Your jewelry’s been with you through thick and thin. While it still looks great, a little care goes a long way to keep it looking its best. Just a few simple routines are all it takes to keep your jewelry clean, shiny and ready to wear anytime. 

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your jewelry lasting longer and what to watch out for.

How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home: Yes, You Can

• Mix a drop of dish soap with warm water and let your jewelry soak for a few minutes.

• Then, grab a soft toothbrush and gently scrub away any dirt. Be gentle while doing so.

• Rinse it well under clean, warm water to wash off all the soap.

• Dry it by patting them with a soft cloth. Something like a microfiber cloth works wonders because it won’t scratch your jewelry.

• Let it air dry completely, especially rings and chains, since moisture trapped in tiny spots can cause tarnish.

• You can use a jewelry polishing cloth and jewelry cleaning solution for an extra bit of shine. Just make sure it’s safe for the type of jewelry you’re cleaning.

• One big tip: avoid harsh cleaners or bleach. These can damage metals and stones.

Good to Know

To keep your jewelry looking its best, here are a few simple habits to stick to:

• Take it off before doing anything that might scratch, bump or damage it.

• Take your jewelry off before going to bed. It’s not worth the risk (or the tangle).

• Keep it far away from chemicals, especially chlorine. If it accidentally gets exposed, give it a quick rinse with clean water.

• Put on your jewelry after you’ve finished applying lotions, perfume or sunscreen. Let all that soak in first.

• Store your pieces separately in a soft-lined box or pouch to avoid tangles and scratches.

• Take your jewelry off when you’re cooking, cleaning or doing the dishes. It’s also a good idea to remove your pieces before showering or swimming. This is because all that heat, water and chemicals can dull metals and damage stones.

• When you’re not wearing it, store your jewelry somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight.

Questions We Get A Lot

How often should my jewelry be cleaned?

If you wear it a lot, giving your jewelry a good clean every 6 months is a solid rule of thumb. Once a year is the bare minimum. A gentle clean at home works for most pieces, but it’s also a good idea to take it to a jeweler every now and then for a professional check-up and deep clean.

Does my jewelry need polishing?

If your piece has a shiny finish, it might start looking a bit dull faster than matte or textured ones. A yearly polish should do the trick if you wear it often. Matte or textured finishes usually hold up longer without it. Just a heads-up: if your jewelry is plated, it might need to be replated after polishing. It’s best to let a jeweler handle polishing and replating to avoid damaging the piece.

How do I keep jewelry from tarnishing?

Keep your jewelry away from moisture, sweat and chemicals including perfume and lotions. All of these can speed up tarnishing. Wipe your pieces gently with a soft cloth after wearing to remove any oils, and store them properly when you’re not wearing them. 

What’s the difference between jewelry cleaning and jewelry polishing?

Cleaning is the process of getting rid of everyday dirt, oils and lotions on your jewelry. You can easily do this at home every six months to keep your jewelry in good shape. On the other hand, professional cleaning, like ultrasonic cleaning, is a deeper clean that’s perfect for diamonds and precious metals. It uses gentle vibrations to shake loose any grime without scratching or damaging your piece. Polishing goes even further. It uses a special polishing wheel to restore your jewelry’s original shine by removing tiny surface marks and dullness. Both professional cleaning and polishing should be done by jewelry experts.

What is the best way to store jewelry?

Keep your jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Use a soft-lined box or pouch and keep pieces separate so they don’t tangle or scratch each other. 

Still have questions?

No problem. Feel free to reach out to us anytime! We’re always happy to help you care for your jewelry the right way.