Hands-up who else has spent hours upon hours detangling their most beloved jewellery pieces from an inexplicable knot of fine rose gold chains and tricky clasps? *raises both hands (I’ve done this A LOT). Luckily for you, this month The Diamond Store has brought Bridal Editor ten seriously nifty jewellery hacks to simplify everything from keeping your diamond ring sparkling, to searching for a lost earring without tearing your hair out or sucking it up the vacuum attachment…
These ten amazing jewellery hacks will make wearing and caring for your most coveted jewellery super easy…
#1 Lackluster diamonds? Try vodka…
Diamond rings attract dirt and dust like no other jewellery. Make your engagement ring dazzling again by soaking it in a glass of vodka for one minute. Afterwards, rinse it well in warm water, dry with a clean cloth and your diamond will sparkle like new.
#2 Untangle a knotted chain with baby powder…
Untangling knotted necklace chains with a needle is a real pain. For much quicker results, shake a little baby powder onto it. Then work a sewing needle into the loosest bit of chain and tug gently. You’ll notice that the baby powder makes the chain “slippery” and it disentangles in no time. Afterwards, wash your chain with warm water and pat dry.
#3 Treat pearls to a shampoo…
Never, ever soak pearls in water as this could damage them. Instead, take a clean eyeshadow brush, dip it in warm water with a tiny bit of shampoo added and then gently brush each pearl. Afterwards, wipe each pearl clean with a slightly dampened cloth and then follow with another wipe with a dry, lint free cloth. Lay the pearls flat to avoid stretching. Leave them to dry or blow dry them on a COLD setting.
#4 Clean silver with stuff from the kitchen…
Here’s how to get that sparkle back in your silver jewellery without silver polish. Take a small plastic bowl. Cover the inside of it with tin foil, shiny side up. Fill the bowl with water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, a teaspoon of salt and a dash of white vinegar. Place your silver jewellery in the mixture for 2-3 minutes. Take it out and carefully rinse with water. It will have its beautiful shine back.
WARNING: Only use this cleaning method for silver-only items. Do not use it if your silver jewellery contains gemstones, pearls or any other materials as the vinegar solution could damage those.
#5 Use chalk to stop your silver from tarnishing…
Fed up of polishing your silver jewellery all the time? Wrap a piece of chalk in a bit of gauze and pop it in your jewellery box. The chalk will absorb moisture from the air and help stop your silver from tarnishing so quickly.
#6 Keep necklace chains from knotting in transit with a straw
How do you keep your necklaces and bracelets from knotting if stored together in a jewellery box or while travelling? Thread your necklace or bracelet through a drinking straw and close the clasp. You’ll have tangle-free necklaces wherever you go.
#7 Use sellotape to help fasten a bracelet
We all own one of those bracelets that is impossible to clip on without help. But there’s a simple solution: simply stick one end of your bracelet onto your wrist with sellotape and now, clipping it on will be easy.
#5 Make necklaces longer by adding a bracelet
If you want to make your necklace a little longer, you don’t need a special necklace extender – just add a bracelet to it. Simply hook the corresponding clasps to each end and you’re ready to go.
#9 Vacuum that earring
Ever lost an earring or a ring under the bed? Just pop a stocking or a nylon sock over your vacuum cleaner’s pipe, secure it with a rubber band and hoover away. Your jewellery will get trapped by the air, but safely held in the stocking.
#10 Keep long hair from knotting around your necklace clasp
If you have long hair, you know what this is about. You put on your favourite necklace and halfway through the day your hair has become painfully tangled in the clasp. To prevent this, buy a short length of aquarium tube from a pet shop. Cut off a small piece and slide it onto your necklace chain. Fasten your necklace, then carefully work the piece of tube over the clasp. This will keep your hair from tangling in it.
Discover more bridal jewellery inspiration and useful jewellery hacks via the acclaimed The Diamond Store.
For more bridal accessories inspiration and jewellery ideas, head back to Bridal Editor.
