Jewellery can last for years when you know how to care for it. Whether you wear gold hoops every day, layer delicate necklaces or save your statement pieces for special occasions, a few simple habits can help prevent tarnishing, scratches and unnecessary damage.
The good news is that caring for your jewellery does not require an elaborate routine. Small changes to how you wear, clean and store your pieces, depending on what kind of jewelry they are can make a noticeable difference. Here are seven habits worth adopting.
Put Your Jewellery on Last
Your skincare and beauty routine should come before your jewellery. Perfume, moisturiser, sunscreen, makeup and hairspray can leave residue on metal and gemstones, dulling their appearance or damaging certain finishes over time.
Make it a habit to get ready first and put on your jewellery last. Allow your beauty products to dry before wearing your favourite pieces, especially gold-plated and gold vermeil jewellery, which need extra care to preserve their finish.
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Take Your Jewellery Off Before Showering or Swimming
As tempting as it may be to leave your everyday necklace or bracelet on, water exposure is not ideal for every type of jewellery. Soap and shampoo can leave residue, while chlorine and salt water can damage certain metals, coatings and gemstones.
Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming or taking a dip in the sea. This is particularly important for gold-plated pieces, pearls and jewellery with delicate settings. Even if a piece is made from solid gold or stainless steel, its clasps, stones or other components may still be vulnerable.
Keep Your Jewellery Dry
Sweat and moisture can affect the appearance and longevity of some jewellery, particularly sterling silver and pieces with plated finishes. In hot or humid weather, this is a habit worth paying attention to.
After wearing your jewellery, gently wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove sweat, oils and product residue. Make sure each piece is completely dry before putting it away. Avoid leaving jewellery on bathroom counters, where steam and humidity can encourage tarnishing.
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Store Every Piece Properly
Throwing all your jewellery into one box might seem convenient, but it can lead to tangled chains, scratched surfaces and damaged settings. Different metals and gemstones can scratch one another, particularly when stored together without protection.
Instead, use a jewellery box with separate compartments or keep individual pieces in soft pouches. Fasten necklaces before storing them to reduce tangling, and lay delicate chains flat where possible.
Keep your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Sterling silver benefits from tarnish-resistant storage, while pearls should be kept in a soft pouch away from harder pieces that could scratch their surfaces.
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Take Your Jewellery Off Before Bed
Sleeping in your jewellery may save you a few minutes in the morning, but it can also put unnecessary strain on your favourite pieces. Chains can become tangled or break, clasps can bend, and earrings may catch on your bedding.
Removing your jewellery before bed is especially helpful for delicate necklaces, bracelets and pieces with intricate settings. It also gives you an opportunity to wipe away the oils and sweat that have accumulated throughout the day.
If you prefer to wear certain pieces daily, make taking them off part of your evening routine rather than waiting until they become uncomfortable.
Check Your Jewellery Regularly
Jewellery can develop small problems that are easy to overlook until something breaks or goes missing. A loose clasp, stretched chain or weakened stone setting can put your favourite piece at risk.
Take a moment to inspect your jewellery every so often. Check that necklace and bracelet clasps close securely, look out for damaged links and pay attention to rings or earrings with stones that appear loose.
For valuable pieces, particularly diamond rings, heirloom jewellery and frequently worn necklaces, consider periodic professional inspections. A jeweller can identify worn settings and make repairs before they lead to more significant damage.
Know When to Call a Professional
Not every piece of jewellery should be cleaned at home. While a soft cloth and mild soap may be suitable for some solid gold or sterling silver pieces, antique jewellery, delicate gemstones and intricate designs may require specialist care.
Pearls, for example, should never be cleaned with harsh chemicals or abrasive products. Similarly, some gemstones can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners, while aggressive polishing may wear away the finish on plated jewellery.
If you are unsure how to clean a particular piece, check the manufacturer’s care instructions or ask a qualified jeweller. It is better to seek advice than risk damaging a piece that may be difficult or expensive to restore.
Make Jewellery Care Part of Your Routine
Keeping your jewellery in good condition comes down to consistency. Putting your pieces on last, removing them before swimming, wiping them down after wear and storing them properly can help preserve their appearance over time.
You do not have to save your favourite jewellery for special occasions to make it last. You simply need to understand what each piece requires and give it the care it deserves.