How to Care for Your Jewelry
How to Care for Your Diamond, Gold and Pearl Jewelry
The jewelry you really treasure is more than a sparkly combination of diamonds, metals, and gemstones. Each piece has personal meaning, and often a rich history attached to it close to your heart and your hands.
Taking time to care for your jewelry, whether heirloom or modern, is easy, and can provide a relaxing routine when you know a few simple tricks.
Tips for Cleaning Jewelry at Home
Dispense with costly jewelry cleaners (save the money for your next little bauble), and instead learn some tried and true methods using common household products. Different gems and materials require different cleaning products and methods, and you should know how to clean jewelry without causing damage or undue wear.
Here are our top jewelry cleaning tips for various types of fine jewelry:
Why Jewelry Care Matters
Even the most stunning pieces can become dull jewelry over time due to dust, skin oils, lotions, and daily wear, leading to discolored rings and weakened settings. Knowing how to care for jewelry helps maintain pieces made from precious metals and gemstones, keeping your fine jewelry sparkling and structurally sound.
With the cleaning tips and storage habits in this jewelry care guide, you can preserve the beauty and value of everything from diamond rings and gold jewelry to sterling silver and pearls.
How to Store Jewelry Properly
Preventative care begins with placing your jewelry pieces in a clean, dry space to protect them from moisture, heat, and light. Avoid bathrooms or humid areas, which can accelerate tarnishing and loosen clasps or settings.
Here are some specifics to keep in mind when deciding how to arrange and store your favorite jewels:
- Store each piece separately in a fabric- or satin-lined jewelry case to avoid scratches, tangles, or chemical reactions between metals. Different precious metals should never touch when stored.
- Pearls can even be scratched by microscopic crystals in everyday dust. A satin lining is ideal for storing pearls to protect their delicate surface.
- Silver is often sold in customized anti-tarnish bags or protective cloth covers. These can also be purchased online or at your local fabric shop.
- Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to dull jewelry and surface corrosion.
- The sun is hard on many stones. Amethyst, topaz, and pink conch-shell cameos are prone to fading with prolonged sun exposure, so always store them away from light and heat.
- Gems are best kept away from extremes of heat and cold. For example, remove fine jewelry when cooking or using heated appliances.
- Gemological experts recommend removing rings—yes, even wedding and engagement rings—before gardening or cleaning. They also caution against removing jewelry in public places, where it may be lost or misplaced.
With just a few mindful habits, proper storage can help maintain jewelry and prevent discoloration, dullness, and long-term damage.
Common Jewelry Care Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, improper care can lead to permanent damage. Here are common jewelry care mistakes to watch out for:
- Avoid wearing jewelry while showering, cooking, swimming, or working out. Water, heat, and chemicals can damage metals and loosen settings.
- Never use toothpaste, baking soda, or other abrasive cleaners. These can scratch and wear down delicate surfaces.
- Hand sanitizers, perfumes, and lotions can dull diamonds and discolor rings, especially those made with white gold or sterling silver.
- Don’t toss all your jewelry in one box. Store them properly to prevent scratches and chemical interactions.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners on pearls or porous stones without checking with a trusted jeweler first.
The best way to keep jewelry sparkling is with gentle handling and proper care at all times.
Professional Diamond Cleaning and More
The Diamond Vault offers professional jewelry cleaning on-site, ensuring each piece is handled with expert care. We also provide consultations and professional inspections to identify issues like loose prongs or worn settings before they become problems.
We specialize in re-pronging or re-setting diamond rings and gemstone jewelry, as well as pearl restringing to keep your strands secure and elegant. As your trusted jeweler, we’re also proud to help you insure your jewelry for peace of mind.
Visit us for professional diamond cleaning, repair services, or advice on how to maintain jewelry at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep my jewelry from tarnishing?
Store pieces in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth-lined box, and keep them away from moisture, light, and heat. Avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals.
What is the best way to store jewelry?
To maintain jewelry in its best condition, use a fabric-lined case, store each piece separately, and avoid humid areas. Keep out of sunlight to prevent fading in gemstones.
How often should I clean my jewelry?
Clean at home monthly using the proper materials, and visit your local jeweler for professional cleaning at least once a year.
Can I clean diamonds at home?
Yes, with warm water and a few drops of dish soap or ammonia. Use a soft brush and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Why do pearls need restringing?
Over time, the silk thread wears out. Restringing keeps the pearls secure and helps maintain their shape and beauty.
Is ultrasonic cleaning safe for all jewelry?
No. Ultrasonic cleaners can damage pearls and some gemstones. Check with a trusted jeweler before using one.