Your everyday pieces deserve to stay as bright as the day you fell in love with them. If your favorite necklace is looking a little dull or your go-to ring has lost some of its glow, don't worry, it happens to all well-loved jewelry. The best part? Most jewelry care is surprisingly simple and can be done right at home. Whether you wear gold, silver, or something more delicate like pearls, a few easy habits are all it takes to keep your pieces looking their best.

A woman's hands adorned with gold rings and a green gemstone bracelet rest on a patterned cloth

Why Does Proper Jewelry Care Matter?

Taking care of your jewelry keeps it looking beautiful and helps it last. Daily wear exposes your pieces to air, skin oils, sweat, and products that naturally dull metals -- silver darkens, gold loses clarity, and plated pieces can fade. A little regular cleaning prevents this buildup and protects the structure of your jewelry. Dirt can weaken clasps, trapped moisture can cause corrosion, and delicate materials like pearls or natural gemstones need gentler handling. Knowing what your pieces are made of helps you clean them properly and avoid accidental damage.

What Are the General Care Tips for All Jewelry?

Avoid Contact with Water, Sweat, Perfume, and Chemicals

Your jewelry is more sensitive than it looks. Everyday products -- perfume, hairspray, lotion, and even household cleaners -- can leave behind residues that dull metal finishes or cloud delicate stones. A simple habit helps: put your jewelry on after you've finished getting ready, and take it off before cleaning or heading into the pool. Even frequent use of hand sanitizer can slowly wear down the surface of your pieces. A little extra care keeps everything looking bright for longer.

Remove Before Showering, Working Out, or Sleeping

Water and long wear can take a toll on your jewelry, especially plated pieces. Shower water often contains minerals and additives that speed up dullness, and sweat can do the same over time. Sleeping in jewelry isn't ideal either -- chains can tangle, prongs may snag on fabric, and constant pressure can gradually loosen settings. Giving your pieces a break helps them stay looking their best.

Wipe Gently with a Soft Cloth

After wearing your jewelry, a quick wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth helps remove any oils or residue from the day. Nothing fancy needed-- even a clean cotton tee works in a pinch. Ten seconds a day keeps your jewelry brighter for longer.

Store Separately in a Cool, Dry Place

Storing everything together in one box can cause pieces to rub, tangle, or react with each other over time. Keeping your jewelry in individual pouches or a box with compartments helps each piece stay in good condition. Even simple zip pouches work. Just try to store your jewelry somewhere cool and dry -- bathrooms tend to stay humid, which isn't ideal for long-term wear.

Special Care for Pearls and Gemstones

Pearls and softer stones need a little extra care. They scratch more easily than metal, so keeping them in separate storage is essential. Try to avoid temperature extremes as well -- leaving them in a hot car or cold garage can cause unnecessary stress to the material. When cleaning, stick to gentle methods only. Ultrasonic or steam cleaners can be too harsh for delicate pieces like pearls or certain natural gemstones.

A woman wears layered gold necklaces with pearls and a cross pendant, paired with a delicate bracelet and rings.

How to Clean Jewelry Based on Different Materials?

Plated Brass Jewelry Care

  • Precious Metal Plating Protection:Gold- or silver-plated pieces have a thin layer of precious metal over brass. Treat them gently to keep the finish looking fresh.
  • Avoid Chemicals and Water: To keep plated pieces looking their best, try to limit their contact with water and anything harsh. It's best to remove them before swimming, showering, or using cleaning products. Even everyday factors like oils and sweat can gradually affect the finish over time. A simple habit that helps: put your jewelry on last when getting ready, and take it off first at the end of the day.
  • Dry After Contact with Water: If your plated jewelry does get wet, just dry it gently with a soft cloth or tissue. Wiping away moisture right away helps maintain the surface and keeps the finish looking bright. A quick pat-down is all it takes.

Stainless Steel Jewelry Maintenance

  • Waterproof and Tarnish-Resistant Properties: Stainless steel resists rust and tarnish, making it ideal for everyday wear. Showers, sweat, and handwashing won't dull its shine. Gold or rhodium finishes get the look of precious metal with steel’s durability.
  • Maintaining Plated Layer Shine: While stainless steel itself is incredibly sturdy, any gold or rhodium plating on top still benefits from a little gentle care. Try to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, or strong cleaning products when you can. If your jewelry picks up residue throughout the day, a quick wipe with a soft, damp cloth is usually all it needs.
  • Cleaning After Sunscreen or Chlorine: If your stainless steel jewelry comes into contact with sunscreen or chlorine, don't worry -- just give it a simple clean when you get home. A bit of mild soap and warm water, followed by a soft dry cloth, helps keep the surface clear and the shine bright.

Sterling Silver Jewelry Care

  • Avoid Chemicals and Moisture: Sterling silver naturally reacts with elements in the air, which is why it can darken over time. To keep it looking fresh, try to avoid contact with harsh products and store it thoughtfully when you're not wearing it. A soft pouch or anti-tarnish bag works well, and wrapping silver in acid-free tissue can also help reduce exposure to moisture and pollutants.
  • Preventing Oxidation Techniques: One of the simplest ways to keep silver bright is to wear it often. Light friction from daily wear slows down tarnishing naturally. For pieces you only reach for occasionally, storing them with anti-tarnish tabs or in a lined jewelry box can help keep oxidation at bay.
  • Importance of Proper Drying: If your silver jewelry gets wet, just dry it gently with a soft cloth. Water itself isn’t harmful, but minerals left behind after it evaporates can create spots that may darken over time. A quick dry is all it takes to keep your pieces looking their best.

Freshwater Pearl Special Care

  • Avoiding Perfume and Hairspray: Pearls are organic gems that are softer than pretty much any other jewelry material. The chemicals in perfume and hairspray eat away at the pearl's surface. Put your pearls on absolutely last, after everything else is applied and dried.
  • Gentle Wiping After Each Wear: After every wear, wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Your skin's oils and acids build up on the surface and will permanently damage the pearl's luster if not removed.
  • Storing in Soft Pouches Separately: Keep pearls in their own soft pouch or lined compartment to prevent rubbing against harder metals. Avoid plastic bags -- pearls need a bit of airflow.
  • Keeping Away from Heat, Water, and Abrasives: Pearls thrive under gentle conditions, so skip wearing them to the beach, pool, or gym. High heat and moisture aren't ideal for them, and they don't respond well to ultrasonic or steam cleaners. A soft cloth and mindful care is all they need.
Elegant jewelry displayed on vintage items: a necklace with red gem, rings on a stand, bracelets on a tray, and lace fabric.

Conclusion

Your jewelry lasts so much longer with just a little care. Keep it away from chemicals and water, give it a quick wipe after wearing, and store each piece separately. These tiny habits make a big difference. Set aside a few minutes this week to refresh your collection -- your pieces will thank you later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Often Should I Professionally Clean My Jewelry Versus At-Home Cleaning?

For everyday pieces, a gentle at-home clean every few weeks is usually enough. If something starts to look dull, give it a quick refresh. Most en route pieces don't require professional maintenance, but if you ever notice a stone shifting or a prong slightly out of place, stop wearing it and reach out to us -- we're always here to help. Full professional service is rarely necessary, most fixes are easy and can be handled through our support team.

Q2. Can I Store Different Types of Jewelry Together if I Keep Them in Separate Pouches?

Yes -- with a little awareness. Soft pouches prevent scratches, which is the main concern with mixed materials. But some metals can still influence each other over time, even when they're not touching directly. For example, sterling silver may tarnish faster if it's stored too close to brass. Pearls are the one true exception: they're extremely delicate and should always be stored completely on their own.