Jewelry Care
Jewelry Care GuideAt VitalPiercing, we want your jewelry to shine bright and last long. Proper care ensures your pieces stay beautiful and safe for your skin. Follow these simple tips to keep your jewelry in top condition.
General Jewelry Care Tips
- Clean Regularly: Gently clean your jewelry after each wear to remove oils, sweat, or dirt. Use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
- Store Properly: Store jewelry in a dry, cool place, ideally in individual ziplock bag or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratches or tarnishing.
- Avoid Exposure: Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, or applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray. Chemicals and moisture can damage or discolor your pieces.
- Inspect Regularly: Check for loose components, worn threads, or signs of damage, especially for piercings. Stop wearing damaged jewelry to avoid irritation or injury.
Caring for Specific Materials
- Sterling Silver: Polish with a soft cloth to maintain shine. To remove tarnish, use a silver polishing cloth or a mild silver cleaner, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Gold & Gold-Plated: Clean with warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive materials to protect the finish. Store away from other metals to prevent scratching.
- Stainless Steel & Titanium: These durable materials resist tarnish but can still collect dirt. Clean with soap and water, and dry completely to maintain their luster.
- Gemstones & Crystals: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage delicate stones.
- Acrylic & Silicone: Wash with mild soap and water. Avoid high heat or prolonged sun exposure, which can cause warping or fading.
Body Jewelry & Piercing Care
- Clean Piercings Daily: Follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions. Typically, clean piercings with saline solution or a piercing-safe cleanser to prevent infection.
- Avoid Overhandling: Don’t twist or turn jewelry in fresh piercings, as this can irritate the skin and slow healing.
- Choose Hypoallergenic Materials: Opt for materials like surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, or 14k+ gold to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
- Change Jewelry Safely: Only change jewelry once your piercing is fully healed (usually 6-12 weeks, depending on the piercing). Clean both the new jewelry and your hands before swapping.
When to Seek Professional Help
- If your jewelry shows significant wear, tarnish, or damage, consult a professional jeweler for repair or restoration.
- For piercing issues like redness, swelling, or discomfort, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately.
Why Proper Care MattersCaring for your body jewelry not only keeps it looking stunning but also ensures your comfort and safety. Well-maintained jewelry enhances your style and protects your skin, letting you wear your favorite pieces with confidence.