The Smart Way to Maintain Jewellery That Stays Beautiful Forever

Jewellery holds a special place in a woman’s life, often symbolising love, heritage, and personal milestones. Whether it’s a cherished heirloom or a stylish accessory, each piece carries sentimental and aesthetic value. This is why thoughtful care and attention are so important in maintaining its sparkle and durability.

In this article, I’m sharing some smart, practical ways to preserve your jewellery’s beauty and ensure it remains a timeless treasure for years. I personally love jewellery and have quite the collection, so I know how important it is to stop it from tarnishing.

Store Your Jewellery the Right Way

Proper jewellery storage is essential to prevent tangling, damage, and tarnishing, especially for delicate or high-value pieces.

According to Better Homes & Gardens, opt for a high-quality tiered jewellery box (with a mirror if needed) to store your fine jewellery collection. The multiple levels offer organised space for various pieces, while the soft velvet lining protects metals and gemstones. Plus, the built-in mirror adds a convenient touch for quick try-ons and evaluations.

You can keep silver pieces in anti-tarnish pouches as this can be really helpful. Never leave your jewellery in moist places like washrooms, as humidity accelerates the tarnishing. Hanging necklaces on hooks can prevent knots while keeping gemstones away from direct sunlight preserves their colour and brilliance over time. There’s lots of little ways to storing your pieces.

Are anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets useful for preserving jewellery?

Yes, they are effective for preserving jewellery. Anti-tarnish strips absorb harmful gases that cause the metal to oxidize, while silica gel controls moisture that can lead to tarnishing. Placing them in your jewellery box helps maintain shine and prevents corrosion over time. So next time you get a little silica packet in a clothing order, make use of it!

Understand What You’re Wearing

Different materials require different maintenance, so it’s super important to know what you’re wearing and what care your jewellery needs.

The Grand View Research says that the gold jewellery segment had the highest share in the jewellery market with 54.8% in 2023. It has an emotional, cultural, and high financial value in many countries, so most women prefer buying gold jewellery. Gold is more corrosion-resistant and requires less maintenance, but it can scratch easily.

On the other hand, silver jewellery tarnishes quickly and needs frequent polishing. Cheaper metals like brass or copper are more prone to tarnishing and can turn your skin green if not coated properly. Knowing your jewellery’s composition will help you choose the right cleaning method and storage solution.

Clean Your Jewellery Regularly and Safely

Keeping your jewellery clean preserves its shine and longevity, so using warm water and mild soap to gently remove oils will help, avoid soaking porous stones, and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

However, not all commercial jewellery cleaners are safe; many contain harsh chemicals like PFAS. According to TorHoerman Law, these substances are linked to environmental harm and serious health risks such as cancer and immune issues.

The harmful effects of PFAS gained attention through the AFFF lawsuit, which exposed their toxic use in firefighting foams, but PFAS in jewellery cleaners can also damage your pieces over time and pollute the environment when rinsed away.

To reduce these risks, choose eco-friendly, PFAS-free cleaning solutions. Many plant-based or biodegradable formulas clean effectively without leaving toxic residues, which is amazing! Safe cleaning methods help protect both your jewellery and the planet long-term. That’s a win, win!

How do I know if a jewellery cleaner contains PFAS?

Check the ingredient list for terms like “fluoro,” “perfluoro,” or “polyfluoro” to know if a jewellery cleaner contains PFAS. If the ingredients aren’t listed, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or look for third-party certifications that confirm the product is PFAS-free. I would personally avoid products with vague chemical descriptions though, you just never know!

Know When to Remove It

You should always remove your jewellery at specific times to preserve its beauty and prevent damage. Take off your pieces before swimming, showering, working out, or doing household chores as exposure to water, sweat, and harsh chemicals can tarnish or weaken metals and loosen gemstones. Trust me, I’ve been there! I wore my earrings swimming once and they turned black!

Activities like gardening or lifting heavy items can also scratch or bend delicate pieces. Even while sleeping, jewellery can get caught or damaged, so be mindful of when to take it off. You need to protect your investment and ensure your jewellery stays elegant and wearable for years to come.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Scheduling professional maintenance is essential for preserving the quality and longevity of your jewellery. Unlike home cleaning, professional jewellers use specialised tools and techniques to inspect settings, polish surfaces, and detect hidden damage or loose stones.

The Jewelers of America also suggests using ultrasonics, or jewellery cleaning machines, for deep cleaning. However, they can be too harsh for delicate jewellery and a few gemstones. You can take your jewellery to a professional jeweller though and have your pieces professionally cleaned at least once a year.

They can safely clean delicate or high-value pieces that might be at risk with DIY methods. Regular checkups ensure your jewellery remains in top condition, sparkling beautifully, and structurally sound for every occasion. I think this is a good idea for engagement rings as they can get dirty and lose their shine.

What services are included in a typical professional jewellery cleaning?

It includes ultrasonic cleaning, steam cleaning, and gentle polishing to restore shine. Jewellers inspect for loose stones, worn prongs, or other structural issues. Some services include rhodium plating for white gold. These steps ensure your jewellery stays both beautiful and secure for regular use.

Insure and Document Valuable Pieces

As per Statista, burglaries involving jewellery and precious metals in the US amounted to approximately $1.79 billion in 2023 alone. However, stolen jewellery worth only $37.21 million was recovered in the same year. So, insuring and documenting your jewellery is a smart way to protect your investment from loss, theft, or damage.

Start by getting a professional appraisal and keeping detailed records, such as photos, receipts, and descriptions. Secure this information with a hard and soft copy.

Jewellery insurance, either as a rider on your homeowner’s policy or through a specialised provider, will definitely give you peace of mind. In case of an unfortunate event, proper documentation makes claims easier and ensures accurate compensation.

Keep Your Jewellery Timeless

These simple yet effective tips can ensure your jewellery remains as fresh as the day you bought it. Proper storage, regular cleaning, and professional maintenance help preserve its shine and value.

Remember to choose pieces that complement your style and maintain them with care. With attention to detail, your jewellery will continue to be a precious part of your collection for years.