Top Tips For Jewelry Care
If you love personalized jewelry as much as we do, you’ll always want to add a sparkle to your everyday look. But what happens when your jewelry loses its luster? Cleaning your jewelry regularly – and properly – helps keep its shine, retain its value, and lengthen its lifespan so you can wear and treasure each piece for years to come. Save yourself the heartache and expensive repairs with these jewelry care tips.
Tip #1: Storage
Proper storage is a must for jewelry care. Keep your jewelry in a clean, dry place to avoid tarnishing and discoloration from oxidation (air). Jewelry boxes, earring stands/holders, and padded ring holders are great options to ensure your jewelry is well-organized and easy to find. When stored carefully with enough space between each piece, you’ll avoid tangling your jewelry or accidentally scratching it against other pieces. If you don’t have a designated storage place, keeping your jewelry in its original packaging or using one of our jewelry travel cases will help minimize accidental damage – plus, they're great for when you travel.
Tip #2: Avoid Lotions, Perfumes, Chemicals
Gold, silver, and gemstones are sensitive to many cosmetics – including lotion, sunscreen, oils, makeup, and perfume. It’s best to remove your jewelry before applying any products, and make sure your skin is dry before putting it back on to avoid discoloration and tarnishing. This applies to cleaning products, too: take off your jewelry if you’re using harsh chemicals, and don’t use these products to clean your jewelry.
Tip #3: Consider Your Environment and Activities
Another best practice for jewelry care is to remove each piece before going to the gym, spa, pool, beach, and even before you shower. Chlorine, moisture, sweat, and skincare products can accumulate and speed up the tarnishing process, which dulls the sparkle of your jewelry. When going to bed, take off any jewelry to avoid accidentally scratching it in your sleep. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t wear it.
Tip #4: DIY Cleaning Method
Wondering how to clean your gold and silver jewelry? Follow these easy, DIY jewelry cleaning tips for pieces with or without gemstones:
- Fill a small bowl with warm water and mix in detergent-free dish soap.
- Soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a clean, soft-bristle toothbrush to remove any residue. Note: to clean silver and vermeil jewelry, skip the soaking altogether and use a lens-safe microfiber cloth to polish up a shine.
- Rinse in warm water, then pat dry with a soft, lens-safe microfiber cloth, and store properly.
You can also purchase our Jewelry Cleaner & Cloth Kit and follow the instructions to remove any natural build-up or dirt from your jewelry.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to take care of your jewelry, you can wear your favorite pieces and treasured heirlooms for many more years. And remember: if you’re not sure about your DIY skills or how to use our jewelry cleaning kit, find a local professional to clean your jewelry for peace of mind. Browse our collection of personalized jewelry today and wear stylish, new pieces with confidence!