Fine jewelry is designed to last a lifetime — and even generations — when properly cared for. Whether you own diamond engagement rings, gold necklaces, silver bracelets, or gemstone earrings, the right care routine keeps your pieces looking their best and prevents avoidable damage.
This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining your jewelry, from daily care habits to professional services.
The Basics: Everyday Care Habits
The most effective jewelry care starts with simple daily habits:
- Put jewelry on last. Apply lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and sunscreen before putting on your jewelry. These products contain chemicals that can dull metals and coat gemstones.
- Take jewelry off first. Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, cleaning, gardening, exercising, or sleeping. Chlorine, salt water, household chemicals, and sweat can all damage metals and stones.
- Avoid impact. Remove rings before heavy lifting, sports, or any activity where the piece could be struck or knocked against hard surfaces.
- Wipe after wearing. A quick wipe with a soft cloth after each wear removes oils and residue before they build up.
Care by Metal Type
| Metal |
Tarnish Risk |
Scratch Risk |
Cleaning Method |
Special Notes |
| Gold (10K-18K) | Very Low | Low-Medium | Warm soapy water | Higher karat = softer |
| Platinum | None | Low | Warm soapy water | Develops patina over time |
| Sterling Silver | High | Medium | Silver polish or cloth | Store in anti-tarnish bags |
| White Gold | Low | Low-Medium | Warm soapy water | May need rhodium replating |
| Rose Gold | Very Low | Low | Warm soapy water | Copper content can darken slightly |
Quick Reference by Topic
- Cleaning Guide — Step-by-step methods for cleaning every type of jewelry at home, plus when to seek professional cleaning
- Storage Guide — How to store jewelry to prevent scratches, tangles, tarnish, and damage
- Insurance Guide — Everything about insuring your jewelry: appraisals, policies, costs, and claims
- Repair Guide — When to have jewelry professionally serviced and what repairs to expect over time
When to Remove Your Jewelry
Always remove your jewelry during these activities:
- Swimming — Chlorine in pools can damage gold alloys and weaken prongs. Salt water is corrosive to many metals. Cold water can cause fingers to shrink, increasing the risk of losing rings.
- Cleaning — Household chemicals (bleach, ammonia, abrasive cleaners) can discolor metals, dissolve certain gemstones, and weaken settings.
- Exercising — Sweat is mildly acidic and can tarnish metals. Impact during sports can bend prongs, chip stones, or scratch metal.
- Sleeping — Sleeping with jewelry on increases wear on prongs and settings, and chains can kink or break. Rings can dig into adjacent fingers.
- Applying products — Lotions, perfumes, and hairspray create buildup on stones that dulls their brilliance.
Professional Maintenance Schedule
Even with excellent home care, professional maintenance extends the life of your jewelry:
- Every 6 months: Have prongs and settings checked by a jeweler. Loose prongs are the leading cause of lost stones.
- Annually: Professional cleaning and polishing to restore original luster and remove deep buildup.
- Every 2-3 years: Rhodium replating for white gold pieces if the yellow gold underneath is showing through.
- Every 5 years: Update jewelry appraisals for insurance purposes as market values change.