Fashion Blogs

Why Does Jewelry Get Damaged?

Jewelry is so valuable an accessory because not only does it look beautiful with the sparkling glow that it radiates, but also because it is comprised of some of the hardest and strongest stones on Earth. Thus, the common perception is that these precious stones and elements can maintain their beauty forever and are generally unbreakable.

However, this is not necessarily always the case. Like anything else, if worn or used repeatedly, jewelry, too, becomes susceptible to general wear and tear. There are multiple forms of damage to jewelry that may occur, and various causes for these. Hence, today in Utah and all over the United States, various businesses exist to repair and restore damaged jewelry.

Here are some of the causes and signs of damage to jewelry:

Damage from Other Products

Many products and substances we use every day — especially those containing chemicals — can be harmful for various precious gems and metals. Ironically, the cleaning products normally used to keep jewelry clean and polished can have the exact opposite effect. Common household cleaners contain large amounts of ammonia and chlorine, both of which can discolor silver and gold and make them lose their luster. If you do wish to clean your jewelry regularly, it is best to use cleaning products that have been specially formulated for that purpose.

Cosmetics can also have a detrimental effect on jewelry; more so because the occasions that call for cosmetics simultaneously call for jewelry. Products like perfume, lotion, and hairspray can dull the surface of gems and diamonds, while pearls are made more fragile through continued exposure to makeup and hairspray. Generally, it is best to put your jewelry on last when getting ready for a big occasion to prevent exposure to these substances.

Damage from Impact

Gemstones used in jewelry — especially diamonds — are among the hardest substances on Earth. That does not mean they are immune to being damaged when constantly subjected to force, however. Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires can be dislodged from their settings when struck with sufficient impact, and may also crack, chip, or break when dropped on hard surfaces.

Even impact from other gems can cause damage. In particular, if one gemstone is harder than another, that gemstone can scratch the other if the two come into close contact. This is very possible if different jewelry pieces are kept together in a bag or box. Hence, it is advisable to store each piece of jewelry properly and to treat it with as much care as possible.

Damage from Nature

Constant exposure to the elements of nature can also have an adverse effect on jewelry. Metals like silver and gold get tarnished when continuously exposed to sunlight, while salt water can erode the finish of gems. In particular, heat is particularly harmful to jewelry, as they can distort the color in many gemstones, while also causing degradation in metals. It is thus important to be careful of where jewelry is being stored, as hot temperatures and a lack of moisture can be detrimental.

If the damage has been done to your jewelry, it is very possible for them to be repaired and restored in order to gain back their luster and sparkle, albeit at a cost. Hence, constant proper care and maintenance is still the best option in order to ensure that your jewelry really does last a lifetime.