How to take care of polki jewellery
Polki jewellery, with its raw, uncut diamonds set in gold, offers an enduring elegance that transcends generations. Proper care and maintenance are key to preserving the beauty and lustre of these precious pieces. Here’s a guide to caring for your polki jewellery, ensuring it remains a cherished part of your collection.
Materials and Care:
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Gold: A staple in polki jewellery, gold's lustre can be maintained with a gentle cleaning using a mild soap solution and a soft cloth for drying and buffing. Gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush can remove buildup in the crevices, followed by drying with a lint-free cloth to prevent water spots, ensuring the gold’s radiance is preserved without harsh chemicals.
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Silver: Given its tendency to tarnish when exposed to air and moisture, silver components in polki jewellery demand a bit more attention. A silver-specific polishing cloth or solution can restore its shine, but it’s crucial to avoid soaking, as prolonged exposure to water can lead to the deterioration of the metal over time.
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Diamonds and Gemstones: While durable, the unique charm of diamonds and gemstones in Indian jewellery can be dimmed by everyday grime. A solution of lukewarm water with a few drops of mild detergent, used with a soft brush, can gently lift away dirt, especially around the prongs or bezels. Rinsing under a stream of lukewarm water and patting dry with a soft cloth will ensure they continue to sparkle. However, due to the intricacy and traditional setting of polki jewellery, seeking a professional’s touch for deep cleaning and inspection can safeguard these treasures.
Specialized Cleaning Tips
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Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners; they can damage the Polki's unique setting and natural gems.
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Mixing different jewellery types during cleaning could lead to inadvertent scratches or damage. Keeping them separated, especially the softer metals from harder gemstones, ensures each piece’s longevity.
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Ultrasonic cleaners, while efficient, might loosen the settings or damage the surface of softer gemstones in designer jewellery. Instead, opt for a gentle wiping with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove oils and perspiration that can accumulate on the surface.
Storing Your Polki Jewellery
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Proper Storage: Soft pouches or lined boxes protect your polki collection against scratches. Including small packets of silica gel in your storage area can combat humidity levels, reducing the risk of tarnish, especially on silver elements within polki jewellery.
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Individual Storage: Keep pieces separately to avoid scratches or entanglement, especially from softer metals such as gold rubbing on gemstones.
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Environment: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as these can harm delicate gemstones and metals.
Wearing Your Jewelry Wisely
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Activity: Remove jewellery during heavy exercise or when engaging in activities that cause sweating, as moisture can tarnish metals and affect gem settings.
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Chemicals: Lotions, perfumes, and cleaning products can dull or damage your jewellery. Apply these products before wearing your jewellery to minimize contact.
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Post-wear care: Quick polish with a soft, dry cloth after wearing can remove any immediate residue or moisture, significantly reducing the potential for harm or the need for frequent deep cleans.
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Rotation: Regularly rotate your polki collection to evenly distribute wear and tear, and allow time for cleaning and resting each piece.
Professional Care and Travel Tips
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Inspections: Regular check-ups by a professional can catch issues like loose settings or the need for a thorough cleaning, ensuring your polki collection remains in optimal condition.
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Safety: When travelling, keeping a detailed inventory of the polki jewellery pieces you’re carrying, along with photographs, can provide security and ease in tracking your items, especially in transit.
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Travelling: Use a travel case with compartments for jewellery to keep pieces organized and secure. Limit the amount of jewellery, especially heavy jewellery like Polki sets, you take on trips to reduce risks.
By adhering to these care practices, you not only preserve the physical beauty of your polki jewellery but also its historical and emotional significance. Each piece of polki jewellery is a story, a legacy that, with proper stewardship, can continue to enchant and inspire for generations.
Discover more about polki jewellery and explore our diverse collection, from designer pieces to traditional Indian jewellery, by visiting our website. Our range, including exclusive Polki sets and syndicate Polki, showcases the finest craftsmanship, designed to complement your unique style and celebrate the rich heritage of Indian jewellery making.