How to Care for Your Jewellery — Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance

You've invested in beautiful pieces. Now protect that investment. Proper care keeps jewellery looking new for years and prevents the kind of tarnishing, scratching, and damage that turns treasured pieces into forgotten ones.

Here's your complete care guide.

Daily Habits That Protect Your Jewellery

Put Jewellery On Last

Apply perfume, lotion, hairspray, and makeup before putting on your jewellery. Chemicals in these products can tarnish metals and dull stones over time.

Take It Off First

At the end of the day, jewellery should be the first thing you remove. This prevents accidental snags, exposure to cleaning products, and sleep-related damage.

Remove Before Water

Showering, swimming, washing dishes — all of these expose jewellery to moisture and chemicals that accelerate wear. Make it a habit to take pieces off before any water activity.

Cleaning Your Jewellery at Home

Gold and Silver Jewellery

1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm (not hot) water
2. Soak the piece for 10-15 minutes
3. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush (a baby toothbrush works perfectly)
4. Rinse under clean running water
5. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is low-maintenance. Simply wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. For stubborn marks, use a tiny amount of mild soap.

Watches

• Wipe the case and bracelet with a slightly damp microfibre cloth
• Never submerge a watch in water unless it's rated for water resistance
• Clean the strap separately — leather straps should be wiped, not soaked

What to Avoid

• Harsh chemicals (bleach, acetone, chlorine)
• Ultrasonic cleaners for delicate or plated pieces
• Abrasive cloths or brushes that can scratch surfaces
• Toothpaste — despite the myth, it's too abrasive for most jewellery

Proper Storage

The Rules

1. Store pieces separately. Metals and stones can scratch each other. Use individual pouches, compartments, or soft cloth wraps.
2. Keep it dry. Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid bathrooms where humidity is high.
3. Use anti-tarnish strips. Drop one into your jewellery box to absorb moisture and slow tarnishing.
4. Close clasps before storing. This prevents chains from tangling and kinking.

Watches

• Keep in a watch box or case with individual cushions
• Don't stack watches on top of each other
• Wind mechanical watches periodically if you're not wearing them regularly

When to Seek Professional Help

Some maintenance is best left to professionals:

• Deep cleaning — a jeweller can restore pieces that home cleaning can't fix
• Replating — gold-plated items will eventually need replating
• Watch servicing — mechanical watches should be serviced every 3-5 years
• Clasp or chain repair — don't attempt DIY repairs on fine chains
• Stone tightening — if a stone feels loose, stop wearing it and get it checked

Quick Reference Card

Material	Clean With	Avoid	Storage
Gold	Warm soapy water	Chlorine, bleach	Soft pouch, separated
Silver	Polishing cloth	Rubber, humidity	Anti-tarnish pouch
Stainless Steel	Damp cloth	Abrasives	Individual slot
Plated	Gentle wipe only	Water soaking	Soft cloth, flat
Watches	Microfibre cloth	Submersion (unless rated)	Watch box

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