Golden Rules for Keeping Your Jewelry Sparkling Like New

Credit: Mulu Jewelry

Golden Rules for Keeping Your Jewelry Sparkling Like New

Jewelry, especially engagement rings and wedding bands, holds immense sentimental and financial value. These cherished pieces often symbolize love, commitment, and memories that deserve to be preserved. 

However, over time, exposure to daily wear and environmental factors can cause even the most exquisite pieces to lose their shine. By following these golden rules for jewelry care, you can ensure your treasured items remain radiant for years to come.

Handle with Care

Jewelry is delicate and requires thoughtful handling to maintain its beauty. Avoid wearing your pieces during activities that expose them to potential damage, such as exercising, gardening, or cleaning with harsh chemicals. Even seemingly harmless tasks like dishwashing can expose your jewelry to abrasive materials that dull its finish over time.

Credit: Glam Adelaide

Additionally, you’ll want to use discretion when applying beauty products like lotions, perfumes, or hairsprays; remove your jewelry beforehand if possible. These products often contain chemicals that can build up on the surface, reducing sparkle and potentially damaging softer stones or settings. 

Clean Regularly but Gently

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Regular cleaning is also essential to maintaining the brilliance and colour of your jewelry, but there’s a caveat here. The trick is to ensure that you do so gently.

For most pieces, a simple at-home cleaning routine can work wonders. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a drop or two of mild dish soap. Let your jewelry soak for 10–15 minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt, paying special attention to settings and hard-to-reach areas.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, or rough brushes, as these run the risk of scratching metals and stones. If you have jewelry containing delicate materials like pearls or opals, stick to a soft, damp cloth for cleaning. When in doubt, consult a professional jeweler for advice on how to clean your specific items, or better yet, have them clean it.

Jewelers have access to cleaning equipment such as ultrasonic cleaners (you can buy a home version too!) and usually include complimentary cleaning services if it was purchased directly through their store.

Store Smartly

Proper storage plays a crucial role in preventing scratches, tangling, and tarnish. Store your jewelry individually in a soft-lined jewelry box or in separate pouches to avoid contact between pieces. This is especially important for softer stones like emeralds or opals, which can easily scratch. Keep them safe and tidy.

For silver and gold jewelry, consider using anti-tarnish strips in your storage containers to protect against discoloration caused by exposure to air. Necklaces should be stored flat or hung to prevent knots and kinks, while rings and earrings can be placed in compartments that keep them upright and secure.

Check for Damage

Credit: Mulu Jewelry

If you wear your jewelry often, make a point to check them for damage.

Regular inspections can help you catch and address minor issues before they become major problems. Examine your jewelry under good lighting to spot any loose stones, bent prongs, or worn settings. Pay attention to clasps on bracelets and necklaces, ensuring they’re secure.

Schedule a professional cleaning and inspection with a trusted jeweler at least once a year. Professionals have the tools and expertise to remove deep-seated dirt, polish metals to a high shine, and repair any damage. This small investment can significantly extend the life of your jewelry.

Protect Your Investment

Jewelry is more than an accessory – it’s an investment worth protecting. Start by ensuring that high-value pieces are covered by a jewelry insurance policy. Jewelry insurance provides peace of mind in case of loss, theft, or damage. Many insurance providers offer coverage for individual items, which can be added to your existing homeowner or renter policy.

For particularly valuable or sentimental items, consider having them appraised by a certified gemologist. This appraisal will provide documentation of the item’s value, which is often required for insurance purposes. Store your most valuable pieces in a safe or lockbox when not in use to reduce the risk of theft or accidental damage.

Special Considerations for Different Materials

Credit: James Porter & Son

Different materials in your jewelry collection may require unique care. For diamonds, avoid exposing them to chlorine, which can weaken their settings over time. Clean gold with a specialized gold cleaning solution to maintain its luster, and be mindful of scratches on softer metals like white or yellow gold.

Silver is prone to tarnishing, so frequent wear is one of the best ways to keep it shiny, as friction naturally polishes the surface. For pearls, avoid submerging them in water or using chemicals, as their porous nature makes them sensitive to moisture. Instead, gently wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear.

Beauty Requires Care

Taking care of your jewelry doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency and mindfulness. With proper handling, regular cleaning, and thoughtful storage, your treasured pieces will continue to dazzle for years to come.