Titanium Jewelry Care
Titanium jewelry is a dream come true for many people. It's lightweight, the best choice for people with sensitive skin, and incredibly durable. It's just perfect for everyday wear. But even though titanium is tough, a little love goes a long way in keeping it looking its best. Here's everything you need to know to care for your favorite titanium pieces!
The Low-Maintenance Advantage
One of the best things about titanium is that it's super easy to care for! Titanium is a nonreactive metal and naturally resists corrosion, unlike some metals that tarnish easily (silver, we're looking at you!). This means less time scrubbing and more time rocking your gorgeous jewelry.
Cleaning Up: A Gentle Touch
Even everyday wear can leave a little residue on your titanium jewelry. Although titanium is very durable, it is not completely scratch-resistant. Here's how to give it a quick refresh:
- Gather your supplies: Grab some warm water, a bowl, a gentle dishwashing soap (free of detergents), and a soft microfiber cloth.
- Soak it up: Mix a few drops of soap into the warm water and create a mild sudsy solution. Let your titanium jewelry soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Brush gently: To remove stubborn grime, use a soft-bristled brush (a baby toothbrush works great) to scrub your jewelry gently. Focus on areas with intricate designs.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse your jewelry thoroughly under clean running water to remove soap residue. Finally, pat it dry with a microfiber cloth. Leaving titanium pieces to air dry may cause them to spot. Skip the paper towels or tissues—they can leave scratches.
If your titanium jewelry is not very dirty, but starts to look a little dull, you can easily bring back its shine with a polishing cloth designed for metals. Be sure to use a cloth that's labeled as safe for titanium, and avoid using polishing compounds or abrasives that could scratch the surface. Gently rub the jewelry with the cloth in a circular motion, and you'll see the shine return. Just wash your jewelry afterward with warm water and a gentle soap and rinse to make sure there is no polishing compound left behind that might give you an allergic reaction.
Titanium can also be cleaned using ammonia or jewelry cleaning solutions sold at a jewelry store. You can also clean your titanium jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner. However, it is not recommended that your metal pieces be in contact with the hard surface of the ultrasonic device during the cleaning.
Extra Care for Special Touches
Some titanium jewelry features gemstones, colored finishes, or pearls. While titanium itself is easy to care for, these elements might require a slightly different approach:
- Gemstones and Pearls: Do not soak your gemstone jewelry in water. Only use a soft, damp cloth to wipe dirt off your stones. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.
- For colored finishes, If your titanium jewelry pieces are made of colored (anodized) titanium, you should only use soap, water, and ammonia on them; harsher cleaning solutions can discolor anodized titanium. Cleaning Colored Titanium When cleaning titanium jewelry that has been anodized to change its color, you should be especially careful: Rubbing anodized titanium hard or scrubbing it may damage the piece’s colored layer.
When to Give Your Jewelry a Break
While titanium is a champion, it's not invincible. Here are a few times to take your jewelry off:
- Hitting the gym: Sweat can build up on your jewelry, so it's best to remove it before your workout.
- Taking a dip: Chlorine and other chemicals in pools and hot tubs can potentially dull the finish.
- Cleaning with harsh chemicals: Strong detergents and cleaning products can be too harsh for titanium.
And last but not least, remember:
- Put on your jewelry last. This way, you avoid accidentally getting makeup, hairspray, or perfume on your jewelry, which can damage it.
- Take your jewelry off first at night: This minimizes the chance of snagging your jewelry on your clothes or getting it tangled in your hair while you get ready for bed.
Storing Your Titanium Pieces
When you're not wearing your titanium jewelry, store it in a cool, dry place. The pouch or box it came in works perfectly, or a soft cloth pouch can be used to prevent scratches.
Shine On!
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your titanium jewelry stays beautiful for years to come. With its low-maintenance nature and timeless style, titanium is the perfect choice for anyone with sensitive skin who wants to add a touch of shine to their everyday look. So go forth and conquer the world with your dazzling titanium pieces by your side!