined jewelry box or pouch will not only keep your pieces safe from temperature changes but also protect them from dust and scratches. Invest in a good-quality jewelry box with separate compartments to keep your pieces organized and safe.
4. Avoid Wearing Jewelry Over Heavy Clothing
As we start layering up with scarves, sweaters, and jackets, it’s important to remember that these heavier fabrics can sometimes tug or catch on dainty jewelry pieces, particularly chains and prong settings. This can lead to weakened settings or even lost stones.
Jewelry Care Tip: Be mindful of how you wear your jewelry over thicker clothing. Consider opting for pieces that are more durable and less likely to catch, such as shorter necklaces or solid bracelets. Avoid wearing intricate pieces that could snag on bulky fabrics.
5. Clean Your Jewelry Regularly
As the season changes, it’s a good idea to give your jewelry a thorough cleaning to remove any dust, dirt, or oils that may have accumulated over the summer. Use a gentle, non-abrasive jewelry cleaner that is suitable for the specific type of metal and gemstones in your collection. For gold, platinum, and diamonds, a soft-bristle brush and mild soap with warm water will do the trick. For softer stones like pearls and opals, use a damp cloth instead.
Jewelry Care Tip: Make it a habit to clean your jewelry regularly during the cooler months. For most metals and gemstones, a gentle cleaning with mild soap and water will do the trick. Use a soft cloth to buff your jewelry to restore its shine, and be sure to dry each piece thoroughly before storing it away. Always dry your jewelry completely after cleaning to prevent water spots and keep your pieces looking shiny and new.
6. Watch Out for Moisture and Humidity
While October often brings dry air, there can still be days of unexpected humidity, especially as the seasons transition. Moisture can cause certain metals, like silver, to tarnish more quickly, and can even affect the integrity of some gemstones.
Jewelry Care Tip: Keep moisture away from your jewelry by removing your pieces before bathing, swimming, or even washing your hands. Consider using anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box and a humidifier in rooms where you store your jewelry to keep the air from becoming too dry, especially if you live in a region with particularly dry fall weather.
7. Check for Loose Stones and Damage
Fall is a great time to give your jewelry a closer look. Check for any loose stones, worn prongs, or damaged clasps that may need repair. Cold weather can cause metal to contract, making settings more vulnerable to loosening. If you notice any issues, take your jewelry to a professional jeweler for inspection and repair.
Tip: Regular maintenance and professional check-ups can help extend the life of your precious pieces and prevent costly repairs down the line.
Caring for Your Sapphires
Sapphires, known for their stunning durability and timeless beauty, are a popular choice for fall jewelry. However, even these resilient gems require special care as temperatures drop, ensuring they remain brilliant and scratch-free throughout the cooler months.
Jewelry Care Tip: While sapphires rank a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them one of the toughest gemstones, it’s still essential to protect them from sudden temperature changes. Avoid exposing your sapphire jewelry to extreme shifts in temperature, such as going from the chilly outdoors to a warm indoor space too quickly, as this could affect the metal settings and overall durability. Additionally, be mindful of harsh chemicals like hand sanitizers or cleaning products, which are more commonly used in colder weather and can dull the gemstone’s surface.
Handle Your Opals with Care
Since opals are the birthstone for October, it's worth noting that they are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. This unique gemstone is composed of water, which means that too much exposure to dry air or extreme temperatures can cause it to crack.
Jewelry Care Tip: Protect your opals by keeping them in a cool, moist environment. You can store them with a slightly damp cloth in their storage case to prevent them from drying out. Also, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or harsh chemicals, which can cause damage to their surface.
Handle Your Citrine with Care
While citrine is known for its warm and sunny glow, it can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes and exposure to harsh conditions, especially during the colder months.
Jewelry Care Tip: To keep your citrine sparkling bright, avoid exposing it to extreme temperature shifts—such as going from the cold outdoors to a warm indoor space too quickly—as this can cause the stone to become brittle or crack. Additionally, steer clear of harsh chemicals like hand sanitizers, lotions, or household cleaners, as these can dull the gemstone's surface. When not in use, store your citrine jewelry in a soft, lined pouch to protect it from scratches and maintain its vibrant color throughout the fall season.
Keep Your Jewelry Sparkling All Season Long
Taking extra care of your jewelry during the fall's cooler months can help preserve their beauty and brilliance for years to come. By paying attention to how you wear, store, and clean your pieces, you can enjoy your favorite jewelry without worrying about damage from colder weather. At Sarah Elise, we believe that your jewelry deserves the same love and care that it brings to your life. Explore our collection of stunning pieces, and feel confident knowing that with the right care, your jewelry will shine through every season.
