An elegant piece of jewelry can brighten up even the most casual clothing. With the options available today, jewelry is no longer only for special occasions – it is suitable even for daily wear. Since buying jewelry involves big money, one must be careful while making a purchase. However, the process doesn’t end here – one should also maintain jewelry and protect it from damage to increase its longevity. Here are some mistakes that can damage one’s jewelry:

Not storing jewelry properly
If jewelry is not stored properly, there is a risk of it not only being robbed but also damaged. It is a good idea to store jewelry safely in lockers, drawers, jewelry boxes, etc., rather than leaving it at the side table or loosely in wardrobes.

Rarely wearing the jewelry pieces
Many people pack away jewelry inside lockers and jewelry boxes, never to be used until they finally have to sell it off. But not wearing one’s jewelry often can be highly damaging, as some metals may eventually become lackluster. When one wears jewelry often, its friction with one’s clothing can help keep the metal polished.

Exposing jewelry to direct heat or moisture
High temperatures can melt metals quickly, distorting the jewelry piece and making it unsuitable to wear. Similarly, moisture can make it susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially if the accessory is not waterproof. So, one should be careful not to expose jewelry to high temperatures or rain for too long. It is advisable to remove one’s jewelry before stepping into the shower or stepping out on a sunny or rainy day.

Wearing jewelry before changing clothes
One of the common reasons for jewelry damage is entanglement in clothing. If one puts on their jewelry before changing clothes, the ornaments may get caught in the clothing. When it is pulled out, it might end up getting damaged. So, jewelry should always be worn last while getting ready and taken off before one gets undressed.

Applying creams, lotions, etc., while wearing jewelry
Creams and lotions may seep into the corners of one’s ornaments, causing them to fade out early on. Similarly, exposure to perfumes and deodorants can also fade jewelry. Consequently, one should remove all ornaments before applying creams and lotions or using perfumes and deodorants.

Wearing the same ornaments every day
Wearing the same pieces of jewelry every day is boring, and it can also damage one’s jewelry. When an ornament is worn daily, it is exposed to a lot of weather changes, moisture, etc., and is also prone to wear and tear. So, it is best to rotate one’s jewelry based on outfits, mood, occasion, etc.

Not cleaning jewelry properly
Jewelry needs to be cleaned and polished regularly, but if not done correctly, it can lead to damage. While there are many hacks for cleaning jewelry, it is best to consult the jeweler from whom one buys the ornament and follow their instructions carefully.