How to Care for Your Jewellery: Easy Cleaning & Storage Tips

Jewellery doesn’t need much just a little love and the right care. Whether it’s recycled gold or sterling silver, this guide covers exactly how to keep your jewellery looking good for years to come.

From wear-it-everyday tips to smart storage advice, it’s everything you actually need to know. No fluff, no faff—just simple, sustainable jewellery care that works.

Sustainable Jewellery

Quick Jewellery Care Tips

If you remember anything, make it these:

  • Handle with care
  • Remove before physical activities
  • Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and sprays
  • Keep out of direct sunlight
  • Never wear in water (shower, swim, or sea!)
  • Store in a cool, dry place, ideally in a box or pouch
  • Clean regularly with a soft cloth

How to Care for Your Jewellery

What can damage jewellery?

Knowing what causes damage helps you protect your favourites. Here are the usual suspects:

  • Natural tarnishing over time
  • Water and moisture exposure
  • Sunlight and heat damage
  • Sweat, body oils, and skincare products
  • Harsh chemicals or cleaning agents
  • Abrasive surfaces or rough handling
  • Snags and tangles from clothing
  • Exposure to bright sunlight
  • Poor cleaning techniques
  • Incorrect storage
  • General wear and ageing

How do I prevent jewellery damage?

Protecting your jewellery is easier than you think. Try these tips:

  • Avoid wearing jewellery in the shower or bath
  • Remove rings before washing hands or cleaning
  • Keep jewellery away from cosmetics and perfumes
  • Put jewellery on after dressing to avoid tangles
  • Take it off before undressing to prevent snags
  • Wear pieces regularly to slow tarnishing
  • Clean your jewellery often to keep it shining

How should I care for my jewellery during wear?

Jewellery can take a beating without you noticing. Everyday products can dull metals, and clothes can snag chains and settings.

To keep your pieces safe: put them on last and take them off first. Be mindful when applying perfume or skincare, and always remove jewellery before cleaning.

Use a necklace detangler to avoid knots and clean regularly to maintain that fresh shine.

Everyday Jewellery Care

  • Put jewellery on last—after skincare, makeup, and perfume.
  • Take it off before exercising, showering, or sleeping.
  • Rotate your jewellery to give each piece a break.
  • Wipe down with a clean, dry cloth after wearing.




How should I store my jewellery?

Treat your collection like royalty. Store jewellery in a cool, dry, dark spot—away from sunlight and humidity.

Always clasp necklaces and bracelets to avoid tangling, and keep pieces separate to prevent scratches.

A good jewellery box or pouch is your best friend for keeping everything safe and organised.

How should I clean my jewellery?

Gather your tools:

  • Mild soap or jewellery cleaner
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush for delicate spots
  • Microfiber cloth for drying and buffing
  • Polishing cloth for tarnish removal
  • Jewellery cleaning solution (for stubborn silver)
  • Warm water

Step-by-step cleaning:

  • Mix mild soap with warm water or follow your cleaner’s instructions.
  • Soak your jewellery for about 10 minutes to loosen dirt.
  • Gently brush with the toothbrush—be extra gentle around gemstones and pearls.
  • Rinse under lukewarm water to wash away soap residue.
  • Dry with a microfiber cloth, then polish with your polishing cloth for that brilliant shine.

Metal-Specific Care Tips

Taking care of your jewellery is easier when you know what each metal loves—and what it definitely doesn’t!

Here’s a quick guide to keep your favourite pieces shining, no matter what they’re made from.

Sterling Silver Care

Do:

  • Store in airtight bags to slow tarnishing
  • Clean with a polishing cloth regularly
  • Keep away from harsh chemicals and perfumes

Don’t:

  • Wear in pools or sea water
  • Use abrasive cleaners

Gold-Filled & Vermeil Care

Do:

  • Treat like gold but with extra care—avoid excessive rubbing
  • Store away from moisture and direct sunlight
  • Clean gently with mild soap and water

Don’t:

  • Use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals
  • Wear in the shower or while swimming
  • Over-clean—too much polishing can damage the finish

Download Our Free Jewellery Care Guide

Totally free, zero fluff, and packed with everything you actually need to know.

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The Jewellery Care Guide

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