Jewelry Care Tips

Easy Jewelry Care Tips: Essential Guide for All Metals | Aruja Designs

Written by Jignasa Gondalia

How do you take care of jewelry?

Taking care of your jewelry is key to keeping it looking beautiful and ensuring it lasts for many years. To properly care for your jewelry:

Clean Regularly: Dust, oils, and dirt can dull the shine of your jewelry. Cleaning it regularly keeps it looking its best. Depending on the material, you might need specific cleaning methods, which we'll cover later.
Store Properly: Jewelry should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a jewelry box with separate compartments or soft pouches to avoid pieces scratching each other. For delicate items like pearls or gold vermeil, consider storing them separately to prevent damage.
Handle with Care: When putting on or taking off jewelry, do so gently. Avoid tugging or pulling, which can weaken clasps or chains. Always remove your jewelry before engaging in activities like swimming, exercising, or cleaning, as exposure to chemicals and sweat can damage your pieces.
Avoid Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners can be harsh on jewelry, leading to tarnish or damage. Apply perfumes and lotions before putting on your jewelry, and make sure your skin is dry before wearing it.
Regular Inspections: Check your jewelry periodically for any signs of wear or loose settings. If you notice anything amiss, have it repaired by a professional jeweler to avoid further damage.

What are the Dos and Don'ts?

Dos:

Do store jewelry in a dry, cool place: Humidity and heat can cause metals to tarnish and gemstones to lose their brilliance. A jewelry box with a soft lining or separate pouches for each piece is ideal for keeping your jewelry safe.
Do clean your jewelry regularly: Dust, dirt, and oils from your skin can accumulate on your jewelry, dulling its shine. Regular cleaning with appropriate methods keeps it sparkling and in good condition.
Do remove jewelry before swimming or exercising: Chlorine in pools and sweat from physical activities can be damaging to both metals and gemstones. It's best to remove your jewelry before engaging in these activities.
Do have your jewelry checked by a professional: If your jewelry has prongs, clasps, or delicate settings, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a jeweler every so often. They can ensure everything is secure and make any necessary repairs.

Don'ts:

Don’t wear jewelry in the shower: The combination of water and soap can cause a residue to build up on your jewelry, dulling its appearance. Over time, this can also weaken certain metals.
Don’t expose jewelry to chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, hair sprays, and household cleaners can all cause tarnish and discoloration. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry and make sure they are fully absorbed or evaporated.
Don’t store jewelry in direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause certain gemstones to fade and metals to discolor. Always store your jewelry in a shaded, cool place.
Don’t wear jewelry during rough activities: Activities like gardening, cooking, or heavy lifting can subject your jewelry to knocks and scratches. Remove your pieces before starting these activities to keep them in top condition.
Don’t use abrasive materials to clean jewelry: Harsh cloths or brushes can scratch the surface of metals and gemstones. Always use soft, non-abrasive materials for cleaning.

Sterling Silver Jewelry Care

Will sterling silver tarnish?

Yes, sterling silver is prone to tarnishing over time. This happens because sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. When these other metals react with sulfur in the air, a layer of tarnish forms on the surface of the silver.

Tarnishing is a natural process and doesn’t mean your jewelry is damaged. With regular care and cleaning, you can keep your sterling silver jewelry looking beautiful.

How do I clean and protect sterling silver jewelry?

Keeping sterling silver clean and tarnish-free requires a bit of effort, but it's worth it to maintain its shine:

Cleaning: Use a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish as soon as you notice it. If the tarnish is more severe, you can use a silver cleaner specifically designed for sterling silver. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product. Another option is to create a homemade cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak the silver jewelry for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Storing: Store sterling silver in an airtight container or anti-tarnish bag to minimize exposure to air, which causes tarnish. You can also use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packs in your jewelry box to absorb moisture and sulfur.
Wearing: Wearing your sterling silver jewelry regularly can actually help prevent tarnish, as the friction against your skin and clothes can keep it polished. However, avoid wearing it when swimming, exercising, or applying lotions and perfumes.
Polishing: If your sterling silver jewelry starts to look dull, you can use a silver polishing cloth to restore its shine. Avoid using tissue paper or paper towels, as they can scratch the silver.

Gold Fill Care

Will 14k gold fill tarnish?

14k gold fill is much more resistant to tarnishing than other types of gold jewelry, like gold plating or vermeil. However, it can still tarnish slightly over time, especially if exposed to harsh conditions like chemicals, humidity, or perspiration.

Gold fill is made by bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal, usually brass, using heat and pressure. This process makes gold fill much more durable and tarnish-resistant than gold plating, but it’s not completely immune to tarnish.

How do I clean and protect gold-fill jewelry?

Gold-fill jewelry requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking great:

Cleaning: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak the gold-fill jewelry in the solution for about 10-15 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, especially around any intricate details or settings. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Storing: Store gold-fill jewelry in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box, away from other jewelry that might scratch it. Keeping it in a dry place will help prevent any tarnishing.
Avoiding Chemicals: Just like with other types of jewelry, avoid exposing gold-fill jewelry to harsh chemicals, including perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners. These can damage the gold layer over time.
Polishing: If your gold-fill jewelry starts to look a little dull, you can gently polish it with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Avoid using jewelry cleaning cloths designed for silver, as these can be too abrasive for gold-fill jewelry.

