Jewellery Care 101: Do's & Don'ts with Maintenance Tips

Jewellery is more than just an ornament; it is often a symbol of precious memories, self-gifted, investment, traditions, and individual style. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a recently purchased piece, maintaining your jewellery in pristine condition is essential to ensure its longevity and sparkle.

But over time, all fine jewellery begins to lose its shine. Gold and other metals like silver will eventually tarnish. Deposits of debris and daily grime will cause gemstones to look dull and dirty.

In this complete guide to jewellery care 101, we find out the do's and don’ts of jewellery maintenance and offer valuable tips to help you care for your treasured items.

The Importance of Proper jewellery Care

Before getting into the clear tips and tricks of jewellery care 101, it is vital to understand why proper care is important. Over time, dirt, dust, and environment pollution can store up on your jewellery, dulling its shine and potentially causing damage. Furthermore, improper storage or avoid to harsh chemicals can lead to tarnishing, scratching, and other forms of wear and tear. You can protect your investment by utilising a few simple care practices and keep your pieces looking their best.

Do’s of jewellery Care

Following daily jewellery cleaning tips and jewellery care, best practices can preserve the life of your jewellery and keep it looking great for many years.

1. Clean Your jewellery Regularly

• Cleaning your jewellery regularly is one of the best ways to keep it looking polished. For gold jewellery and silver jewellery, use a gentle jewellery cleaner or a soft cloth. For gemstones, use a solution recommended for specific gem types.

• Tip: A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth after each wear can prevent dirt and oils from being stored up for everyday pieces.

2. Do Store Your jewellery Properly

• Proper storage is crucial to prevent your jewellery from becoming tangled or scratched. To avoid contact, use a jewellery box with individual pieces or soft pouches for each piece.

• Tip: Separate your ornaments by type rings, necklaces, and bracelets to minimise damage and make it easier to find your favourite items.

3. Do Remove Your jewellery Properly

• Always remove your jewellery before engaging in activities that could damage it, such as exercising, swimming, or doing household chores. Chemicals in cleaning products, perfumes, and even sweat can stain or damage delicate pieces.

• Tip: Create a designated spot to store your jewellery while you’re doing exercises to prevent misplacement.

4. Do Have Your jewellery Professionally Checked and Cleaned

• Just like your car needs routine maintenance, your jewellery requires professional care. Consider taking your pieces to a jeweller for a cleaning and check every 6 to 12 months to ensure everything is secure and in good condition, like stone-based jewellery.

• Tip: Ask your jeweller about any specific care recommendations based on the types of stones and metals used in your jewellery.

5. Do Be Aware of Extreme Conditions

• Protect your jewellery from extreme heat or sudden humidity changes. High temperatures can weaken the settings, while excess moisture can promote tarnish or rust.

• Tip: Store your jewellery in a safe environment, free from excessive humidity and direct sunlight.

Don’ts of jewellery Care

The following sections should be avoided, and outcomes can preserve the life of your jewellery and keep it looking great for many years.

1. Don’t Wear Your jewellery While Swimming

• Chlorine in swimming pools can cause severe damage to metals and stones. Wearing your jewellery while swimming will certainly cause tarnish and other damage.

• Tip: Make it a habit to remove your jewellery before you head to the pool or beach.

2. Don’t Use Harmful Chemicals

• Avoid harmful chemicals in your jewellery. Moreover, don't use household cleaning products like baking soda, lime juice, strong toothpaste, lotions, and perfumes. These substances can dull the shine and damage soft stones and designs.

• Tip: If you need cleaning products, put your jewellery away in a safe place until you’re done.

3. Don’t Overlook Stone Designs

• If you notice any damage, such as a loose stone, a bent clasp, or a scratched surface, check it immediately to prevent further damage. Ignoring these issues can lead to the complete loss of valuable pieces, especially for stone jewells.

• Tip: Keep an eye out for wear and tear, and don’t neglect to seek a replacement or new stone fixer from your trusted jeweller.

4. Don’t Store jewellery in the bathroom

• The bathroom is often moist due to showers and baths, which can damage metals and gemstones. To prolong its life, avoid storing your jewellery in the bathroom.

• Tip: Choose a more stable and less moist environment for storage, like a bedroom or closet.

5. Don’t Keep Multiple Pieces Together

• Storing several pieces of jewellery together without protection can lead to scratching and tangling. Chains can get knotted, and harder metals can damage softer gemstones.

• Tip: Use individual purses or boxes for each item to keep them safe from scratches and tangling.

General Maintenance Tips for Different Types of jewellery

Gold jewellery

• Use a solution of mild dish soap and warm water for cleaning.

• Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to remove dirt.

• Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.

Silver jewellery

• Clean with a silver polishing cloth to restore shine.

• Store in anti-tarnish pouches or cloths to prevent tarnishing.

• If tarnishing occurs, use a silver cleaner according to product instructions.

Gemstone jewellery

• Check with your jeweller for specific cleaning methods based on the type of gemstone.

• Most soft gemstones like opals and pearls should not be submerged in water; instead, clean using a slightly damp cloth.

• Avoid exposing delicate stones to chemicals or excessive heat.

Diamond jewellery

• Clean with a solution of mild detergent and water.

• Scrub gently with a toothbrush to reach behind the stone and remove oils.

• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.

Every jewellery Deserves the Best At JCS: Invest in Care, Enjoy the Shine

 JCS Jewellers is committed to providing high-quality jewellery that deserves the best care. Our stunning new arrivals are in gold, diamonds, and gemstones. That offers a blend of richness and timelessness. Each statement piece will tell a new story. Remember to take great care of each piece to keep the sparkle alive for years.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding jewellery care 101 is essential for preserving the beauty and longevity of your cherished pieces. By following the do’s and don’ts highlighted in this guide, you can keep your jewellery looking as radiant as the day you bought it. Regular maintenance, proper storage, and careful handling are essential to ensure your pieces will be treasured for generations.

FAQs

1. How often should I clean my jewellery?

For daily wear items, a quick clean with a soft cloth after each usage is recommended. Consider a more thorough cleaning once a month and a check yearly.

2. Can I use toothpaste to clean my jewellery?

It’s best to avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive and cause scratches on certain metals and stones. Stick to a mild soap and water solution.

3. How can I tell if my jewellery needs professional cleaning?

If your jewellery looks dull or has visible dirt buildup, or if you notice loose stones or damaged settings, it’s time for professional care.

4. Is it safe to wear jewellery in the shower?

It’s generally best to remove jewellery before showering, especially finer pieces that may be damaged by steam and harsh soaps.

5. What should I do if my jewellery becomes tarnished?

Try cleaning with a solution designed for the specific metal type for tarnished items. If unsure, consult a jeweller for the best cleaning products and methods.