One of the major worries during monsoons is to keep your jewellery in good condition. With high levels of humidity those sparkling gems and stones need extra attention. Experts suggest a few very important things to be kept in mind while taking care of such prized possessions.
Though gold and diamond jewellery is not much of a problem in the rains, silver faces oxidisation with the humidity in the air. Jeweller Tikamchand Dubey shares a handy tip. “One of the ways is to prepare a solution of five per cent of dishwashing detergent solution and diluting it with 95 percent of boiled water. All one has to do is simply soak the jewellery for 30 minutes and gently rub your jewellery with a soft bristled toothbrush.”
For diamonds and pearls one would recommend keeping them safe in cloth or muslin bags to prevent its discolouration. “One should always store silver ware and jewellery in plastic castings where it is not exposed to air or light. Because once exposed to the humidity, silver takes a long time to clean and get back its sheen,” says jewellery student Akash Sinha.
Also one must never forget to keep jewels away from any kind of contact with perfumes or chlorine bleach.
As Tikamchand points out, “Many a times while doing rough work such as gardening or washing dishes one forgets to take off earrings or rings. And accidentally we land up leaving it next to the sink or windowpanes. But one needs to be extremely careful about that.” Another careless thing one lands up doing is keeping the jewellery in a drawer or case without packing them individually. This may lead to one item damaging another.” With adequate care and effective tips such mishaps can be easily avoided.