How to Take the Best Care of the Pieces You Wear Most
Fine jewelry is made to be worn.
That's one of the things that makes it different from so many other valuable possessions. A good piece of jewelry shouldn't spend its life sitting in a box.
But wearing jewelry every day does mean it needs a little attention.
The good news is that most jewelry care is pretty simple.
Take Your Jewelry Off When It Makes Sense
You don't have to be afraid to wear your jewelry. But there are certain situations where taking it off is a very good idea.
Swimming, for example, is one.
Chlorine and other chemicals can be hard on certain metals and gemstones. Salt water isn't particularly kind to jewelry either, and there's always the added risk of losing a ring in the water.
The gym is another good example. Sweat itself isn't necessarily the problem. It's the combination of moisture, chemicals, equipment and impact.
And when you're doing household cleaning, removing your jewelry can save you from exposing it to chemicals that may damage metals or gemstones.
Towels, sheets, blankets, pets and toddlers all love to snag your jewelry, too. Using caution wearing jewelry around them is wise.
Your Engagement Ring Doesn't Need to Go Everywhere You Do
We know. Easier said than done.
Your engagement ring is probably one of the things you wear most consistently, so it's easy to forget that it can still be vulnerable to damage.
If you're gardening, moving furniture, doing heavy yard work or working with your hands, consider taking it off.
A ring can survive a lot—but prongs can bend, stones can loosen and metal can become scratched.
Give Your Jewelry a Regular Cleaning
Dirt and oils from your skin can build up on jewelry over time and make even a beautiful piece look dull.
For many pieces, gentle cleaning at home with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush can help.
But be careful: not every gemstone should be cleaned the same way.
Some stones are more delicate, porous or sensitive to heat and chemicals. That's one reason professional cleaning and inspection are still important. When in doubt, bring it to your jeweler.
Don't Forget the Inspection
This is one of the easiest things to overlook.
A ring can look perfectly fine while a prong is beginning to wear or a stone is starting to loosen.
Regular inspections give a jeweler an opportunity to spot those problems before they become bigger—and potentially much more expensive—problems.
For jewelry you wear every day, a periodic professional inspection is a smart habit.
Store Jewelry Carefully
When you're not wearing your jewelry, don't simply toss everything into one drawer.
Harder gemstones and metals can scratch softer ones, and chains have an uncanny ability to find one another and become tangled.
Keep pieces separated when possible. A jewelry box with individual compartments or soft pouches works well.
And if you have particularly valuable or delicate pieces, give them a little extra protection.
Be Careful With Home Remedies
The internet is full of jewelry-cleaning hacks. Some are harmless. Others aren't.
Toothpaste, abrasive cleaners and other household products can scratch metal or damage certain gemstones. “Natural” doesn't automatically mean safe for jewelry.
If you're not sure, ask. That's what your jeweler is there for.
A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
The best thing you can do for your jewelry is actually pretty simple: wear it, enjoy it, and pay attention to it.
If something looks different, feels loose, catches on clothing or doesn't seem quite right, don't ignore it.
A five-minute conversation with your jeweler can sometimes prevent a much bigger repair later.
And every so often, bring your favorite pieces in for a professional cleaning and inspection. It's one of the easiest ways to keep the jewelry you love looking—and wearing—its best for years to come.
Final Thoughts
If you're unsure how to care for a particular piece or gemstone, bring it in. We'd much rather answer a question than help fix a later problem. We're also happy to explain the benefits of insuring your jewelry against theft or loss versus securing a care plan that protects against accidental damage
