How to Take Care Jewellery: A Simple Guide to Keep It Sparkling

Jewellery isn’t just something you wear — it’s a keepsake of cherished moments, a symbol of life’s milestones, and a reflection of your personal story. Whether it’s a gold necklace passed down through generations or your go-to pair of silver hoops, taking proper care of your jewellery can keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

In this blog, we’ll share practical tips on how to take care jewellery at home, the dos and don’ts of storage and cleaning, and how to handle different materials like gold, silver, and gemstones. Let’s get started!

1. Why Jewellery Care Is Important

Jewellery, especially fine and semi-fine pieces, is often made from delicate materials that can tarnish, scratch, or dull over time. Everyday exposure to sweat, lotions, perfumes, and even air can affect how your jewellery looks and feels.

Proper care helps you:

Preserve the shine and colour
Avoid damage or loss of stones
Extend the life of each piece
Keep sentimental items in great shape

With just a few good habits, your jewellery will stay as lovely as the day you bought it.

2. Daily Habits That Make a Big Difference

Sometimes, it’s the small things you do every day that matter most. Here are some simple habits to protect your jewellery:

Take It Off Before You Shower or Swim

Water, especially chlorinated or salty water, can damage both metals and gemstones. It’s best to remove jewellery before showering, swimming, or even washing dishes.

Avoid Contact with Lotions, Perfumes & Makeup

Cosmetics and skincare products contain chemicals that can dull metals and harm delicate stones. Apply them first, then wear your jewellery after everything is dry.

Clean Hands First

Oils and dirt from your hands can transfer easily to jewellery. If you’ve been cooking, gardening, or applying creams, wash your hands before touching your pieces.

Take It Off Before Sleeping

Sleeping with rings, chains, or earrings on can cause bending, pulling, or even breakage. Make it a habit to take off all jewellery before bedtime.

3. Proper Jewellery Storage

How and where you store your jewellery can affect its condition just as much as how you wear it.

Store Separately

Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or compartment. This helps avoid scratches and knots, which are common when delicate pieces like fine chains or dainty earrings rub against each other.

Avoid Humidity

Humidity causes metals like silver to tarnish faster. Use a jewellery box with anti-tarnish lining or place a silica gel packet inside to absorb moisture.

Use the Right Storage for Each Type

Necklaces: Hang them or lay flat to avoid tangling.
Rings & Earrings: Use soft-lined slots or trays.
Delicate items: Wrap in soft cloth or tissue for extra protection.

4. How to Clean Jewellery at Home

Even with the best care, jewellery can still lose its shine. But you don’t always need to visit a professional cleaner. Here’s how to clean different types safely at home:

Gold Jewellery

Mix: A few drops of mild dish soap in warm water.
Soak: For 15–20 minutes.
Brush: Gently with a soft toothbrush.
Rinse: With clean water.
Dry: With a soft, lint-free cloth.

Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard — gold is soft and scratches easily.

Silver Jewellery

Use a silver polishing cloth for regular maintenance.
For deeper cleaning, mix baking soda and water into a paste and gently rub with a cloth.
Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Pro tip: Store silver in airtight bags to slow down tarnishing.

Gemstones

Different stones have different needs, but in general:

Use mild soap and warm water.
Avoid soaking porous stones like opals, turquoise, or pearls.
Never use ultrasonic cleaners on delicate or soft gems.

If you’re unsure, check with your jeweller before cleaning.

5. Special Care for Pearls and Delicate Pieces

Pearls are especially sensitive to chemicals and moisture. To keep them in top shape:

Wipe them gently with a soft cloth after each wear.
Store flat in a soft pouch or lined box.
Avoid hanging pearl necklaces to prevent stretching of the string.

For all delicate or antique pieces, less is more. Gentle handling and cleaning are key.

6. When to Visit a Professional Jeweller

While home care works for regular maintenance, some situations call for a professional’s touch. Visit a trusted jeweller for:

Annual deep cleaning
Re-stringing pearls
Prong or stone setting checks
Repairs, resizing, or polishing

If a piece is valuable or sentimental, don’t risk DIY fixes. Professionals have the right tools and knowledge to do it safely.

7. Quick Jewellery Care Checklist

Here’s a quick summary you can save or screenshot:

Remove before water, lotions, or makeup
Store in a cool, dry place
Use soft cloths for cleaning
Keep items separated
Visit a jeweller once a year

8. Conclusion

Jewellery care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming — with just a few mindful habits and a little tender loving care (TLC), you can preserve the beauty and brilliance of your favourite pieces for years to come. Simple routines like gently cleaning your jewellery after wearing it, storing it properly in soft pouches or dedicated boxes, and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals or excessive moisture can make a significant difference in maintaining their sparkle and preventing damage. By protecting your pieces from everyday wear and tear — whether it’s the subtle scratches from daily use or the buildup of dirt and oils — you ensure that each item continues to shine just as brilliantly as the day you first wore it.

Taking care of your jewellery is more than just a practical step; it’s a meaningful way to honour the stories, memories, and emotions that each piece carries. Whether it’s a treasured family heirloom passed down through generations, a gift that marks a special occasion, or your latest statement ring that reflects your personal style, maintaining your jewellery shows respect for its craftsmanship and the moments it represents. Over time, these pieces become more than just accessories — they become keepsakes that tell your story. By investing a little care and attention, you’re preserving not just the physical beauty of your jewellery but also its sentimental value, allowing you to enjoy and pass down these precious items for many years ahead.