A Complete Guide on How to Look After Your Jewellery

Owning beautiful jewellery is a joy, but keeping it looking its best requires some care and maintenance. Properly caring for your jewellery preserves its shine, value, and charm over time. Whether you own gold vermeil rings, delicate gemstone necklaces, or trendy silver bracelets, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you care for each piece like a pro.

Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals

Chemicals from everyday products can be harsh on jewellery, causing discoloration and weakening materials. To protect your jewellery:

Avoid wearing jewellery during cleaning or using beauty products. Perfumes, lotions, and hair sprays contain chemicals that can tarnish and dull jewellery over time, particularly for pieces like silver and gold.
Remove jewellery before swimming or bathing. Chlorine in pools and the salt in seawater can corrode metals and cause stones to loosen or lose their lustre.

Pro Tip: If your jewellery does come into contact with any chemicals, gently rinse it in lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Store Jewellery Properly

Storing jewellery correctly can prevent scratches, tarnish, and tangling, keeping each piece in perfect condition.

Use separate compartments. Store each piece separately in a soft-lined jewellery box or pouch. This is especially important for delicate metals and softer stones, which can scratch or chip if stored together.
Keep silver in an anti-tarnish bag. Silver is prone to tarnishing, so storing it with anti-tarnish strips or in a sealed bag helps keep it looking shiny and new.
Hang necklaces or lay flat. Chains can tangle easily, so either hang them on a jewellery stand or lay them flat in a jewellery box.

Pro Tip: Avoid storing jewellery in areas with high humidity, as this can accelerate tarnishing, especially for silver and gold-plated items.

Clean Jewellery Gently and Regularly

Cleaning your jewellery regularly helps maintain its sparkle, but it’s important to use the right techniques and products for each material.

Use mild soap and water for most metals. For gold, silver, and platinum jewellery, mix a few drops of mild soap in warm water, gently wipe with a soft cloth, rinse, and pat dry. Avoid scrubbing, as it can scratch the metal.
Avoid harsh chemicals on gemstones. Gemstones can be sensitive to abrasives and chemicals. For most, a soft, damp cloth is enough to remove oils and dirt. For softer, porous stones like opal or turquoise, avoid soaking entirely.
Polish silver occasionally. Use a silver polishing cloth or a solution specifically designed for silver to remove tarnish. Avoid using these on gold or platinum.

Pro Tip: For more valuable pieces or intricate designs, consider a professional cleaning once a year. Jewellers use specialised tools to clean and inspect for loose stones, preserving both beauty and durability.

Take Care with Gemstone Jewellery

Gemstones require particular care based on their hardness and susceptibility to damage. Here’s how to keep each type of stone looking its best:

Avoid direct sunlight on certain stones. Gemstones like amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz can fade if exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
Handle softer stones carefully. Stones like opal, turquoise, and pearl are more fragile and can easily scratch or chip. Remove them before any activities that may expose them to impact or abrasives.
Limit exposure to extreme temperatures. Gemstones can be sensitive to heat and sudden temperature changes, which may cause cracking.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, consult a jeweller about specific care requirements for your gemstone jewellery.

Prevent Physical Damage by Removing Jewellery When Necessary

Many people love to wear their favourite pieces every day, but certain activities can expose jewellery to wear and tear. To avoid unnecessary damage:

Remove jewellery during exercise or heavy work. Activities like gardening, lifting weights, or even cleaning can scratch or damage jewellery. Gold, silver, and platinum are soft metals, and they can dent or bend under pressure.
Don’t sleep with jewellery on. Necklaces and chains can tangle, while rings and bracelets can be damaged or loosened while you sleep.

Pro Tip: Make it a habit to remove jewellery when engaging in physical activities, and place it in a safe storage spot to ensure it stays in pristine condition.

Get Regular Inspections and Maintenance for Valuable Pieces

For fine jewellery, a regular check-up can make a big difference in preserving its quality and appearance.

Inspect prongs and settings. Check that stones are securely set in their prongs. If you notice any movement, have a jeweller inspect it.
Resizing and re-plating as needed. If your rings no longer fit, resizing can make them more comfortable to wear. Similarly, white gold pieces may need replating to restore their shine.

Pro Tip: Jewellers often recommend an annual inspection for pieces you wear frequently, such as engagement rings, to ensure they remain safe and secure.

Final Thoughts: A Little Care Goes a Long Way

By following these care tips, you can keep your jewellery collection looking as stunning as the day you bought it. With proper storage, regular cleaning, and mindful handling, your favourite pieces will stay beautiful and last for generations.

Investing a little time into jewellery care not only preserves its value but also keeps it ready to wear, whether for everyday elegance or special occasions. If you’re unsure about caring for specific items in your collection, remember that consulting a professional jeweller is always a great option for ensuring your jewellery gets the expert attention it deserves.

Looking for More Jewellery Care Tips?

Visit our blog for more in-depth guides on everything from gemstones to how to choose the perfect ring size. With the right care, your jewellery will continue to make a statement—and last a lifetime.