The most effective way to preserve your jewelry is to keep it out of harm's way. Try to keep your jewelry away from:
body lotion
moisturizers
perfume
makeup
shaving cream
soap
household chemicals
especially chlorine bleach
These chemicals can leave a residue that creates a dull film or unsightly black tarnish that is almost impossible to remove. To prevent this buildup, remove your jewelry before bathing, grooming and cleaning. It is very important to thoroughly dry your jewelry after exposure to water as moisture fosters tarnish on silver and can weaken the wire and clasps. Put jewelry on right before you walk out the door. When storing jewelry, give each piece it's own space as metal can scratch other metal and stones. Fasten the clasp and make sure that all jewelry is completely dry as moisture will cause silver to tarnish and damage the wire and clasps. Resealable storage bags work best if you do not have a jewelry box to keep each piece separated. Also remember that if you have crystals in your creation, they will chip just like glass if bumped too hard on any surface. Once you see how infrequently you have to clean your jewelry, it's worth the extra step to care for it and it will last a long time!
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