Jewellery Care 101: How To Ensure Your Collection Lasts A Lifetime
Jewellery is a vital element to any modern man’s wardrobe, often the final touch that elevates your entire ensemble. As such, you must keep them in excellent condition so they last your lifetime (and even beyond). Carry on reading for more.
When you care for your jewellery pieces at home, it ensures they retain their beautiful sparkle—whether they are vintage or new, everyday favourites, a treasured heirloom or even an engagement ring (which may not be traditional for men, but is a current growing trend).
Jewellery care can vary almost as much as your unique favourite pieces, and it is worth getting to know the best routines for your own collection. In the following points, I have outlined the best care tips for each type of jewellery, along with important steps to prevent long-term wear.
Storing Jewellery Safely
Investing in proper storage to protect your jewellery from scratches, moisture, and unnecessary exposure to sunlight or chemicals can be a game-changer, helping extend the life of your priceless accessories.
Always separate individual pieces (especially chains, rings, and gemstone-studded items) to avoid tangling and surface wear. Choose a jewellery box with separate compartments, or store each item in a soft pouch or tissue paper. Additionally, all of your pieces should be stored away from direct sunlight—gemstones like amethyst, opal, and topaz can fade or darken when exposed to light for extended periods.
General Cleaning Tips For All Jewellery
Practising routine cleaning will keep your jewellery free from skin oils, cosmetics and built-up grime. For the majority of metals and gemstones:
- Mix a few drops of mild, fragrance-free soap (such as Castile or dish soap) in warm water.
- Briefly soak the jewellery, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cloth to gently clean each piece.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free or microfibre cloth in order to prevent water marks.
It is essential to avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive pads, alcohol wipes, and strong household cleaners, as they can easily harm both metals and stones. To remove stubborn tarnish on silver, use specialist silver polish wipes or liquid products as a safe-at-home option.
Cleaning Tips For Specific Jewellery Types
Even though you are conducting regular general cleaning for all the jewellery in your collection, some items may require a little more care and attention.
Here are a few tips I’ve mapped out for different jewellery types to ensure they always look their absolute best.
Gold And Gold-Plated Jewellery
- Soap and chemicals can dull or discolour gold finishes; therefore, make sure you remove gold jewellery before showering, swimming, or applying lotions and perfumes.
- Store gold-plated items in airtight bags or pouches to minimise wear and reduce exposure to air.
- Polish gold with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning cloth between deeper cleans, and always dry thoroughly.
Silver And Silver-Plated Jewellery
- Silver will inevitably darken and tarnish over time, but gently polishing with a soft, lint-free cloth can lift the tarnish and restore shine.
- For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution and avoid abrasive cleaning agents.
- Store silver items in cool, dry places, such as in anti-tarnish pouches or sealed containers for extra protection.
- Wear your silver jewellery whenever possible! Regular wear will create a ‘buffing’ effect that slows the tarnish process over time.
Gemstone And Pearl Jewellery
- For gemstone jewellery, it is essential that you use only mild soap, water, and soft cloths. Always avoid immersing porous gems (such as opals, emeralds, or turquoise) in water for extended periods, as it can cause heavy damage.
- Pearls and other organic gems should be wiped gently after each wear with a soft, damp cloth. Always store them flat in soft, lined boxes (whenever possible) instead of hanging, which can help to prevent the strands from stretching.
- Steer clear of ultrasonic cleaners and exposure to high temperatures or sunlight.
Engagement Ring Care
Engagement rings generally require more attention, as they are typically worn daily and feature high-profile gemstones.
The following steps will help you preserve your engagement ring and prevent signs of wear over time:
- Always remove your ring during activities and tasks that could expose it to harsh chemicals or physical impact, such as household cleaning, gardening, or exercise (you could also wear gloves to help protect the ring).
- When removing or putting on the ring, always handle the band rather than the stone to limit dirt and oil transfer.
- Regularly clean your engagement ring at home with warm, soapy water and a very soft toothbrush (or specialised tool). First soak, then gently brush away any dirt, rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- It is good practice to remove your ring at night and store it safely in a box (or even a designated bowl), to reduce the risk of prongs loosening or the stone becoming insecure.
- Have your ring cleaned and checked every six months to keep it sparkling and ensure that it is held together securely (they can also repair any loose stones or damaged settings).
Things To Avoid
- Avoid sleeping in any of your jewellery pieces, as friction can loosen the stones and damage the prongs.
- Do not use toothpaste, baking soda or any abrasive materials to clean jewellery (despite many so-called popular “home-remedies” recommending them), as they can scratch the metals and soften the valuable stones.
- Never expose gemstone jewellery to sudden extreme temperatures, as this can cause cracks or permanent damage.
Refreshing Your Jewellery
If one of your beloved pieces is looking particularly tired or the plating has worn thin, many top-quality jewellers offer services to re-plate, polish, or professionally clean your jewellery. This service can bring it back to its original brilliance. For sentimental or high-value pieces, always use a trusted specialist for regular inspection and repair when required.
Following these simple habits will keep your jewellery—whether delicate or robust—looking its best and ready to be enjoyed every day or for special occasions.
What did you think of my jewellery maintenance article? Please let me know in the comments section below.
