Jewellery is more than decorative – it holds memories, meaning and value. Daily life can dull shine or loosen clasps, but you can keep your pieces looking sharp with regular cleaning, smart storage and attention to detail. The best part? You only need a little bit of consistency and simple techniques to keep your favourites sparkling for years.
Looking after your jewellery starts with awareness. Giving your pieces a gentle clean now and then can stop dirt from building up and dulling their shine. One easy method is to mix some lukewarm water with a drop of gentle washing-up liquid. Let your jewellery soak for a few minutes, then give it a gentle scrub with a soft toothbrush.
Steer clear of rough cloths or kitchen roll – a microfibre or lint-free cloth works much better. You can also use baking soda. It’s a great natural cleaner because it’s a mild alkali, which lifts grease and dirt in water. Remember to rinse and dry everything thoroughly.
Every jewellery material has unique characteristics and care requirements. Here’s how to treat them right.
Diamonds might be one of the toughest materials on Earth, but they still need your help to stay brilliant. Over time, natural skin oils or leftover lotion can cloud the surface and reduce their sparkle. Avoid mechanical cleaners and sudden temperature changes.
Instead, make it a habit to wipe your diamonds with a soft, dry cloth after wearing them. For a deeper clean, use warm, soapy water, a soft brush, a gentle rinse and dry it off carefully with a chamois or clean cloth. Remember, not all precious gems are the same – ask a professional when in doubt, especially with delicate or heavily soiled pieces.
To clean gold jewellery at home, gently soak it in lukewarm water with mild detergent, scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth, taking extra care with gemstones like pearls. Wipe gold-plated jewellery with a soft cloth and avoid moisture and harsh chemicals to prevent wear. White gold requires gentle cleansers to protect its rhodium plating.
Limit their exposure to water and harsh chemicals to preserve the shine of your jewellery. If you wear gold or platinum daily, regular cleaning is essential to prevent buildup and dullness. Think of jewellery like clothing — it collects dirt over time and loses its lustre without proper care.
To clean sterling silver jewellery, create a paste of baking soda and lukewarm water, lightly rub it onto tarnished areas — avoiding gemstones — scrub with a soft brush, rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Alternatively, you can use ordinary toothpaste or mild washing-up liquid for routine cleaning. For jewellery with gemstones — especially soft ones like pearls — avoid harsh cleansers and consider using a specialized silver jewellery cleaner for deeper cleaning. The secret with all jewellery is to be gentle — avoid aggressive scrubbing and rubbing.
Tossing all your jewellery into one box is asking for trouble — tangled chains, scratched surfaces, chipped stones. Instead, choose a storage solution with soft fabric dividers, velvet rolls or tiny pouches to keep everything separate. Organisers with compartments are perfect for rings, earrings and delicate chains.
Remember to take your jewellery off before swimming, working out or doing chores. When getting dressed, jewellery should be the last thing you put on. Perfumes, lotions and sprays can leave a dull layer behind, and porous stones like pearls can soak it up, losing their natural glow. Let your skin absorb these products before putting on your jewellery to prevent residue.
Check your pieces every few weeks. A loose clasp or wobbly prong might seem minor, but catching it early can save you from heartbreak later. Set a monthly reminder on your phone to inspect and clean your favourite items — it’s worth the effort.
You don’t need fancy tools or loads of time to take good care of your jewellery. A few thoughtful habits — gentle cleaning, smart storage and wearing it wisely — can make a world of difference. When you treat your jewellery kindly, it will retain its shine and meaning. Whether it’s a treasured heirloom or your go-to statement piece, a little attention now lets you enjoy it for much longer.
Great tips! I think the storage makes all the difference.
These are really good tips, Emma! I also put those little bags of silica (I think that’s what it is) in with my jewelry to keep the tarnish away. Storing in plastic bags helps, too!
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