How to Care for Your Polki Jewelry
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To ensure your treasured Kala Johare polki jewelry retains its beauty for generations, proper care is crucial. Our Polki collection, with its stunning uncut diamonds, radiant gold foil setting, and intricate Jadau craftsmanship, is designed to be cherished for generations. To ensure your treasured pieces remain as brilliant as the day you first wore them, proper care is not just a suggestion—it's an act of preservation.
1. The Enemies of Polki: What to Avoid 🚫
Polki jewelry, with its delicate craftsmanship, is sensitive to a few common elements. Keeping these at bay is the first and most important step in preservation.
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Moisture and Humidity: This is the biggest enemy. The gold foil and lac (resin) used in the Jadau setting can be severely damaged by moisture. Always remove your Polki pieces before showering, swimming, or doing any household chores that involve water. Even high humidity can cause tarnishing or dulling.
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Harsh Chemicals: Perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, cosmetics, and household cleaners contain chemicals that can dull the sparkle of the diamonds and tarnish the metal setting. Always apply your beauty products and wait for them to dry completely before putting on your jewelry.
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Direct Sunlight and Heat: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high heat can damage the setting and cause the stones to become discolored. Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from any heat sources.
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Physical Stress: Polki settings are not as robust as modern prong settings. Avoid wearing your jewelry during strenuous activities, exercising, or while sleeping to prevent accidental damage or a loose setting.
2. A Gentle Cleanse: The Right Way to Clean Your Polki ✨
The cleaning process for Polki jewelry is a "less is more" approach. Forget about harsh brushes and chemical solutions.
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The Soft Cloth Method: After each use, gently wipe your jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth. This simple step removes any oils, sweat, or dust that may have accumulated. This is the most effective and safest daily care method.
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No Water or Soap: Unlike traditional diamonds, never soak Polki jewelry in water or use soap. The moisture can seep into the setting and cause irreparable damage to the lac and foil work.
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For Deeper Cleaning (Professional Only): If your piece requires a thorough cleaning, always take it to a professional jeweler who specializes in traditional Indian jewelry. They have the expertise and tools to restore your piece without compromising its integrity.
3. Smart Storage: Where to Keep Your Treasure 💎
How you store your jewelry is just as important as how you wear it. Proper storage protects your pieces from the environment and from each other.
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Separate and Secure: Store each piece of your Polki jewelry individually. Use a soft cloth pouch, a separate compartment in your jewelry box, or even a small airtight plastic bag. This prevents the pieces from rubbing against each other and causing scratches.
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Cool and Dry: A cool, dry environment is ideal. Consider adding a small silica gel packet to your jewelry box to absorb any moisture. Avoid storing your pieces in velvet boxes for prolonged periods in humid climates, as some materials can trap moisture.
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Flat Lay: For necklaces and large sets, storing them flat can help prevent tangling and minimize stress on the settings.
4. Professional Care is Key 🛠️
While at-home care is vital, your Polki jewelry deserves professional attention every once in a while.
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Annual Inspections: We at Kala Johare recommend having your Polki jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler at least once a year. This check-up can identify any loose stones, weak settings, or minor damages before they become a bigger problem.
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Re-Polishing and Restoration: Over time, the gold base may lose some of its luster. A professional jeweler can carefully re-polish the metal to bring back its original shine without harming the delicate stones.
Your exquisite Polki jewelry from Kala Johare is a celebration of art and tradition. By following these simple care practices, you ensure that your timeless pieces continue to radiate their unique, enchanting beauty for years to come. Because a legacy this beautiful deserves to be preserved with care.
Browse our full collection of authentic, handcrafted Polki and Jadau jewelry at www.kalajohare.com and start your own legacy today.