Your jewellery collection represents more than just accessories—each piece holds memories, emotions, and often significant investment. Whether it's your grandmother's vintage necklace, your engagement ring, or that special pair of earrings you bought to celebrate a milestone, proper jewellery care ensures these treasures remain beautiful for years to come.

Why Jewellery Care Matters

Many people invest hundreds or thousands of pounds in quality jewellery, yet overlook the simple maintenance that can preserve their pieces' beauty and value. Proper care prevents tarnishing, scratches, and damage that can be costly to repair or may even be irreversible.

Essential Jewellery Care Guidelines

Keep Away from Moisture

Water is one of jewellery's biggest enemies. Moisture can cause metals to tarnish, weaken adhesives holding stones in place, and damage delicate components. Always remove your jewellery before:

• Showering or bathing
• Swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water
• Exercising or activities that cause heavy sweating
• Cleaning with harsh chemicals

Remove When Sleeping

Whilst it might seem convenient to never take off your favourite pieces, sleeping in jewellery can cause unnecessary wear and tear. Chains can tangle, prongs can catch on fabrics, and the constant friction against pillows and sheets can cause scratches. Make it a habit to remove your jewellery before bed—your pieces will thank you.

Let Perfumes and Lotions Dry First

Cosmetics, perfumes, and body lotions contain chemicals that can damage jewellery finishes and cause discolouration. The golden rule is to put on your jewellery last, after all beauty products have been applied and had time to dry. This simple step prevents chemical reactions that can permanently alter your jewellery's appearance.

Remove Before Water Activities

Beyond the moisture concern, water activities pose additional risks. Chlorine from pools can actually damage certain metals, whilst natural bodies of water present the risk of losing pieces in sand or murky depths. Ocean water is particularly harsh due to its salt content, which can accelerate corrosion.

Proper Storage is Key

How you store your jewellery when you're not wearing it makes a significant difference in its longevity. Store pieces in a closed bag or box to prevent dust accumulation and minimise exposure to air, which can cause tarnishing. Consider these storage tips:

• Use individual pouches or compartments to prevent pieces from scratching each other
• Keep silver pieces in anti-tarnish bags when possible
• Store jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Consider using silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture

Remove During Physical Activity

Exercise, sports, and physical labour can expose your jewellery to impacts, chemicals from sweat, and potential loss. Your wedding ring might be precious to you, but it's safer in a secure location whilst you're at the gym or working in the garden.

Special Care for Different Types of Jewellery

Pearls

Pearls require extra gentle care as they're organic gems. Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove oils and acids from your skin. Store them separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching.

Silver Jewellery

Silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture. Regular wearing actually helps prevent tarnishing, but when storing silver pieces, use anti-tarnish strips or cloths.

Gold Jewellery

Whilst gold doesn't tarnish like silver, it can still accumulate dirt and oils. Clean gold pieces regularly with mild soap and warm water, using a soft brush for detailed areas.

Gemstone Jewellery

Different gemstones have varying hardness levels and care requirements. Some stones are more porous and susceptible to damage from chemicals or temperature changes. Research the specific care needs of your gemstones.

Regular Maintenance Tips

• Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well) with mild soap and warm water for most pieces
• Professional Cleaning: Have valuable pieces professionally cleaned and inspected annually
• Quick Daily Care: Wipe pieces with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils and fingerprints
• Check Settings: Regularly inspect prongs and settings to ensure stones are secure

When to Seek Professional Help

Whilst regular at-home care handles most maintenance needs, certain situations require professional attention:

• Loose stones or damaged prongs
• Broken clasps or chains
• Severe tarnishing that won't respond to gentle cleaning
• Pieces that haven't been professionally cleaned in over a year

The Bottom Line

Caring for your jewellery doesn't require expensive tools or complicated routines—just consistent, gentle attention. By following these simple guidelines, you'll preserve the beauty and value of your pieces whilst ensuring they can be passed down through generations.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The few extra minutes you spend properly caring for your jewellery today will save you from costly repairs or replacements down the road. Your future self (and your jewellery collection) will thank you for the effort.