Precious Metals
JEWELRY CARE 101: KEEP YOUR PIECES LOOKING FLAWLESS FOR YEARS
A diamond cut is a key factor to consider when choosing your next piece of diamond jewelry.
By Chinwe, Chief Creative Officer
Daily Habits That Extend Jewelry Life
When it comes to treasured possessions, jewelry holds a special place in our lives—not just for its sparkle, but for the memories and milestones it represents. Whether it’s your grandmother’s vintage brooch, your engagement ring, or your favorite pair of minimalist gold hoops, every piece tells a story. But without proper care, even the finest jewelry can tarnish, lose its luster, or get damaged beyond repair.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential jewelry care tips that will help you protect and preserve your pieces, keeping them looking flawless for years to come.
We tend to think of jewelry as resilient, but the truth is—daily wear can dull or damage your most cherished items. These small daily habits make a big impact in protecting your investment.
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Put Jewelry on Last, Take it off First
Your favorite perfume, hairspray, or lotion can contain chemicals that may harm delicate materials. Always apply products before putting on your jewelry to avoid buildup or corrosion. -
Avoid Wearing Jewelry During Certain Activities
Swimming, exercising, cooking, or cleaning can all expose jewelry to moisture, chemicals, and potential trauma. Remove rings and bracelets when doing dishes or applying hand sanitizer to avoid long-term damage. -
Wipe Down After Wear
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away oils, sweat, or makeup residue before storing your pieces. This tiny ritual takes less than a minute but helps prevent long-term tarnish.
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Butterfly Diamond Kids Earrings – 18K Gold
£625 Add to cart -
Constellation Bracelet – Sterling Silver
£1,250 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Love Bubble Earrings – 18K Gold
£5,813 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Tennis Bracelet – Sterling Silver – 12.7ct
£650 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Storage Solutions for Long-Term Sparkle
The way you store your jewelry can be the difference between brilliance and breakage. One of the most underrated jewelry care tips is choosing the right storage method.
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Keep Pieces Separated
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Different metals and stones can scratch each other when stored together. Use a jewelry box with individual compartments, or keep items in soft pouches to prevent tangling and abrasion.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight and Humidity
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Silver, in particular, is prone to tarnishing in humid environments. Store your pieces in a cool, dry place—preferably with silica packets to absorb moisture.
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Use Anti-Tarnish Strips
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These clever little tools are inexpensive and can make a huge difference for silver and gold jewelry. Place them inside your storage boxes to slow oxidation.
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Alabaster Earrings – Sterling Silver
£80 Add to cart -
Constellation Pendant – 18K Gold
£3,563 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Eagle Pendant – Sterling Silver
£150 Add to cart -
Linear Link Chain Necklace – Sterling Silver
£550 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Cleaning Techniques by Metal and Stone Type
Different materials require different care methods. Using the wrong cleaner or tool can do more harm than good. Let’s look at how to treat your favorite metals and gems:
Gold and Platinum
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Clean with warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft brush.
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Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
Silver
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Use a silver polishing cloth or a cleaner specifically made for sterling silver.
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Avoid soaking silver for long periods—this can accelerate tarnishing.
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Cercle Diamond Stud Earrings – 18K White Gold – 0.77ct
£4,009 Add to cart -
Constellation Bracelet – 18K Gold
£27,369 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Love Hoop Kids Earrings – 18K Rose Gold, White Gold – 0.02ct
£699 Add to cart -
Serendipity Hoop Earrings – Sterling Silver
£366 Add to cart
Diamonds and Gemstones
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Soak in warm water with a splash of gentle dish soap.
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Use a soft toothbrush to get into crevices around the settings.
Pearls
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Never soak pearls; wipe gently with a damp cloth after wearing.
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Store separately in a breathable pouch—pearls need moisture from the air to retain their luster.
Following tailored jewelry care tips for each material can greatly extend the life and beauty of your collection.
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Baguette Eternity Band Ring – 18K Rose Gold – 0.77ct
£2,100 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Eternity Gap Band Ring – 18K Gold 0.12ct
£2,063 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Love Bubble Bracelet – 18K Gold 2.16ct
£7,438 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Love Hoop Kids Earrings – 18K Gold – 0.02ct
£874 Add to cart
When to Call a Professional
There’s no shame in needing expert help—especially when it comes to sentimental or high-value pieces.
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Annual Professional Cleanings
A jeweler can safely deep-clean, polish, and inspect your items for loose settings or hairline cracks. -
Replating and Restringing
White gold may need rhodium replating every few years to maintain its brightness, while pearls on silk threads benefit from occasional restringing.
When in doubt, trust a certified professional to handle repairs or maintenance. This is one of the smartest jewelry care tips you can adopt, particularly for heirlooms or investment jewelry.
Conclusion: Jewelry Worth Preserving
Jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a symbol of moments, people, and personal style. With the right care, you can pass down your collection just as beautifully as it began. Implement these jewelry care tips into your routine today, and keep your favorite pieces glowing for years to come.