How To Take Care Of Your Jewellery Post The Wedding

Once the not-so-candid candids have been captured and the dance floor has seen enough action, it’s time to start your new life as a married person. It's time to confront the reality before you start your Happy Ever After. What will you do with your elaborate wedding outfit and bridal jewellery on God's green Earth? While there are multiple ways you can preserve or repurpose your wedding outfit after the ceremony, the jewellery often gets ignored in favour of being put in a locker, only to be taken out at the time of the next big event. But are you damaging your precious jewellery beyond repair by doing so?

Everything To Know About Maintaining Your Bridal Jewellery

Why is it important to store your bridal jewellery the right way?

Aside from the fact that your bridal jewellery came with an eye-wateringly high price tag, it’s also laden with sentimental value. It has likely been passed down through generations in your family or will be preserved as heirloom pieces for generations to come.

Doing this can often result in the jewellery getting damaged but, don’t worry, there’s an answer for all your jewellery-preserving woes. Behold: Our guide to everything related to maintaining your jewellery…

How to preserve your jewellery after the wedding?

You can maintain your jewellery for years without it getting damaged if you follow the proper steps. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to do during different stages post your wedding.

What to do right after the wedding with your jewellery

After your wedding, it’s important to begin caring for your jewellery as soon as possible. Here’s what to do once the celebrations are over:

Cleanse gently

The make-up, perfume and sweat residue that could have transferred on your jewellery needs to be cleaned before you put it away. These substances can dull the shine of precious metals and gemstones over time. “Clean with a soft, lint-free cloth to maintain their lustre,” says Leshna Shah, founder at Irasva Fine Jewellery. “Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners that can damage the metal's surface.”

Inspect for damage

Once you’ve gently cleaned your jewellery, look closely at each piece for any signs of damage. Check for loose stones, broken clasps, or any other wear and tear. If you notice anything, consider taking the piece to a professional jeweller for repairs.

Storing it the right way

How you store your jewellery can significantly impact its longevity. Here are some essential storage tips:

Separate Storage: “Store each piece separately to prevent them from scratching or tangling,” advises Piyush Gupta, director at PP Jewellers by Pawan Gupta. He suggests using soft pouches or individual jewellery boxes lined with fabric. Avoid storing them together in one box where they can rub against each other, leading to damage.

Use Anti-Tarnish Strips: Silver is prone to oxidation, which causes it to darken over time. Anti-tarnish strips help absorb moisture and sulfur in the air, which can cause tarnishing. For silver jewellery, consider using anti-tarnish strips in the storage boxes to prevent tarnishing.

Temperature and Humidity Control: “Choose a cool, dry storage spot, like a safe, for proper preservation,” says Anjali Kharkia Rach, Creative Director of Jhoomer Jewels. Excessive heat and moisture can damage certain gemstones and cause metals to tarnish.

What to do with your jewellery over time

Regular cleaning

Regular cleaning is vital for maintaining the brilliance of your bridal jewellery. However, different materials require different care methods:

Gold and Platinum: Clean gold and platinum pieces using a mild soap and warm water solution. Soak the jewellery for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Diamonds: Soak the diamond jewellery in a gentle solution, like water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Clean it gently with a toothbrush or a microfibre cloth. Don’t scrub vigorously a sit could disturb the fragile setting.

Gemstones: “Gemstones should be handled with care to prevent scratches. Clean them with a soft, damp cloth and avoid soaking them in water, especially porous stones like turquoise and opal,” says Leshna Shah.

Pearls and Delicate Pieces: Pearls are delicate and can easily lose their lustre. “For pearl jewellery, refrain from using cleaners; instead, wipe the pearls gently with a damp cloth,” says  Piyush Gupta. Store them in a soft pouch, away from other jewellery that could scratch their surface.

Professional maintenance

Even with regular at-home care, it’s important to take your bridal jewellery to a professional jeweller for a thorough check-up at least once a year. They can inspect the settings, tighten loose stones, and provide a deep clean that restores the piece to its original shine.

Re-Polishing and Re-Plating: Over time, gold and platinum jewellery may develop scratches and lose their shine. A professional jeweller can re-polish and re-plate your jewellery to restore its original lustre.

Restringing Pearls: Pearls are often strung on silk or nylon threads, which can weaken over time. Restringing them periodically ensures they remain secure and in perfect condition.

What are the common jewellery mistakes to avoid

While maintaining your jewellery over time is important, here are a few things you can keep in mind to ensure it remains sparkling effortlessly:

Avoid exposure to chemicals

Keep your jewellery away from harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach, or household cleaning products, as these can damage both metal and gemstones. Always remove your jewellery before using any cleaning products.

Remove jewellery during physical activities

Avoid wearing your jewellery while swimming, exercising, or doing any strenuous activity. Sweat and impact can damage delicate settings or loosen stones.

You don’t have to wear it all the time

Take off your jewellery before showering or going to bed. Soap and water can cause buildup on gemstones, and wearing jewellery while sleeping can cause chains to kink and stones to become loose.

How to protect your jewellery in the long run

Bridal jewellery is often a significant financial and emotional investment. While cleaning and storing it properly is very important, ensuring that it's properly insured against loss, theft or damage is necessary too.

Appraisal and Insurance

Get your jewellery appraised by a certified professional to determine its current value. Then, consider insuring it through a reputable provider that offers coverage for loss, theft, or damage.

Keep Documentation

Maintain all purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, and appraisal documents. These are important for insurance claims and future reference.

Your bridal jewellery represents not just the joy of your wedding day, but the memories that will be cherished for generations. With regular care, proper storage, and mindful handling, you can make sure that these precious pieces continue to shine brightly, telling your story for years to come.