While a beautiful or sentimental piece of jewellery can give you so much joy, seeing it start to tarnish can do the opposite. As for seeing it get damaged, lost or stolen … we don’t even want to think about that! Here, the team at Pacific Prime Singapore shares what you can do to keep those special pieces not only looking lovely for a lifetime but safe as well, with jewellery insurance for Singapore and even worldwide.
How to take care of your jewellery in Singapore and beyond
Whether it’s the diamond necklace you just got for your birthday or a wedding ring you’ve loved for 30 years, owning a special piece of jewellery is always a fabulous feeling! But, knowing how to take care of it is key to ensuring it withstands the test of time. This can mean anything from proper cleaning and storage, to investing in jewellery insurance.
Here are six things you can do to take care of your jewellery in Singapore, and during your travels.
#1 Consider the climate
Jewellery in Singapore is exposed to heat and humidity, which can, sometimes, do more harm than good. In fact, some materials are more sensitive to heat and sudden changes in temperature than others. For example, opals are more susceptible to sudden temperature changes and pearls are vulnerable to acids – even perspiration!
And, in the same way that heat can dehydrate your skin, heat can cause some gems to lose their moisture. Pearls, amber and ivory are examples of delicate materials that can lighten or darken with too much light exposure.
So, in order to properly take care of your jewellery, it’s important to consider the environment in which you’ll be wearing it. If you’re not sure, a jeweller will be able to talk you through your needs.
#2 Minimise exposure to chemicals
Chemical exposure can damage or discolour the surface of your jewellery. In some cases, this damage can be irreversible. And we’re not talking crazy chemicals we come across; no, we’re talking everyday chemicals like common cleaning products, swimming pools, makeup, lotion, perfume and hair products, along with sweat!
If you wear perfume, it’s a good idea to apply it to areas that your jewellery won’t come in contact with. After wearing the jewellery, give it a quick wipe with a soft cleaning cloth to get rid of any sweat, oils, moisture or chemicals. It’s also wise to remove your jewellery before cleaning, swimming or doing any physical work.
#3 Carefully check your pieces
We know; you’re excited, and you want to take your perfect piece out of the box and wear it out into the world immediately! Then, after getting home, it goes back into the box until next time – which is great. However, it’s important to take some time every now and then to thoroughly examine your jewellery pieces to see if they could use some additional care. You’ll probably find that a few of them could do with a little extra love. You could also send your collection to a professional if you prefer a sharper eye.
#4 Properly store your jewellery
Are you the type of person who tosses their jewellery into a drawer or leaves it lying around on a table? Improperly storing your jewellery pieces can cause them to tarnish quickly, become scratched, overheat or even vanish.
Ideally, jewellery should be kept away from light and flowing air, to slow down tarnishing and reduce dust. Jewellery boxes exist for this very reason. They make it easy to separate your items and store them safely. You can also keep your pieces in their original box or pouch, or wrap them in tissue inside a fabric-lined box.
#5 Guard your pieces against theft
Another reason to store your jewellery properly instead of leaving it lying around? Keeping it out of sight in case of a burglary! It’s worth investing in a secure home safe or storing your precious items in a security deposit box at your bank. If you do keep a safe at home, be sure to hide it carefully so that visitors can’t spot it right away.
Also, remember that it’s best to keep your jewellery in your carry-on instead of checked luggage when traveling, and to store it in the hotel safe whenever you’re not wearing it.
#6 Get jewellery insurance
While you should do your best to minimise the chances of your jewellery getting damaged or stolen, what’s the point in owning beautiful pieces if they’re just going to sit in a box? Getting insurance for wedding rings and other valuables is actually really important. In fact, it’s definitely worthwhile choosing worldwide insurance for jewellery so that your valuables are covered anywhere you’re traveling to.
Of course, insuring your jewellery doesn’t mean that you should be negligent with it. It just means that you can enjoy the moment instead of worrying about damaging or losing your prized possessions. Additionally, jewellery insurance can cover natural wear and tear, making it a sensible choice for any jewellery owner.
Remember, too, that it doesn’t have to be a pricey piece to be insured. Any piece that’s valuable to you either sentimentally or monetarily is insurable. This can mean anything from your great grandmother’s brooch or a brand new silver Tiffany necklace to that treasured watch, gemstone rings, diamond earrings and wedding bands. Jewellery insurance can be tailored to protect individual pieces or an entire collection.
Find out more about jewellery insurance
These days, securing a jewellery insurance plan is easier than ever. Learn more about what it covers, how to evaluate items, and more in Pacific Prime Singapore’s jewellery insurance guide. Or get in touch with Pacific Prime Singapore for a personalised consultation and obligation-free quote.
Written in collaboration with:
Pacific Prime Singapore
18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #14-05
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg
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Amy Greenburg
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