Bridal Jewellery Care Before & After the Big Day

A complete bridal trousseau is every bride’s dream. This is precisely why she starts putting it together months before the big day, for it must include splendid contemporary pieces for the informal events and heritage jewellery for the traditional ceremonies. Some of these, she inherits from her parents or grandparents, and they probably see the light of day the day she ties the knot. Meaning, they are bound to lack lustre and develop stains and breakages. They then need complete pre-wedding care to ensure they shine, sparkle, and fit perfectly on her special day. The women who have kept their jewellery tucked away in some corner of their wardrobe after their wedding ceremonies also have a similar story to share. 
How can you maintain your bridal jewellery? These simple steps will come in handy.

Pre-wedding Bridal Jewellery Care

Weddings are an auspicious affair, and everything the bride wears is believed to attract prosperity and protection. Her jewellery, therefore, needs to be perfect. Here are a few things you can do before your wedding to ensure your jewellery remains glorious as ever.

1. Dress Rehearsal 

Outfits and jewellery both need fitting sessions. Wearing the jewellery sets with the wedding ensemble will allow you to decide if they complement each other and fit well, or need repairing. You must do this at least a month before the wedding to get the adjustments done.

2. Fix the Damages

The footage of celebrities dropping diamonds in an elite wedding may have gone viral, but in reality, no one wants the hassle of losing pieces of their jewellery, since they have immense emotional value. Old jewellery, especially, needs the utmost care as it is bound to have broken or poorly functioning connectors, loops, clasps, and hinges. Check your jewellery carefully and promptly get damages, if any, fixed.

3. Get It Professionally Polished 

Cleaned and polished jewellery radiates a divine glow and accentuates the bride’s beauty. Professional cleaning entails cleaning the jewellery using a mild cleansing agent to get rid of tough stains and grime, followed by polishing, using professional tools that give the jewellery the ultimate shine.

4. Safeguard Jewellery From Residual Deposits 

Most cosmetics and skincare products are infamous for damaging jewellery. It’s good practice to let the cosmetics settle down on your skin for a few minutes before wearing the jewellery. This helps prevent residual transfer and ensures your jewellery sparkles as it should.

5. Wipe It Regularly

Your jewellery needs an occasional wipe down with a soft microfiber towel even if it is going to be stored in the cupboard for a while. This will ensure dust particles, if any, trapped in the crevices are removed at the slightest sign. This tip also works for regular jewellery. Wiping it down with a dry, soft towel keeps it clean and requires fewer professional cleaning sessions.

Post-wedding Jewellery Care

These bridal jewellery care tips are extremely beneficial in protecting your jewellery till the end of time:

1. Clean Jewellery Before Storing

No matter how much you try, you will deposit sweat, dust, and cosmetic residue onto your jewellery. Gold and diamond jewellery maintainance, therefore, must include cleaning it before storing it. Dampness due to sweat and chemical deposition from the cosmetic products you apply can lead to the development of bacterial growth in the crevices of the ornaments. This often appears as green or mossy patches on gold and stains on diamonds and other precious stones. The moment these patches and stains start building up, your jewellery starts losing its sparkle. You must then know that it needs to be cleaned. An occasional wipe down may also help get rid of any deposition and allow you to delay a proper cleaning session. More on how to clean your jewellery at home below. Continue reading.

2. Annual Maintenance 

As with the other tangible assets, your bridal jewellery also needs a yearly checkup. Consult your jeweller to clean and polish your jewellery and get any damage fixed and regular polishings done. This will ensure your ornaments retain their lustre and remain wearable for the entire lifetime.

3. Store Jewellery Properly

Every piece of jewellery deserves a place of its own. We recommend storing bridal jewellery safely in a clean and dry place, away from moisture and harsh sunlight. The UV rays from the sunlight are infamous for affecting its lustre, while the slightest amount of moisture in the storage could cause the development of bacteria and staining. The right way to store your jewellery is to use boxes that are lined with soft fabric, or in cloth pouches, such that each piece is separated by a soft fabric. This decreases the likelihood of scratches and damage due to friction.

How to Clean Wedding Jewellery

Cleaning wedding jewellery is crucial to ensure it gleams as good as new. All your concerns regarding how to keep bridal jewellery shining will be taken care of with these simple tips:

1. Make a mild, homemade cleaning solution by adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid and water in a bowl. You may use lukewarm water if the ornament feels greasy.
2. Soak the jewellery you wish to clean in it for at least 10 minutes.
3. Using an ultrasoft brush, clean in between the engravings and settings. Dip the ornament back into the solution as needed and use short, gentle strokes in one direction to remove the dirt and grime.
4. Rinse the jewellery in clear, room temperature water and wipe it with a soft absorbent cloth.
5. Let it air dry before storing it.   

Every precious thing in the world requires some amount of care. Adopt these tips to ensure your bridal jewellery retains its ethereal glow before and months after your special day.