Jewelry is often more than just an accessory—it’s sentimental, personal, and, in many cases, an investment. Whether you wear your pieces daily or save them for special occasions, knowing how to properly care for them will help preserve their beauty and longevity. In this month’s blog, I’m sharing straightforward tips to help you keep your jewelry looking its best, from understanding materials to when not to wear it and how to store it properly.

Knowledge

First, know what your jewelry is made of. Is it solid metal or plated? What is the quality of the gemstones? Understanding the materials in your jewelry will help you care for them appropriately and avoid damage.

To support your material knowledge, I’ve compiled general information about metal finishes and gemstone care in my Material Glossary.

Where and When

I know it’s a hot-button issue, but here are my top three places to avoid wearing your jewelry:

The Beach or Pool
Saltwater and chlorine can damage metals and loosen solder joints, making your jewelry more prone to breakage. Cool water also causes fingers to shrink slightly—many a wedding ring has been lost this way. I’ve heard countless stories of rings slipping off unnoticed during honeymoons!

Your Home
Avoid wearing your jewelry—especially rings—while cleaning with harsh chemicals, gardening, or doing the dishes. Chemicals can damage metals, diamonds, and gemstones. And hands-on activities like gardening or dishwashing can lead to scratches, bent prongs, or lost stones.

Tip: Jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. I use lotions, perfumes, and hair sprays while getting ready, but I wait until everything dries down and absorbs into my skin before putting on my jewelry.

The Gym
Jewelry is not indestructible. Ring shanks can bend and prongs can break under pressure. Plus, sweat and grime can build up quickly during workouts, dulling the shine of your pieces.

Cleaning

So, you wore your necklace and rings to the gym and took a shower. Now they look a bit dull. What to do?

For most pieces, a simple cleaning routine works wonders. Use warm (not hot!) water and a mild soap, like Dawn dish soap, with a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away surface grime. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth. Make sure your jewelry is completely dry before storing it.

Tip: Know your gemstone treatments. For example, most emeralds sold today are oiled to enhance their clarity. Soaking them in hot water can loosen the oil and change the stone’s appearance.

Storage

Your jewelry is now clean and dry—so how should you store it?

Keep pieces in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a jewelry box. I recently updated my own setup with the Stackers Classic Jewelry Box from The Container Store. I love that it allows you to add more trays as your collection grows.

Tip: Tuck those little silica gel packets (moisture absorbers) in with your silver pieces. They help prevent tarnish caused by humidity and exposure to naturally occurring sulfur compounds in the air.

Jewelry care doesn’t have to be complicated—it just starts with a little awareness. Knowing your materials, being mindful of when and where you wear your pieces, giving them a gentle clean, and storing them properly can go a long way in keeping your collection in top condition. With just a few simple habits, your favorite pieces will continue to shine for years to come.