It is much more than an ornament; it tells so much. It might be the gift of your sweetheart, and you may have bought one just to flaunt your faith. However you got yours, proper care for a cross necklace really goes a long way. Your necklace will always look shiny and beautiful if maintained. Here are some of the very simple but helpful ways of maintaining your necklace.

1. Clean Your Necklace Often

Just like with every wear we do frequently, the necklace is prone to dirt and oils from our skin. Due to the course of time that may result in your necklace looking dull. A quick way on how to clean your necklace: 

1. Prepare gentle soap solution: Mix some drops of mild liquid soap (dish soap) with warm water in a small bowl.
2. Soak the necklace: Soak your necklace for about 5–10 minutes so the dirt and oils can soften.
3. Remove dirt by soft brush: Scour off the dirt from your necklace using a soft brush. It is also advisable around the intricate parts, like the engraved one, by using a soft toothbrush.
4. Rinse and Dry: Spray clean water on your necklace. Pat it with an article of soft cloth.

Avoid taking harsh chemicals or bleach. These chemical products will damage your metals and stones.

2. Store It Properly

Whenever in stored condition, your necklace would be safe from getting scratched or tangled, and it could avoid scratches and tangling as well. Here are some ways on how to store your necklace:

• Use a jewelry box: A box with soft lining is perfect for keeping necklaces safe.
• Separate from other jewelry: Necklaces can get tangled or scratched when mixed with other jewelry. Try keeping each piece in its own section or using small jewelry bags.
• Avoid humid places. Humidity can make some metals tarnish (turn dark or dull). Keep your necklace away from bathrooms or areas with lots of moisture.

3. Avoid Wearing it in These Events

There are certain activities that expose the necklace to certain chemicals or situations that may damage it. So, here are some of the best times when you should take off your necklace:

• Swimming: Chlorine in the pool tends to be harsh on metals and causes them to tarnish with time.
• Exercise: The reason that you will tend to sweat a little would give your necklace a mild acidity, which would gradually dull it.
• Beauty products: Applying beauty products such as lotions, perfumes, and sprays to your body can deposit such residues on your necklace; hence, your necklace seems dull.
• Sleeping: Probably, you’d be tossing and turning in bed and hence get the necklace caught or even tugged out. It’s best to take them off before sleeping.

4. Avoid Chemicals

You probably have, in your daily use, quite a number of items that have chemicals hazardous to jewelry, especially those of silver and gold. Here are some things to beware of:

• Perfumes and sprays: These attract particles that cause a residue, which dulls the shine of your necklace.
• Cleaning agents: Some have strong chemicals that might damage some metals.
• Hair products: gels, sprays, and all other hair stuff tends to cling to your necklace, which easily gets dirty.
• If you ever get any of the above products on your necklace, clean it gently using a soft, damp cloth as soon as possible.

5. Polish to Shine It Back

These cross necklaces start looking dull after some time. You can revive a little shine on your necklace with some polish occasionally. Here’s how you do it:

• Use a polishing cloth: Jewelry polishing cloths are soft on metals and can be used without care. Brush the necklace lightly with the cloth to regain its shine.
• Avoid using rough materials: Abrasive cloths or tissues can scratch the surface, so always use a soft cloth.
• Use a jewelry cleaner: If your necklace is made from very hard metal like gold, you can use a store-bought jewelry cleaner. Always follow the instructions on the label of the product.

6. Treat Gemstones with Care

If your necklace is made of gemstones or small decorating stones, they need special care.

• Avoid rough scrubbing: Some gemstones are very delicate to scratches or rough treatment, so they must be rubbed carefully.
• Keep it dry: Many stones are shoddy with water. The stone has to be kept pretty much dry.
• Check for loose stones: If many stones are loose or shaky, then it is better to hand over the necklace to the jeweler. They can mend each loose thing.

7. Get a Professional Cleaning of Your Cross Necklace

You have to visit the jeweler to have your necklace professionally cleaned every once in a while. Professional cleaners have well-equipped means with which they can clean out all the minute details of the necklace in a safe way. Besides, they will check your necklace for loose parts or damage and repair the issues for you.

Conclusion

Actually, maintaining your cross necklace is not hard at all. With just a few simple tips—from cleaning it every now and then, proper storage, and delicate handling—you’d be able to enjoy the glory of shine with your necklace for years. All that you would have to do is clean it every now and then, store it safely, and treat it gently. Soon enough, it will prove such a meaningful, sparkling part of your life once you take just a few moments to care for your necklace.