Jewelry Care Tips: Keeping Your Pieces Sparkling
Jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a reflection of your style and memories. With regular jewelry maintenance, you can extend the life of your cherished pieces and keep them looking as beautiful as the day you got them.
Here are 10 essential tips for jewelry care, along with specific advice on cleaning and storage to protect different materials. Read on!
General Jewelry Maintenance
Avoid Wearing Jewelry During Exercise
Activities like lifting weights, gardening, or moving furniture can put undue stress on your jewelry. Necklaces may snag, and rings can lose stones from heavy impact or pressure. Always remove your pieces before engaging in physical work or workouts.
Skip the Pool, Hot Tub, or Beach
Chlorine and salt water can tarnish metals like gold and silver and dull the finish of gemstones. Cold water can also shrink your fingers, causing rings to slip off. Store your jewelry in a safe place while enjoying water activities.
Remove Jewelry Before Bed
Sleeping with jewelry on may cause necklaces to tangle and break, and rings with prongs may catch on sheets, risking damage or lost stones. Take your jewelry off and store it securely before going to bed.
Put Jewelry On Last, Take It Off First
Avoid tangling or damage by putting on your jewelry after dressing and styling your hair. Perfumes and makeup can dull the shine of pearls or gold, so wait until you’re fully ready to add your finishing touch.
Cleaning Jewelry at Home
Clean 14K Gold with Gentle Soap and Water
To maintain your gold’s brilliance, soak it in warm water mixed with a drop of dish soap for 10 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub crevices, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Polish Silver to Avoid Tarnish
Silver tarnishes easily, especially in humid environments. Use a silver polishing cloth regularly to remove the tarnish. For a deeper clean, mix baking soda with water into a paste, gently rub it on the surface, rinse, and dry.
Protect Stone-Set Rings with Specific Care
Avoid abrasive cleaners when cleaning rings with gemstones. Instead, use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to remove dirt from under the stone. Consult a professional jeweler for antique or vintage rings.
How to Clean Jewelry with Pearls
Pearls are delicate and require special care. Use a damp, lint-free cloth to wipe them down after wear. Avoid soaking them in water, as this can loosen the string. Store them flat in a soft pouch to prevent scratching.
Storing and Inspections
Store Jewelry Properly by Material
Keep silver in anti-tarnish bags and gold in separate pouches to avoid scratches. Vintage jewelry should be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and stored in a hard box to protect it from environmental damage.
Regular Inspections Are Key
Visit a jeweler for regular jewelry maintenance. Professionals can deep-clean your jewelry, check for weak prongs, and recommend repairs before issues worsen.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Learning how to clean jewelry and care for it properly ensures your pieces retain their shine and longevity. Following these tips for cleaning jewelry at home and maintaining proper storage can save you from costly repairs and replacements.
At Portsmouth Jewelers, we specialize in jewelry care and repairs, from restoring vintage heirlooms to crafting custom designs. Visit our Portsmouth, NH store for professional guidance and to keep your jewelry in its best condition.