There are so many jewelry care myths out there it can be hard to know which ones to avoid. Check out this reference guide to learn about some common jewelry care myths!

1. When it comes to cleaning and caring for your jewelry or
other precious metal, there are a few myths out there that
actually will cause more harm than good. Check out this
reference guide so you know what to steer away from.

2.  As easy as it may seem,
popping you jewelry or silver
flatware into your dishwasher
is a big NO-NO especially if you
put them in with other dishes.
The debris in the dishwasher
can cause damage and the
chemicals in the dishwasher
detergent may be too harsh.
Wash silver flatware by hand
and never place jewelry in the
dishwasher even if you found
'special' jewelry bins for it.

3.  Just because toothpaste may
seem like an inexpensive
alternative to polish, it is not
a good way to clean jewelry.
Some toothpastes are gritty
with scrubbing properties
and these little speckles can
scratch jewelry especially
diamonds, gold and
gemstones. Only use
toothpaste to brush your
teeth, not your jewelry.

4.  Rumors have it that alcohol can
remove grease buildup if
jewelry is rinsed or soaked in it.
While in a sense it can help
remove grease buildup, it is not
for jewelry because chemicals
in the alcohol will leave behind
a residue and coating.
Additionally, some jewelry is
water and oil based, like
emeralds - if it's soaked in
alcohol, it will absorb the oils
and cause it to crack and dry
out.

5.  Boiling water is not the
equivalent to ultrasonic
cleaners used by jewelry
professionals. The problem
with boiling water is that the
extreme heat can affect the
metal because of the
expanding and constricting
reaction. Silver jewelry with
gemstones or diamonds can
detach, some can form
fractures and experience
thermal shock.

6.  Chlorine is an extremely
harmful chemical when it
comes in contact with your
jewelry which is why you
should never clean them with
chlorine based products or
even swim with them on. It can
breakdown metal alloys making
it pliable and brittle enough to
break as well as cause pitting.
Chlorine can also take away the
shine from silver jewelry and
even change its color.

7.  To properly care for your
jewelry and other precious
metals, take them to
professionals for cleaning or
polish them with a soft, lint-
free cloth.

8.  If you don't plan on wearing
your jewelry or using silver
flatware, place them in a silver
storage box because it will help
prevent tarnishing. Not only is
it a hassle to clean jewelry but
when you have to remove
tarnish, the task intensifies.
Always keep them protected
with anti-tarnish products from
Intercept Silver & Jewelry Care!