These things are not your friends when it comes to protecting and preserving your beautiful jewelry. The metals used in fashion (and fine) jewelry need tender loving care.
These little silica gel packs ARE your best friend for preserving the metal finishes on your fashion bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings.
I want to see you flowing with your pieces for a long, long time. But I know that sometimes, we may have a tendency to think, "Oh, it's just costume jewelry." Yeah, I used to say that too. But guess what? I paid good money for my necklace or earrings or bracelet!! And I want it to last. Besides, I'm trying to be a better steward :)
I learned the hard way, though. I have super-sensitive skin and so I have to be extremely careful in my choices of what I put on my skin. (That's why I started making my own body moisturizers, but that's a whole 'nother story.) Anyway, after years of breakouts and skin discoloration (some even permanent), I now know what works for me. My skin HATES nickel. And my skin HATES any metal that comes into contact with my perspiration and some perfumes for a prolonged period of time. (Sometimes, I cam't stop perspiring, but I can, at least, remove my jewelry! Duh!) And certain pieces that I owned DID tarnish when they came into contact with various lotions and body products that I was using.
That's just me. Everyone is different. However, what I did learn was this: If I simply made a few changes in my daily routine, I could preserve the life of my jewelry - fine jewelry as well as fashion jewelry. It matters not to me whether it costs $30 or $3,000. I want it to last. So I'm sharing a few small adjustments to keep you flowing in your pieces longer. If you're already doing this, GREAT!!! Share the info with someone who might not know.
Make your jewelry pieces last on and first off to minimize risk of snagging fabric or getting that hair gel on it!! Right after you remove your jewelry, wipe it down with a soft cloth and store it away from open air. (Zipper top plastic bags work great) Pop one of these silica gel packs into your container-- it could be a drawer, a jewelry chest, a plastic storage bin, a shoe box-- however you flow. Just keep it out of the open air, especially in high humidity areas. Alternatively, you can also get anti-tarnish tabs or even a piece of chalk wrapped in cheesecloth to toss into your storage drawer.. These also remove moisture from the air and some chemical residues and help to preserve the finish on your jewelry.
Now, honestly, I really didn't get into these extra measures until I relocated to New Orleans. Every day is humid. There's no escape. It's everywhere, all the time. I was already storing my jewelry out of the open air, but living in New Orleans has made me take my jewelry storage to the next level. That's when I started using the silica gel packs.
Be kind to your fashion jewelry and it will last. I have pieces in my personal collection that I've had for over 20 years and you would think I just bought them yesterday! For my jewelry designs here at Faith Flow Designs, I have started to incorporate stainless steel and titanium into my pieces as much as possible because of its strong resistance to tarnish and it is hypo-allergenic. I have pieces that use .925 sterling silver as well which is good for some people with sensitive skin, but it is NOT resistant to tarnish and requires extra care. Take a look at my detailed care instructions on the site.
More tips to come.
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