Blog, Conflict-free Diamonds, Diamond Wedding Bands, Engagement Rings, Fancy colored diamonds, Gemstones, Jewelry
Best Safety Practices For You (and Your Jewelry) During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Apr
Our world has completely flipped upside down, and you need to do what it takes to protect yourself and your family. Hygiene has come to the forefront, and more people than ever are shopping online. Coronavirus has changed things. See the tips below to protect both yourself and your jewelry during this uncertain time.
Tips to Protect Yourself
– Hand washing
One of the biggest things we can do is to make sure to wash our hands. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You should do this often. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if you can’t wash right away.
– Hands off your face
You should avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes as much as possible. This is especially true if you haven’t yet had a chance to wash your hands first.
– Avoid close contact with people
Make sure to distance yourself from the majority of other people in your community. Don’t gather in groups, and if you are in public, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
– Stay home
Stay home as much as possible, especially if you’re sick. Wear a face mask when you’re around others if you’re sick.
– Cover coughs and sneezes
When you do cough or sneeze, make sure to cover it with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Throw any used tissues into the garbage. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterward.
– Clean and disinfect
Make sure to both clean and disinfect surfaces daily. Wipe down doorknobs, tables, countertops, light switches, desks, hands, keyboards, desks, faucets, toilets and sinks.
Cleaning and Protecting Your Jewelry
– Hand washing or sanitizer will help but pay attention to your jewels.
Keep your jewelry on while washing your hands and it will help reduce germs. This is still your best line of defense.
If you have certain types of stones or materials in your jewelry, you need to be careful. Organic gems, like pearls and corals, can be damaged from hand sanitizer. The alcohol in the sanitizer can dry out the gems. Sanitizer is not safe on porous stones either. This includes turquoise and opals.
– Be careful with moisturizers.
Your hands may be getting dry, but don’t leave your rings on while moisturizing. The lotion can collect behind stones and be an attractive place for bacteria and irritants to collect.
– Don’t remove jewelry while hand washing, and then put them back on.
If you remove your jewelry while washing your hands, they can still be contaminated. Don’t put them back on afterward because you will re-contaminate your hands.
– Use a dish soap.
A mild dish soap is the safest way to keep your jewelry clean. If you do notice that your hand sanitizer is affecting your jewels, wash it immediately with mild dish soap. You can soak your ring in a small cup with warm water and dish soap, and then take a soft bristle toothbrush to gently scrub any extra lotions or dirt that could be hiding bacteria.
You don’t need to give up your favorite jewelry during this time, but you do need to be smart about staying safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our online store is open for all of your jewelry needs- and we are currently running a sale using code STAYHOME for 25% off all fashion jewelry and engagement ring settings! Mark’s Diamonds engagement ring purchases receive a complimentary ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, and for a limited time fashion jewelry purchases will receive a ring cleaner as well!