Gold Vermeil Care

Will gold vermeil tarnish?

Yes, gold vermeil can tarnish over time. Gold vermeil is created by layering a thick coating of gold over sterling silver. While the gold layer is thick enough to last longer than gold plating, it can wear down over time, especially if exposed to moisture, sweat, or chemicals. As the gold layer wears away, the underlying sterling silver may start to tarnish, affecting the appearance of your jewelry.

How do I clean and protect gold vermeil jewelry?

To keep your gold vermeil jewelry in good condition, follow these steps:

Cleaning: After each use, gently wipe your gold vermeil jewelry with a soft, dry cloth to remove any oils or dirt. Avoid using water, as this can hasten the tarnishing process. If deeper cleaning is needed, use a very mild soap solution, but do so sparingly.
Storing: Store your gold vermeil jewelry in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and minimize exposure to air, which can cause tarnish. Keep it away from other pieces of jewelry that might scratch the gold surface.
Avoiding Chemicals: Protect your gold vermeil jewelry by avoiding contact with perfumes, lotions, and other chemicals. Always remove your jewelry before swimming, bathing, or exercising to prevent tarnish and wear.
Polishing: If your gold vermeil jewelry starts to lose its shine, gently buff it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive polishing agents, as these can wear away the gold layer and expose the underlying silver.

Pearls Care

Can pearls get damaged?

Yes, pearls are very delicate and can easily get scratched, discolored, or damaged if not properly cared for. Pearls are organic gemstones formed within oysters and other mollusks, and their surface is soft compared to other gemstones. This means they are more susceptible to damage from chemicals, rough handling, and improper storage.

Chemical Sensitivity: Pearls are especially vulnerable to chemicals found in perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions. These substances can eat away at the nacre, the delicate outer layer that gives pearls their lustrous shine.
Scratches and Abrasions: Pearls can easily be scratched by harder materials, including other jewelry. Even the oils from your skin can dull their surface over time if not cleaned properly.
Environmental Factors: Heat, humidity, and sunlight can cause pearls to dry out and crack. They should always be kept in a controlled environment to maintain their beauty.

How do I clean and protect pearls?

To keep your pearls looking beautiful and protect them from damage:

Cleaning: After each wear, gently wipe your pearls with a soft, damp cloth to remove oils and dirt. Avoid using water or soap directly on the pearls, as this can damage them. Never use abrasive cleaners or ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, as these can harm the delicate surface of pearls.
Storing: Store pearls separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches. Use a soft cloth or a pouch specifically designed for pearls. Avoid storing them in airtight containers, as pearls need a bit of moisture to prevent them from drying out.
Wearing: Put on your pearls after applying makeup, perfume, and hairspray to minimize exposure to chemicals. When taking off your pearls, wipe them down to remove any traces of these substances.
Restringing: If you wear your pearl necklace or bracelet frequently, it’s a good idea to have it restrung periodically to prevent the silk or nylon thread from weakening and breaking. Be sure to choose a professional jeweler who specializes in pearl restringing.

Gemstones Care

How do I clean and protect gemstone jewelry?

Different gemstones require different care, but here are some general tips to keep your gemstone jewelry in top condition:

Cleaning: Most gemstone jewelry can be cleaned with a soft cloth and lukewarm water. For a deeper clean, you can use a mild soap solution. However, avoid soaking porous stones like opals or turquoise, as they can absorb water and become damaged. Use a soft brush to gently scrub around the settings where dirt can accumulate. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Storing: Store gemstone jewelry in a soft pouch or lined box, away from other jewelry that could scratch the stones. Some gemstones, like amethyst or topaz, can fade if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, so keep them in a dark place.
Polishing: If your gemstone jewelry starts to lose its shine, you can have it professionally polished. Avoid using at-home polishing agents, as these can sometimes damage the stones.
Avoiding Chemicals: Some gemstones, like emeralds and pearls, are particularly sensitive to chemicals found in everyday products like perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners. Always apply these products before putting on your jewelry, and remove your jewelry before using any harsh chemicals.
Inspecting: Regularly check your gemstone jewelry for loose settings or stones. If you notice any issues, take your jewelry to a professional jeweler for repair to avoid losing any precious stones.

Polishing gold fill & gold vermeil jewelry?

Polishing gold fill and gold vermeil jewelry requires careful handling to maintain their appearance:

Gold Fill: Gold fill jewelry has a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal. To polish it, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth designed for gold. Gently buff the jewelry in a circular motion to restore its shine. Avoid using harsh cleaning products, as these can wear down the gold layer over time. If the jewelry needs a deeper clean, use a mild soap solution and a soft brush, but avoid scrubbing too hard to protect the gold layer.
Gold Vermeil: Gold vermeil is made by coating sterling silver with a thick layer of gold. To polish it, gently wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any liquid cleaners or polishing compounds, as these can remove the gold layer and expose the silver beneath. If the jewelry becomes dull, take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning rather than attempting to polish it yourself.