Many daily activities can affect the luster and longevity of your jewelry. To keep your pieces in good condition for years to come, consider the following.
Remove jewelry before
- Using cleaning products
- Swimming (whether fresh, salt or chlorinated water)
- Physical activity such as exercise
Avoid
- Hitting stones against hard surfaces (yes, even diamonds can chip)
- Storing loose jewelry together, as harder stones will scratch softer ones and the metal
- Ultrasonic cleaners, which can loosen settings and are not safe for all gemstones
Best practices
- Check regularly for loose stones. If you shake your jewelry and hear a tapping sound, the stone is loose in its setting.
- When traveling, store your jewelry in separate pouches to avoid scratches.
- Handle your jewelry over a soft surface in case you drop it.
To clean
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away dirt and oils.
- For a deeper clean, use a soft toothbrush with mild dish soap and warm water. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.