Jewellery is made to be worn, enjoyed, and to accompany you through life’s moments. But even the most beautifully crafted pieces need a little care to keep looking their best — and to ensure they last a lifetime. After a focus on ‘Why Buy Handmade Jewellery’ in an earlier blog post, let’s now dive into practical ways to care for the precious pieces you already own.
I have noticed that the questions I get most from clients revolve around everyday wear and “can I do this or that?” So, let’s bust some myths and share tips that will save you from panicked calls, ruined charms, or twisted rings.
Before we dive in, a quick note — this guide focuses on precious jewellery such as silver, gold, and gemstones. There are many nuances depending on materials and settings, so I have covered the most common, everyday scenarios here. Delicate pieces like pearls, opals, or knotted necklaces deserve their own special care — I will explore those in future articles.
Myth 1: “It’s silver, so I can wear it anywhere — even in the pool!”
You would be surprised how many people assume that solid silver is indestructible in water. I once had a client ask me if it was okay to wear her rhodium-plated silver bracelet in the pool. The answer? Not really. Chlorine and chemicals in pools can erode plating, leaving the silver underneath exposed and prone to tarnish.
✅ Tip: Remove silver before swimming or bathing. If you accidentally dip it, rinse gently with fresh water and dry with a soft cloth.
Myth 2: “I can clean my silver however I like — it’s just metal.”
One of my most memorable panics involved a client who popped her Pandora silver charm bracelet into a Steradent tablet solution. Within minutes, the entire bracelet dulled, leaving her in near tears. It turned completely matte and lifeless. Professional cleaning can help, but prevention is always better. Even though it was solid silver, chemical cleaners that aren’t designed for jewellery can react unpredictably with metals and gemstones, not to say with finishes (including but not limited to enamel and plating).
If you are interested, I will share how I got it back to looking shiny and beautiful again in a separate post.
✅ Tip: Stick to a soft polishing cloth or gentle soap and water. For stubborn tarnish, professional cleaning is always safest — especially with intricate or plated pieces.
Myth 3: “If it’s solid precious metal, it can’t break.”
Even the best-made pieces can be vulnerable if daily habits aren’t considered. I have had clients reach out because the jump ring on a chain necklace broke, letting the pendant drop. Or because rings with large stones twisted on their fingers, damaging the setting over time. And earrings or stacked rings worn 24/7 — especially to the gym — can suffer unnecessary wear.
✅ Tip:
- Inspect clasps, jump rings, and settings regularly.
- Remove rings and earrings for exercise or heavy lifting.
- Rotate rings if they are large or heavy, so stones aren’t constantly pressing against the finger.
1. Understand Your Materials
Not all jewellery is created equal. Fine jewellery — made of solid silver, gold, or platinum — behaves differently from plated or fashion pieces.
If you are unsure, a simple rule of thumb is: the more precious the metal, the more care it deserves — but also the more it rewards you with longevity.
Silver naturally oxidises; gold resists tarnish but can still scratch. Neither should be exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning.
(Tip: If you are unsure what your piece is made of, check for hallmarks — or ask your jeweller to confirm.)
Gold finesse
What is it ? I hear you say. Well, the higher the carat (for example 18k compared to 9k), the purer the metal ie the more gold there is in the alloy. However that also means that 18k gold may scratch more easily, while 9ct, being harder, can withstand a little more everyday wear. Either way, gentle care goes a long way in keeping your pieces looking their best.
Yellow vs White Gold
White gold is generally more durable than yello gold. However if your piece is white gold, it most probably has a rhodium plating for extra shine — over time that layer can wear off, so occasional replating by your jeweller will help maintain its bright finish.
2. Handle with Intention
Most damage happens not from dramatic accidents, but from everyday habits.
It is easily avoided: remove jewellery before sleeping, exercising, or doing housework. Think of it like caring for fine silk or leather — everyday luxury deserves a little mindfulness.
Mixing metals (eg. gold and silver bangles or rings stacked)
If you love stacking different metals be mindful that they have different hardness levels. Softer metals can scratch more easily when worn against harder ones, so consider wearing similar metals together to minimise wear.
3. Keep Water and Chemicals Away
For gentle home cleaning, use a soft cloth and mild soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid dips, ultrasonic cleaners, or toothpaste.
Want to make sure your jewellery stays beautiful for years to come? I have created a simple checklist — ‘5 Checks For A Jewellery That Lasts’ — to help you recognise quality and care for your pieces like a pro. You can download it for free here.
(If you’d like more detail on this, read my blog: Jewellery & Water – Friends or Enemies?)
4. Store Thoughtfully
Store silver and gold separately, ideally in soft pouches or lined boxes.
Avoid direct sunlight, damp, or heat.
Silver loves anti-tarnish cloths, while gold prefers to be gently buffed before storage.
A travel tip: use a small zip pouch or wrap each item in tissue to stop them tangling.
5. Schedule Professional TLC
Even the best-made jewellery benefits from a check-up.
Have your jeweller inspect clasps and settings once a year — a simple adjustment can prevent heartbreak.
Daily Habits That Make a Difference
Here are some simple routines that will make your precious pieces last and keep them looking gorgeous:
- Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising. Chemicals, saltwater, and sweat can all accelerate tarnish or damage settings.
- Store each piece separately. Soft-lined boxes or pouches prevent scratches. Silver pieces benefit from anti-tarnish cloths or bags.
- Gentle cleaning only. Use a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals unless advised by a professional.
- Inspect and maintain. Every few months, check clasps, jump rings, and prongs. A quick check can prevent costly repairs.
- Embrace occasional professional servicing. Think of it like a spa day for your jewellery — polishing, tightening, and restoring life to your pieces.
Why Understanding How Your Jewellery Is Made Helps
When you know how a piece is crafted, it becomes easier to care for it. Handmade jewellery, like the pieces I create in my South East London atelier, is built to last — but it is not invincible. A small bit of care goes a long way in preserving both the beauty and integrity of your jewellery.
It also means you can enjoy your jewellery every day, without worrying about wear or damage — from your morning meetings to your evening celebrations.
Practical Takeaways To Make Your Jewellery Care Routine Easy
- Your jewellery is a living part of your wardrobe — treat it with respect, but don’t be afraid to wear it.
- Understand the materials and construction to anticipate what kind of care is needed.
- Small, consistent habits protect both the look and longevity of your treasures.
- Most importantly, enjoy your pieces — jewellery that’s loved is jewellery that lasts.
A Final Thought
Jewellery isn’t just decorative — it is deeply personal. By caring for it well, you preserve both its beauty and the memories it holds.
If you would like to go further, explore my related guides below:
Together, they form my “Jewellery Care Essentials” mini-series — practical, expert advice to help you enjoy your jewellery with confidence.
What’s Next
Next instalment, we will tackle some of the most common questions I hear about silver, like “Which silver is best?” and “Can my pieces be repaired if they are damaged?” These will be perfect for those who want to deepen their knowledge and confidence in caring for their collection.
If you want to enhance your jewellery care routine with thoughtful accessories you can find a selection of must-haves here
And because it is that time of year, why not explore pieces designed to last — and to love — this Christmas? Visit my Christmas Gift Guide
