Australia is one of the major producers and exporters of precious metals globally. It is the second-largest producer of gold and silver and the fourth-highest producer of diamonds. Therefore, the Australian jewellery industry has a market worth of over four billion dollars and has grown by over 10% in the past decade. This is because precious fabricated metals form an integral part of not only the jewellery industry but also the arts, currencies, trade and electronics industries. Precious metal jewellery is one of the most cherished and intimate possessions that one can have. Therefore, they must clean and care for them to protect their shine and quality.
Storing Precious Metals Over a Long Period
Gold, silver, bronze and platinum are some of the most commonly used precious fabricated metals in jewellery. Questions about the storage of these metals are usually about keeping them shiny and preventing tarnish.
Providing a safe storage environment forms the first line of defence in maintaining precious metals. Therefore, buyers must store these metals in spaces with low humidity and under even temperature. Storing precious metals in places where the temperature fluctuates could result in the metals expanding and contracting.
A lock enabled airtight box or a chamber are great investments for storing precious metals, especially for jewellers and designers. They must be neatly separated and arranged in soft cloth bags to prevent scratches and dents. One can consult trusted fabricated metal makers for suggestions about the best storage methods used to protect the metals during purchase.
Do Different Metals Require Different Maintenance Conditions?
Yes. One must first understand their different properties to preserve the quality of precious metals and the procedures they must follow to care for them.
Platinum
Platinum has become one of the most popular metals used in jewellery today, especially paired with diamonds, as it brings out the lustre and brilliance of the stone much better than gold. The instructions to care for and maintain this metal are simple. One can soak it in a mild solution of warm water and a colourless, gentle and fragrance-free liquid soap. Those at home can use a bar of gentle hand soap, soap for wool or a castile soap with no harsh chemicals or moisturiser to clean the precious metal. They must then use a soft cloth or a bristled brush to help remove the stains off the surfaces and grime out of crevices. This process helps maintain its lustre. A significant percentage of Australians prefer buying platinum jewellery as it requires minimum maintenance.
Gold
Gold is a precious metal that does not rust, corrode or tarnish, making it a traditional favourite. Pure gold with 24 carats is too soft to withstand the process of jewellery making and fabrication. Therefore, it is used as an alloy mixed with zinc, nickel, copper and silver to provide strength and durability. Gold requires specific care and maintenance to protect it from exposure to environmental elements. One can use a solution of detergent-free soap and warm water with a clean bristled brush to remove the dirt and stains. They must then wipe it dry and store it in appropriately soft cloth bags or the boxes provided by the vendor. One must also keep gold away from strong chemicals like cleaning fluids and chlorine as the reaction causes abrasions and makes them lose lustre.
Pure silver and titanium are metals commonly used to produce durable products and jewellery. To maintain the shine and lustre of silver and titanium products, one must follow a similar procedure as mentioned under the maintenance of gold. Along with this, these metals require polishing to remove tarnish and maintain their brightness and sparkle.
