6 Easy Tips to Protect Your Jewelry During Winter

The most awaited season is here! 

There is no denying that we love winters with all our hearts. But while we’re busy cherishing the whimsical winds and snowy sights, we forget to acknowledge (or worse, have no idea about) the fact that Winter poses grave dangers to our beloved jewelry pieces. From knits snagging on our rings to skiing trips turning into nightmares when they leave our favorite pieces crippled, the list of potential damages is endless.

And since precaution is always better than cure, we have just what your jewelry needs to beat the cold in the true sense. In case you haven’t guessed it already, we’re speaking of the easy yet effective jewelry care tips that will come in handy in protecting and caring for your baubles the right way this winter.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

Tips on fine jewelry care and protection during winters

1. Rely on a Ring Guard

   

   During winters, we lose track of time when we are with our family and friends, having big meals, chit-chatting with them, or just sitting by the bonfire. 

   Indeed this is the perfect time of the year for all that matters, but you know what? It won’t take a minute to convert into a nightmare for you if your expensive ring falls off by mistake due to its loose fitting. The thing is - during winters, our fingers constrict and as a result, the fit of our rings tends to loosen. But don’t worry, there is nothing a quick jewelry hack can’t fix. Simply secure your ring with a guard to do away with the risk once and for all. Wondering why? 

   Well, a Ring Guard (often made up of plastic or metal) seamlessly wraps around your ring to keep it firm and secure at its place (while also lending it an aesthetic appeal as an added advantage). If you ask us, it’s the most convenient and cost-effective thing to invest in to ensure that you can wear your ring in the cold unbothered.

2. Don’t let those extra layers snag on your jewelry

   While we just can’t do without layering up our warmest of sweaters, mufflers, socks, and knitwear during winters, they do carry the potential risk of snagging on our jewelry. You’d be surprised to see how easily they can hook on our gemstone/diamond, ring prongs, clasps, or even raised metal ends.

   To keep your jewelry miles away from such a mishap, consider wearing your winter wears before putting on your favorite sparklers. Don’t make the rookie mistake of tugging your clothes too hard. Besides, keep a close eye on those stubborn loose knits whenever you wear or put off your jewelry. 

Pro tip: If you wish to eliminate this risk, invest in jewelry that is well-secured by a protective setting (bezel, for instance). 

3. Store your jewelry right while traveling

   How eagerly were you waiting for the snowy season to come so that you can wander places? 

   But you’re afraid that you might end up damaging your jewelry while traveling. Our winter fine jewelry care only requires you to be mindful of a few jewelry storage tips! First things first, make it a point to store it in a dark and dry container (to do away with the risk of direct sunlight and winter moisture deteriorating the quality of your jewelry). If you ask us, we’d recommend you to keep it well-guarded in a soft-lined jewelry box that has a fabric lining on the inside. Most importantly, don’t forget to keep your jewelry box at room temperature, far away from the freezing temperatures of those chilly winter nights. As a plus point, this hack will also protect your jewelry from tarnishing.

   The biggest mistake people make while traveling, is that they toss the jewelry in any loose compartment of their luggage bag, resulting in damaging the jewelry. So, avoid it! And have a happy and fun traveling.

Pro tip: If you own somewhat softer and delicate gemstones (Pearls, Opals, etc., for instance), make sure to store them far away from harder gemstones that carry the potential of scratching them.

4. Explore outdoors without any bling

   Winter snow and its frosty allure are simply fascinating and so are your outdoor plans for skiing and snowboarding. But, this fun might get ruined if your sparkling jewelry is harmed in any sense. From your beloved bauble falling off the steep ski slopes to those fun snowball fights rendering it prone to scratching, the list of accidental damages is endless.

   But since we know you can’t miss out on all the winter fun, we say your jewelry is better off left alone. Always put it off before heading out in the snow and secure it with a well-guarded jewelry box while you’re out there having your best time. This way you can prevent your jewelry from any accidental loss, breaking, or chipping.

   Remember, removing your bling is better than regretting later over its loss!

5. Timely Jewelry Cleaning for the Perfect Sparkle

   

   Who doesn’t want their jewelry to keep on sparkle forever? But to ensure that, there are a few fine jewelry care and cleaning tips that you need to swear by, especially in the winter! That’s because owing to the cold weather, we tend to use thick lotions and creams to keep our skin from drying. But to no fault of our own, that (sadly) leads to the build-up of a film of lotions over the surface of the gemstone (of our jewelry). On top of that, the regular accumulation of dirt, oil, and grime can also cause the color of your gemstone to fade, thus making it appear hazy and dull. 

   But that shouldn’t be a point of worry as long as you’re cleaning your jewelry religiously (preferably, every month or two) with a solution of warm water and mild soap/detergent. Don’t forget to gently scrub off the stubborn stains with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Once your sparkler is brimming as good as new, secure it inside a soft-lined jewelry box.

   Additionally, to get your precious pieces thoroughly cleaned and inspected, don’t miss out on your trip to a trusted jewelry professional.

6. Don’t expose your precious jewelry to extreme temperature changes

   We understand how tempted you get to snug beside your favorite fireplace after a day out in the cold. But do you have to do that while you have your beautiful sparkler on? We hope not! That’s because sudden temperature changes can prove to be hazardous for your jewelry. Your beloved gemstone can fracture, crack, or showcase inclusions more evidently in reaction.

   So, better safe than sorry! Always put off your jewelry and store it comfortably at room temperature before stepping into extreme temperatures.

Final Verdict

The winter season can get a little harsh on your jewelry, but only if you allow it to! Once you swear by the above-mentioned tips and tricks, we’re certain that you and your jewelry will beat the cold like it’s nothing. Now that we have served our purpose, we bid a warm adieu hoping that you enjoy your favorite season to the fullest. Don’t forget to let us know how our winter jewelry care tips work out for you. 

Happy Winters You All!

FAQs :

1. Is Cold weather bad for jewelry?

   No matter how much we love winters, the sad truth remains that they can be pretty rough on your beloved jewelry pieces.

   For starters, suddenly switching from the warm and cozy temperature of homes to extremely cold temperatures outdoors can weaken your gemstone in case it’s not that structurally stable. Besides that, our fingers are more likely to tighten (and contract) due to the cold owing to which the fit of the ring can loosen over time.

   Last but definitely not the least, while we absolutely adore layering on our favorite sweaters and gloves, they can snag up on our favorite jewelry pieces, thus rendering them to the risk of grave damage.

2. How do you keep rings on in the winter?

   The best thing you can do to keep your ring from falling out (and to maintain its snug fit) is stacking it up with a ring guard. A Ring Guard, just like the name suggests, is meant to guard or wrap around your ring to not only enhance its beauty but also for keeping it firm in its place.

3. How should I store my jewelry during winter?

   Storing your jewelry right goes a long way in protecting it from the hazards of winter.

   Try storing it away from direct sunlight and moisture to keep it from any potential damages. Consider using a designated drawer or velvet jewelry box for that. Besides, you can also use a sealable plastic bag to store your jewelry, making sure to remove any air from the bag before sealing it. If your jewelry is delicate, rely on a jewelry safe or deposit box for added protection.