Caring for precious metal jewelry is not only a matter of keeping it looking its best, but it can also make a real difference when it comes time to sell. Whether it’s gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, each metal has its own unique characteristics that require proper attention and care to maintain its value. If selling your jewelry is on the horizon, you want to ensure it’s in the best possible condition before taking it to a buyer. As the owner of The Quarter Smith in New Orleans’ French Quarter, I’ve seen firsthand how proper care can preserve the value of precious metals.
Here are some essential steps you can take to make sure your jewelry stays in top shape before you sell it.
1. Clean Your Jewelry Gently and Regularly
Cleaning precious metal jewelry is one of the simplest ways to maintain its luster and ensure it looks as valuable as it is. Over time, dirt, oils, and everyday grime can build up on the surface of jewelry, dulling its shine and making it look less appealing. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent this buildup and to keep your pieces looking bright and polished.
However, cleaning must be done carefully to avoid damaging the jewelry. For gold and silver, a mild soap solution made from a few drops of dish soap in lukewarm water is all that’s needed. Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to gently scrub away any dirt, paying close attention to the more intricate parts of the jewelry. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. This method works well for most precious metals, including platinum.
It’s important to avoid harsh cleaning agents like bleach, ammonia, or other abrasive chemicals. These can cause permanent damage to the metal’s surface, particularly for gold and silver, which are softer metals. Even if your jewelry looks dirty, it’s better to stick with a gentle cleaning method than to risk harming the metal with harsh substances.
2. Protect Jewelry from Harmful Substances
Precious metals are prone to reacting with certain chemicals, which can cause discoloration, tarnishing, or even corrosion. Everyday substances such as lotions, perfumes, and household cleaners can have these effects on your jewelry, making it essential to minimize exposure to them.
One of the best ways to care for your jewelry is by removing it before applying any cosmetics, perfumes, or lotions. These products contain chemicals that can coat the surface of the metal, reducing its shine and leading to tarnishing over time. Similarly, exposure to chlorine—such as in a swimming pool—can be particularly damaging to precious metals, especially gold. If you’re planning to swim or handle chemicals, take off your jewelry beforehand.
Even saltwater can corrode metals, so avoid wearing jewelry at the beach, and clean it properly if it does get exposed to seawater. These simple precautions go a long way in keeping your jewelry in good condition.
3. Store Jewelry Properly
Storage plays a critical role in preserving the condition of your jewelry, particularly when it’s not being worn regularly. Improper storage can lead to scratches, tangling, or tarnishing, all of which can detract from the jewelry’s value when it comes time to sell.
Always store each piece of jewelry separately to prevent them from rubbing against each other. Even though it might seem fine to toss all your jewelry into a box, this can lead to scratches, especially if softer metals like gold are stored alongside harder ones like platinum. The best way to store jewelry is in a soft, padded jewelry box lined with fabric. If you’re storing multiple pieces in the same box, use individual pouches or cloth wraps to keep them from contacting one another.
For silver jewelry, an anti-tarnish strip in the jewelry box can help slow down the oxidation process, keeping the silver looking bright and shiny for longer periods of time. Be sure to store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, as humidity can accelerate tarnishing in metals like silver.
4. Handle Jewelry with Care
Even when you’re wearing and handling your jewelry, being careful with it can prevent unnecessary damage. Rings, bracelets, and necklaces can all be bent or warped if treated too roughly, and fine chains are particularly prone to tangling or breaking when pulled or twisted.
Take care when putting on or taking off your jewelry, especially with delicate pieces. Chains can easily become knotted or kinked if pulled too hard, and rings can lose their shape if they’re mishandled. It’s always a good idea to inspect your jewelry periodically for any signs of wear, such as loose clasps, weak links, or stones that appear to be coming loose.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to address them early before they lead to further damage. A loose clasp can lead to lost jewelry, and a weakened chain can break, potentially reducing the overall value when selling.
5. Know When to Polish
While regular cleaning helps keep your jewelry looking its best, polishing should be done sparingly. Over-polishing can wear down the metal over time, especially with softer metals like gold. Polishing too often can also remove the fine patina that develops on vintage or antique jewelry, which could actually decrease its value for collectors.
Instead of frequent polishing, stick with gentle cleaning methods unless the jewelry is heavily tarnished. For silver pieces that are showing signs of tarnish, a polishing cloth designed specifically for silver can be used to restore its shine. Just remember to avoid overdoing it, particularly if the jewelry has any intricate designs or details.
6. Consider Professional Cleaning and Appraisal
For high-value or antique jewelry, having it professionally cleaned and appraised before selling can be a wise move. Professional jewelers have the tools and expertise to clean precious metal jewelry without risking damage, and they can also provide an accurate assessment of the piece’s current market value.
An appraisal is especially helpful if you’re selling vintage or estate pieces, as it gives you an understanding of the item’s worth beyond just its metal content. This ensures that you’re getting the best possible price when you decide to sell.
Conclusion
Taking proper care of your precious metal jewelry not only helps it look its best, but it also preserves its value for future resale. From gentle cleaning and safe storage to mindful handling and professional appraisals, these steps are crucial in maintaining your jewelry’s condition. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your pieces are well-maintained and ready for sale when the time comes.