How to Care for Your Jewellery: Everyday Tips to Keep Your Favourite Pieces Beautiful

Jewellery Care Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "How do I look after my jewellery?"

The good news is that caring for your jewellery doesn't need to involve expensive products or complicated routines. In fact, a few simple everyday habits will do far more to keep your pieces sparkling than the latest cleaning gadget.

Whether it's an engagement ring you wear every day, a favourite pair of earrings or a treasured heirloom, these are a few simple tips I share with my own clients.

1. Your Jewellery Should Be the Finishing Touch (Put Your Jewellery On Last)

If you only remember one thing, make it this.

When you're getting ready, your jewellery should be the very last thing you put on. That means after you've applied your makeup, moisturiser, perfume, hairspray and any other beauty products.

Many cosmetics contain chemicals, oils and alcohol that can leave residue on gemstones and precious metals. Over time, this can dull their sparkle and build up underneath gemstone settings.

At the end of the day, do the reverse.

Take your jewellery off first, before removing your makeup, washing your hands, changing clothes or starting the evening chores.

It's a simple habit that can significantly reduce unnecessary wear.

2. Please Don't Shower With Your Jewellery

I know it's tempting, especially if you wear your favourite pieces every day, but I really don't recommend showering with your jewellery on.

Soap, shampoo and conditioners leave behind residue that gradually reduces the brilliance of gemstones. More importantly, that residue can build up underneath settings where it's difficult to remove without professional cleaning.

Swimming pools present another problem. Chlorine can gradually damage certain precious metals, while hot tubs, spas and salt water all expose jewellery to unnecessary wear.

Your jewellery deserves a break while you shower.

3. Avoid Sleeping in Jewellery (Your Jewellery Needs Rest Too)

Another habit many people don't think about is wearing jewellery to bed.

Chains can become tangled or kinked while you sleep.

Rings may catch on bedding and claws or settings may slowly bend over time.

Even earrings can press against the ear and become uncomfortable.

If a piece is especially precious or something you wear every day, giving it a few hours' rest overnight is one of the easiest ways to extend its life.

4. Store Each Piece Separately (Store with Care)

One of the biggest causes of scratches isn't wearing your jewellery.

It's storing it.

Diamonds, sapphires and many other gemstones are surprisingly hard. When pieces are stored together inside a jewellery box, they can rub against one another, leading to scratches on softer gemstones or precious metals.

I always recommend storing each piece separately in a small zip-lock bag or in a soft pouch.

A soft pouch is perfect, or even a small zip-lock bag for rings or earrings if you're travelling or organising your collection.

If you have a jewellery box, choose one with separate lined compartments so pieces don't touch each other.

It's also best to store jewellery somewhere cool and dry, away from bathrooms where humidity is high and away from direct sunlight, which can cause certain gemstones to fade over time.

5. Clean Jewellery Carefully

There's a lot of advice online about ultrasonic cleaners.

They can be very effective, but they're not suitable for every gemstone.

Fragile or porous stones such as opals, pearls, emeralds and some treated gemstones may be damaged by ultrasonic cleaning or harsh chemicals.

Different gemstones require different care, which is why it's always worth checking before using any cleaning device or solution.

If you're ever unsure, it's safer to ask than to risk damaging a treasured piece.

6. Don't Forget Professional Check-ups (Your Jewellery Needs Regular Check-ups)

Even if your jewellery still looks beautiful, it should be professionally inspected from time to time.

This is especially important for pieces you wear every day.

During a professional inspection, your jeweller can check that the gemstones remain secure, examine claws and settings for wear and tear, clean areas that are difficult to reach at home and identify small issues before they become expensive repairs.

A simple check-up can help prevent the disappointment of losing a gemstone.

A Few Small Habits Make a Big Difference

Jewellery is made to be worn and enjoyed, not hidden away.

With just a few simple habits—putting your jewellery on last and taking it off first, storing it properly and having it professionally checked every so often—you'll help your favourite pieces stay beautiful for many years to come.

If you're ever unsure how to care for a particular gemstone or piece of jewellery, feel free to ask during your next visit to the showroom. I'm always happy to help.

Further Reading

• Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Jewellery Care and Cleaning Guide.

• American Gem Society (AGS). Jewellery Care Tips.

• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Gem and Mineral Care Information.

• International Gem Society (IGS). Gemstone Care and Cleaning Guides.

• CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemstone and Jewellery Care Recommendations.

Prefer to Watch?

If you'd like a quick recap of these jewellery care tips, here are the 3 videos I posted on Instagram where I talk through them.

Part 1
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNiU2r0y1r9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Part 2
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNkv1l-S-Y3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Part 3
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNng0kEyL_u/utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==