The biggest problem with jewelry in today's world is that many do not wear their treasures with the care that was given 40 years ago. Gold and silver has its limitations and can not be abused without damage. Many manufacturers do not make jewelry the way it was done 40 years ago either. Think of it this way: would you put on your best set of clothes to go out and dig a ditch or climb a tree? If you did, there would be the outcome that you would expect. Damage that could not be easily reversed. Jewelry is the same.
Chemical damage is a very important issue in the industry today. Anything containing chlorine is extremely detrimental to your jewelry and in some cases, not even reversible or reparable. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, dishwashing soaps and even hand sanitizers.