Good jewellery is made to be enjoyed for years, and with the right care, many pieces can last a lifetime or even be passed from one generation to the next.
Different metals, gemstones and finishes require different levels of care, but a few simple habits can help protect your jewellery from unnecessary wear and keep it looking its best.
Why Does Jewellery Become Damaged?
All jewellery is subject to everyday wear. Precious metals can become scratched, gemstones can lose their sparkle and more delicate fashion jewellery may tarnish or become damaged more easily.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Chemicals: Perfume, lotions, chlorine and household cleaning products can affect some metals, gemstones and finishes.
- Physical damage: Knocks and scratches from exercise, gardening and everyday activities can damage jewellery and stone settings.
- Moisture: Regular exposure to water and humidity can affect certain metals, finishes and adhesives.
- Poor storage: Keeping jewellery tangled together can lead to scratches, damaged chains and unnecessary wear.
- Sweat and natural oils: These can gradually dull the appearance of metals and gemstones.
- Heat and sunlight: Some gemstones and jewellery materials can be affected by prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight.
Know How to Care for Different Types of Jewellery
Not every piece should be treated in exactly the same way. Understanding what your jewellery is made from is an important part of looking after it correctly.
Gold Jewellery
Gold is durable but can still become scratched or marked through everyday wear.
- Clean gently using warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Avoid chlorine and harsh household chemicals.
- Store pieces separately to help prevent scratches.
- Consider professional cleaning and polishing when required.
White Gold Jewellery
White gold jewellery is often rhodium plated to create its bright white finish. This plating gradually wears with use and may need to be reapplied periodically, depending on how often the piece is worn.
- Avoid chlorine and harsh cleaning products.
- Store separately in a lined jewellery box.
- Have frequently worn pieces professionally checked.
- Have the rhodium finish reapplied when required.
Silver Jewellery
Silver naturally tarnishes over time, particularly when exposed to air and moisture, but regular care can help keep it looking its best.
- Polish gently with a soft, lint-free or specialist silver cloth.
- Take care when using silver cleaning products around gemstones.
- Keep jewellery dry when it isn't being worn.
- Store pieces separately to protect them from scratches.
Platinum and Palladium Jewellery
Platinum and palladium are durable precious metals, although both can develop surface marks through everyday wear.
- Clean gently using mild soap, warm water and a soft brush.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals.
- Store separately from other jewellery.
- Consider professional polishing if you prefer a brighter finish.
Fashion Jewellery
Fashion jewellery can contain a wide variety of materials and finishes, so it's particularly important to follow any care instructions supplied with the piece.
- Keep jewellery clean and dry.
- Apply perfume, hairspray and cosmetics before putting your jewellery on.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep individual pieces separate to prevent scratching and tangling.
Clean and Check Your Jewellery Regularly
Regular care doesn't mean constantly cleaning your jewellery. Gentle cleaning when required can help remove the oils and everyday dirt that gradually build up through wear.
It's also worth having valuable or frequently worn pieces professionally inspected periodically. Clasps, claws and stone settings can all wear over time, and identifying a problem early could help prevent the loss of a gemstone or further damage.
Store Your Jewellery Properly
Good storage is one of the simplest ways to protect your jewellery. Keep pieces somewhere clean and dry, preferably in individual soft pouches or a lined jewellery box with separate compartments.
Keeping necklaces apart can prevent tangling, while separating rings, bracelets and watches helps stop harder materials scratching neighbouring pieces.
Know When to Take Your Jewellery Off
Even jewellery designed for everyday wear benefits from being removed during activities where it could be exposed to unnecessary impact, chemicals or moisture.
At the gym: Exercise equipment can easily scratch or damage rings and bracelets, while perspiration can build up around jewellery.
When swimming: Chlorinated and salt water can affect certain metals, gemstones and jewellery finishes.
When gardening: Soil, tools and physical activity can scratch jewellery or damage stone settings.
When cleaning: Household cleaning products can be harsh on precious metals, gemstones and plated finishes.
When applying cosmetics: Put jewellery on after applying perfume, moisturiser, hairspray and other cosmetic products.
In the shower or bath: Soap and other products can build up on jewellery and dull its appearance, while some materials should not be regularly exposed to water.
Jewellery Cleaning and Maintenance in Hampshire
Sometimes your jewellery needs more than a clean at home. Professional inspection, cleaning, polishing and maintenance can help keep treasured pieces looking their best and identify signs of wear before they become more serious.
Visit David Mellor Jewellers in Hampshire or speak to our teams in Eastleigh, Andover or Totton for advice about caring for your jewellery.
You can also contact our team if you're unsure whether a piece needs professional attention.
