How to Care for Your Designer Bangle Collection?
Designer bangles are beautiful jewelry pieces that can sometimes cost quite a bit. Like with any fine jewelry, proper care and maintenance are essential for keeping your designer bangles looking fabulous for years to come.
Whether your collection consists of a few special bangles or an extensive jewelry box, implementing a regular care routine helps preserve these treasures. Read on for tips on cleaning, storage, and preventing damage to your beloved designer bangles.
Clean Bangles According to Material
The first step is to know how to clean different bangle materials properly. Sterling silver bangles should be polished with a specific silver cloth to get rid of tarnish and restore shine. Take care not to polish too strongly, or you may end up removing some of the silver.
Gold bangles can also be wiped down with a soft jewelry cloth. For a deeper clean, use warm water mixed with a very mild soap and gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Bangles adorned with pearls, gemstones, or enamel require extra delicate care. To remove any dust or grime, use a gentle, dry cloth. Avoid wetting gemstones and pearls, as moisture can dull their luster over time.
You can buy a specialty jewelry cleaning solution to gently clean stone bangles – just take care not to soak or submerge the bangle in liquid. To give gemstone surfaces an extra sparkle, buff it with a microfiber cloth. Keep designer stone bangles away from steam and ultrasonic cleaners.
Store Bangles Properly & Handle with Care
Proper storage is key for a bangle collection. Bangles stacked together can result in scratches, so separate each bangle in its own fabric-lined compartment or soft jewelry pouch. Use divided containers or boxes to prevent the bangles from touching and tangling during storage.
When removing bangles, slide them off your wrist carefully without pulling too quickly to avoid straining the metal. Designer bangles with ornate detailing need extra care, as pieces can bend or break off if forced. Never store your bangles tossed in a pile, as it can lead to chips and scratches.
Wearing your bangles while out and about also needs some care. Try to avoid exposing your designer bangles to activities and environments that could damage them, like exercising, gardening, or cleaning with harsh chemicals.
Exposure to water can also be dangerous, particularly for bangles with opal or pearl decorations, as they are more vulnerable to water damage. When washing hands or dishes, slide your bangles up your arm and out of the way.
You should also give thought to how you layer and pair your bangles. Designer bangles made from softer metals like gold should not be worn with harder metal bangles, which can cause indentations. Try to alternate harder metals, like sterling silver, with softer ones. Also, avoid wearing your fine jewelry bangles with elastic hair ties or tennis bracelets, which can rub up against the metal.
Prevent Loss
Taking steps to prevent the loss of bangles is important too. Tighten up any loose hinges, links, or clasps that could lead to a bangle slipping off unexpectedly. Have a jeweler do regular maintenance checks and repairs as needed. Mark your bangles with your initials in a discreet spot so they can be identified in the unlikely case of misplacement.
With proper routine care and maintenance, your beloved designer bangles can stay in tip-top shape, retaining their dazzling beauty and lasting a lifetime. Handling your bangles with care shows respect for their craftsmanship and unique details.
By implementing the tips shared in the blog, your designer bangle collection will continue to bring you joy for many years to come. Treasure and care for them, and they will no doubt become heirlooms to cherish.