Jewelry, though often seen as indestructible, requires careful maintenance to preserve its shine, value, and condition. Whether adorned with precious metals, gemstones, or passed down as family heirlooms, improper care can cause even the most resilient pieces to deteriorate over time. This is especially important now, as rising gold prices prompt many to treat jewelry as valuable investments.
“Jewelry is similar to cars,” said Heather White, jewelry designer and metalsmith. “Both need constant maintenance and proper storage.”
Common habits—like leaving earrings on a bedside table, removing rings before washing hands, or tossing all pieces into one box—can lead to loss, damage, tangling, or scratches.
Know Your Jewelry
Jewelry care isn’t one-size-fits-all. The material, placement on the body, frequency of wear, and delicacy all influence how to maintain each piece. Rings typically endure more daily wear than brooches, for example.
Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for Jewelers of America, advises understanding what type of jewelry you own, since care methods vary widely. Reputable jewelers often provide specific care instructions with purchases, and it’s wise to ask if unsure.
Even basic home cleaning can restore a piece’s luster. Soaking jewelry in lukewarm water with a mild dish soap like Dawn, followed by gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush, removes grime effectively. A light spray of Windex can also clean jewelry but avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners. Non-abrasive toothpaste may work on harder stones but should never be used on delicate gems such as pearls or opals.
Metal Jewelry Care
Different metals need tailored care. Sterling silver tarnishes easily, especially in environments with gas stoves that release sulfur gas, which accelerates tarnishing. Gold, on the other hand, generally withstands showering—unless it’s gold-plated, where the thin gold layer can wear off with friction or chemicals.
To prevent scratches, metals should be stored separately. Emily Cobb, a jewelry designer and instructor, warns that metal rubbing increases surface damage.
Gemstone Maintenance
Gemstones vary in hardness, measured by the Mohs scale from talc (1) to diamond (10). Hard stones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are durable but still require periodic inspection to ensure settings remain secure and stones don’t loosen or fall out.
Softer stones such as pearls and opals demand extra care. Avoid sprays, lotions, and perfumes near them. Pearls should be restrung every few years, while opals must be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent color changes.
“Soap and body lotion buildup can dull a gemstone’s shine,” Cobb explains. “Regular cleaning and removing jewelry before showering help maintain brilliance.”
Watch Care
Luxury watches need routine servicing, but owners should check warranty coverage carefully. Repairs by uncertified technicians may void warranties. Avoid magnets that disrupt watch mechanisms, and clean bands gently with a damp cloth.
Proper Necklace Storage
Necklaces require thoughtful storage to avoid tangles. Simone Paasche, creative director at Spur Jewelry, recommends storing necklaces separately, ideally on hooks, to keep them stationary and untangled.
Social media’s “neckmess” layered necklace trend is popular, but removing necklaces one at a time and closing clasps before storage reduces knots and tangling, advises Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich St. Jewelers.
For travel or temporary storage, plastic zipper bags work, but avoid wrapping necklaces in tissue to prevent accidental disposal.
By understanding the materials and habits best suited for each piece, jewelry owners can protect their treasures, keeping them shining, untangled, and valuable for years to come.
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