Care Guide

For Lasting Brilliance

Jewelry Care Guide

Simple, lasting habits to clean, store and protect your gold, silver, diamond and pearl jewelry — so every piece keeps its shine for years to come.

Why It Matters

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Your jewelry comes into contact with sweat, lotion, perfume and air every single day, and over time this can lead to tarnishing, dullness and loose stones. This jewelry care guide walks you through everything you need to clean, store and maintain your pieces correctly — by metal, by gemstone, and for everyday wear.

Care Basics

Daily Do's and Don'ts

Do

  • Wipe jewelry with a soft, dry cloth after every wear
  • Remove jewelry before sleeping, exercising, swimming or showering
  • Store each piece separately to prevent scratches
  • Put jewelry on after applying makeup, perfume and hairspray
  • Have prongs and clasps checked once a year

Don't

  • Expose jewelry to chlorine, saltwater or harsh chemicals
  • Use toothpaste, baking soda or rough materials to clean delicate pieces
  • Pile multiple pieces together in one box or pouch
  • Wear jewelry while doing household chores or gardening
  • Leave jewelry in direct sunlight or a humid bathroom
By Material

How to Clean Each Type of Jewelry

Every metal and stone calls for its own kind of care. Here's how to look after the pieces you wear most.

Gold Jewelry

  • Soak in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap
  • Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush
  • Avoid soaking gold-plated pieces — wipe dry instead

Silver Jewelry

  • Polish often with a dedicated silver cloth
  • Store in an airtight pouch with an anti-tarnish strip
  • Keep away from humidity and perfume

Diamond Jewelry

  • Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush
  • Avoid steam cleaners on delicate or antique settings
  • Have prongs checked yearly to keep stones secure

Gemstone Jewelry

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth instead of soaking
  • Skip ultrasonic cleaners for soft stones like opal or emerald
  • Keep away from direct heat and sunlight

Pearl Jewelry

  • Wipe gently after each wear — never soak
  • Put pearls on last, after perfume has dried
  • Store flat in a soft pouch, away from other jewelry

Fashion / Artificial Jewelry

  • Keep away from water and moisture
  • Store in a dry, airtight box or pouch
  • Coat the inside of rings with clear nail polish to slow tarnish
Quick Steps

Cleaning Gold Jewelry at Home

  1. Soak the piece in warm water with a few drops of mild soap for 10–15 minutes
  2. Gently scrub using a soft-bristled brush
  3. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth
Storage & Habits

Protect Every Piece, Every Day

Smart Storage

  • Use a box with separate compartments or soft pouches
  • Keep chains fastened or laid flat to prevent tangling
  • Add anti-tarnish strips or silica packets to your storage box
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity
  • Use a travel case to avoid scratches and tangling on the go

Everyday Habits

  • Remove rings before washing dishes or applying hand cream
  • Take off jewelry before workouts, swimming or sleeping
  • Apply perfume and lotion before putting jewelry on, not after
  • Check clasps and prongs regularly to catch wear early
  • Wipe pieces down gently at the end of each day
Professional Care

When to See a Jeweler

Even with great care at home, jewelry benefits from a professional look now and then. Most jewelers recommend a check-up once a year, especially for pieces you wear often — and sooner if you notice any of the signs below.

  • Loose or bent prongs
  • Tarnish that home cleaning won't remove
  • A clasp that feels weak or sticky
  • Gold-plated pieces that have started to fade
FAQ

Common Jewelry Care Questions

How often should I clean my jewelry?

For pieces you wear daily, wipe them gently after each use and do a deeper clean every 2 to 4 weeks. Jewelry you wear only occasionally just needs a clean before and after each wear.

Can I clean my jewelry with toothpaste?

It's best to avoid toothpaste, as it can scratch softer metals and stones. Use warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft brush instead.

Is it safe to wear jewelry while sleeping?

It's better to take jewelry off before bed. Sleeping in rings, bracelets and necklaces can bend prongs, tangle chains and stress delicate settings over time.

How do I stop silver jewelry from tarnishing so quickly?

Store silver in an airtight pouch with an anti-tarnish strip, keep it away from humidity and perfume, and polish it regularly with a dedicated silver cloth.

Can I wear my jewelry in the shower or while swimming?

No, it's best to remove all jewelry before showering or swimming. Chlorine, soap and saltwater can dull metal finishes and loosen stone settings.

How do I clean diamond jewelry at home?

Soak the piece in warm water with a little mild soap for 10 to 15 minutes, gently brush with a soft-bristled brush, then rinse and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Why does my gold-plated jewelry fade or change color?

Gold plating is a thin layer that wears down with friction, moisture and chemicals like perfume or lotion. Wiping it dry after wear and avoiding water helps it last longer.

How should I store multiple jewelry pieces together?

Keep each piece in its own compartment or soft pouch. Storing pieces together can cause scratches, tangled chains and faster tarnishing from metal-on-metal contact.

Can perfume or lotion damage my jewelry?

Yes, the chemicals in perfume, lotion and hairspray can dull metal surfaces and cloud certain gemstones. Apply these products first, then put your jewelry on afterward.

When should I get my jewelry professionally checked or cleaned?

Aim for a professional check once a year, or sooner if you notice loose prongs, a weak clasp, heavy tarnish, or fading on gold-plated pieces.