Normal Expectations for Jewelry Wear and Tear
Some jewelry wears out more than others, especially items for everyday wear, like engagement and wedding bands or earrings.
Unfortunately, the more you wear your favorite jewelry, the more likely it is to sustain minor damage. While normal wear and tear is mainly unavoidable, there are a few ways to reduce it to extend the life of your jewelry collection.
Durability Based on the Type of Jewelry
Some types of jewelry and materials can withstand wear and tear better than others. You may be wondering, “Does gold tarnish?” “Does yellow gold tarnish, or is it only white gold or rose gold that changes color?” or “Why does gold tarnish?” In this blog, we will discuss gold and silver tarnish and other damages to metal and gemstones.
Metal Types
Fine jewelry made from precious metals tends to last longer than fashion jewelry made from cheap, less durable materials. When comparing precious metals, gold is stunning but tends to be softer and more prone to scratches, while platinum is the hardest and most durable choice for everyday wear. Sterling silver is softer than gold or platinum and prone to metal fatigue, dents, and scratches. It’s also vulnerable to tarnishing when exposed to oxygen and moisture.
What does tarnished gold or silver look like? Does gold turn black? Yes, a tarnished gold or silver color is a blackish gray — your gold and silver pieces can turn into black jewelry. However, while unattractive, tarnish affects the surface only, not causing deeper damage.
Does solid gold tarnish? No, the more gold in a piece, the less it will tarnish. Hence, 18k gold will tarnish more than 24k gold. However, 14k gold is generally considered tarnish resistant.
Gemstones
Gemstone jewelry has its own challenges. Wearability is measured against hardness, toughness, and stability.
Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires (red and blue corundum) are the hardest, second-hardest and most durable stones, and they can withstand everyday use. In contrast, gems such as amethyst (quartz) and pearls (calcium carbonate) are more susceptible to damage. Opals comprise hydrated silica and, while iridescently beautiful, are very fragile. These stones are soft, porous, and contain water, making them especially vulnerable to temperature changes, knicks, and chemicals.
Jewelry Design
The cut, shape, and setting of your stones also affect your jewelry’s durability. For example, an engagement ring with a Tiffany setting uses prongs to secure the diamond, often exposing the sides. In contrast, protective settings like a solitaire, bezel, or halo help shield your stone from damage. Tube and tension settings are also safe bets. The height of your setting also matters, with overly protruding designs leaving your gem open to more knocks and damage.
Daily wear and tear for solid bands, such as a wedding ring or bangle, might include scuffs, scratches, slight discoloration, and dents, especially with softer metals. Does gold fade? While solid pieces shouldn’t change color, rose gold and white gold may fade, exposing a yellow hue under the plating. Joints, such as in hinged bangles, can suffer metal fatigue in the movable parts.
Chain link necklaces and bracelets with clasps are subject to breakage and gem loss, as are earrings, particularly dangling designs. Hoops are prone to bending, while studs, although unlikely to break or change shape, are vulnerable to being lost during activities.
Fashion or costume jewelry, often made using plated silver or other soft metals or alloys, is even more vulnerable to fading, rubbing, denting, and breakage. Costume jewelry gems are also less likely to be natural or hard and are subject to easy damage.
What Is Considered Normal Jewelry Wear and Tear?
A jewelry warranty typically doesn’t cover daily wear and tear, such as minor scratches, scuffs, dents, and some discoloration. Rose gold and white gold jewelry may fade slightly over time, while pearls and semiprecious gemstones can collect dust and grease, which gradually dull their shine.
Additionally, prongs, clasps, and other fasteners may loosen with use. Prongs should not look flat or “pancaked” when holding stones. That’s a surefire sign that your jewelry needs inspecting and maintenance. Take your ring or necklace to a jeweler for a professional assessment if you notice any loose stones or dented metal. An early check can prevent gems from detaching completely.
How to Minimize Wear and Tear on Your Jewelry
The top causes of normal wear and tear are exposing your jewelry to the elements or chemical substances and knocking or bumping it against hard surfaces. Most daily activities present some risk of damage. Here are 10 ways to reduce jewelry wear and tear:
- Follow any jeweler-provided jewelry care instructions.
- Don’t sleep with your jewelry on.
- Remove jewelry before swimming or bathing.
- Don’t wear your jewelry to the gym, and avoid sweating on it.
- Clean jewelry regularly with a soft cloth.
- Store fine jewelry in a fabric-lined case away from other metals.
- Don’t spray perfume over your jewelry.
- Wear individual pieces rather than stacking fine jewelry.
- Don’t clean the house or work with chemicals while wearing jewelry.
- Minimize exposure to sand and other abrasive materials.
- Save fine jewelry for special occasions.
- Take your jewelry to professional jewelers for routine inspections at least once a year.
JPratt Designs offers tarnished jewelry cleaning and maintenance in Dallas. We will gladly inspect your rings, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets for damage and offer our professional jewelry care advice.
When Is Jewelry Repair Necessary?
If you notice damage beyond expected deterioration, it’s probably time to find professional jewelry repair services from a licensed jeweler. JPratt Designs can help resize your ring, mend a broken chain or clasp, and remount stones dislodging from their settings. We can also clean and polish metals and gemstones for you when dullness or discoloration appears.
Get Expert Jewelry Care and Maintenance at JPratt Designs
Daily wear will eventually take a toll on your fine jewelry and precious metals. Visit JPratt Designs, a Dallas jeweler, for a complete assessment to prevent damage to your favorite items or repair damaged jewelry. Contact us for more information on how we can help you care for the jewelry you love.