Creating cremation jewelry is a meaningful way to commemorate a loved one who has passed. It’s a way to hold on to your shared memories even when they’re already gone. With its delicate nature, it’s crucial to know how to take care of your cremation jewelry.
Here are some tips on the maintenance, cleaning, and storing of cremation jewelry:
Care and Cleaning
Cremation jewelry has many forms. You can get cremation rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc., that combine human ash with metals. You can opt for silver, gold, or go with a beautiful gemstone. Thus, how to maintain and care for different forms of cremation jewelry also varies.
But regardless of material, the general rule for cremation jewelry maintenance is to wear them accordingly. It would be unwise to wear them during rigorous activities or those that would expose the materials to water.
According to Closebymejewelry, moisture is the number one enemy of cremation jewelry as it can damage both ash and metal. Thus, you must remove the jewelry when taking a bath, exercising, swimming, or even sleeping.
Plus, you must also be careful with the cleaning materials since some cleaners use harsh chemical ingredients. Otherwise, it can lead to tarnishing and other damages.
The Delicacy of Cremation Jewelry
Cremation jewelry is available in a variety of styles. Human ashes jewelry in a variety of metals, including sterling silver, rhodium-plated sterling silver, sterling silver, and solid/plated gold. To keep cremation jewelry looking gleaming and new, it must be cleaned on a regular basis.
Wearing your sterling silver cremation rings, for example, helps preserve the silver from deteriorating. Your skin’s natural oils add sparkle to the piece and prevent it from darkening. Gold will not tarnish, but it will decay if exposed to chemicals because it is a soft metal. Keep an eye out for the following items that can cause tarnishing or wear: certain body lotions, fragrances, cosmetics, direct sunshine, and water exposure.
You must also avoid allowing any moisture inside the chamber, as this will contaminate the physical remains of your loved one, whether they are ashes or a lock of hair. Submerging any cremation jewelry in water might cause internal dampness, which could make your loved one uncomfortable.
That said, here are some specific care and cleaning tips depending on the cremation jewelry material:
Silver
The general rule with silver is to wear them regularly. It’s because the skin’s natural oil adds luster to silver and prevents tarnishing. Otherwise, not wearing it and keeping it stored will make it lose its shine. Another note is not to keep silver in direct sunlight or expose it to cosmetics to avoid damage.
For DIY cleaning, you can use a baking soda and water mixture or olive oil and lemon juice mixture. Just be careful not to let water inside to prevent damage to the ashes. On the other hand, make sure to avoid ingredients containing bleach, chlorine, rubber, sulfur, and other harsh chemicals to avoid darkening.
Gold
While gold cremation jewelry is not prone to tarnishing, it can still deteriorate with exposure to chemicals and substances. These include water, cosmetics, chlorine, body lotion, perfume, etc. It’s due to gold being a soft metal.
Meanwhile, it’s fairly easy to clean gold. You’ll only need mild detergent and a damp cloth.
Gemstone
Like silver and gold, it’s never a good idea to expose gemstones to harsh substances. Since precious gemstones are more prone to damage, you need to be more careful in maintaining them. Never handle them roughly as it can loosen its grip.
Gently rubbing it with a damp cloth regularly should keep it clean. If you’re using a cleaning mixture, make sure to check for any stuck substance.
Plated in Rhodium
To clean rhodium-plated jewelry, use a soft cloth and a moderate dishwashing soap. To avoid mineral build-up or water staining, rinse well and dry immediately. Avoid using polishing cloths, silver cleansers, toothpaste, ammonia-based cleaners, and other chemicals on gold or silver jewelry. They can damage the integrity of your jewelry by removing the rhodium plating.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a long-lasting material that is meant to resist continuous use. However, if not properly cared for, it can discolor over time. Wipe down with a moist towel and a moderate dish detergent to treat. To avoid scratching, go with the grain of the steel. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth. Remove any excess residue with a polishing cloth to improve overall gloss.
Storage
Proper storage is another crucial know-how for maintaining cremation jewelry. There are several options for this, such as:
- Jewelry box
- Velvet jewelry bag
- Air-tight storage with silica gel
- Display cases
These storage choices will help keep your jewelry moisture and damage-free at all times when not in use.
It’s vital to understand the steps required in the maintenance and care of cremation jewelry. Equipping yourself with these know-hows will help you keep your jewelry and loved ones close at heart for a long time.
Professional Cleaning Services
With the popularity of jewelry for ashes on the rise, there are also experts that clean urns for ashes. You should hunt for such a specialist to clean your jewelry on a regular basis. Such a professional will understand how to care for various sorts of cremation decorations properly.
Furthermore, they will have the appropriate accessories and cleaning materials for each piece. You may keep and utilize the parts for a long time if you take great care of them.
An ashe necklace, for example, is more than a fashion statement. It’s a priceless emblem of a shared bond of affection. Always have a polishing cloth on hand. Use the towel before attaching the clasp around the neck. This everyday step might become a pleasant habit or ritual, a means to commemorate the urn necklace for the ashes’ sincere function. The jewelry will sparkle for a long time if you take good care of it.
Prevention is better than cure
Tarnish can be avoided with a little planning. Avoid chlorinated water, harsh chemicals, rubber, sweat, and sulfur-containing foods, including mayonnaise, eggs, mustard, onions, wool, and latex. Silver can also tarnish when exposed to direct sunshine. If you think your silver jewelry might come into contact with cleaning products, take it off. Hair products, lotions, and cosmetics can all contribute to tarnishing.
Remember, better to prevent all of these mishaps than constantly seek cleaning services for your cremation jewelry.
