Jewellery Guide
Jewellery Care
A practical routine for cleaning, storage, and maintenance
Regular care protects shine, setting security, and comfort. A few consistent daily habits, paired with periodic professional attention, keep your jewellery beautiful for years.
Fine jewellery is built to last generations, but it isn't indestructible. A few consistent habits — how you handle, clean, and store your pieces — make the difference between jewellery that stays brilliant for decades and jewellery that dulls, loosens, or gets damaged within a few years.
Daily Care Habits
- Last on, first off. Put jewellery on after applying perfume, lotion, hairspray, and makeup, and take it off before bathing, sleeping, or exercising.
- Avoid chemical exposure. Chlorine (pools), household cleaners, and even some cosmetics can discolour metal and damage certain gemstones over time.
- Remove jewellery for manual work — gardening, cleaning, cooking, and gym activity all risk scratches, impact damage, or loosened stones.
- Wipe down after wear with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils, sweat, and everyday residue before storing.
Cleaning Methods by Material
| Material | Recommended Method | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Gold (plain) | Warm water, mild soap, soft brush | Chlorine, abrasive cloths |
| Diamond | Warm water, mild soap, soft brush; ultrasonic generally safe | Contact with other diamonds/hard surfaces while cleaning |
| Emerald, Opal, Pearl | Soft, slightly damp cloth only | Ultrasonic and steam cleaners, harsh chemicals |
| Sterling Silver | Silver polishing cloth; mild soap for deeper clean | Chlorine, abrasive polish on oxidised finishes |
| Platinum | Warm water, mild soap, soft brush | Nothing special — see our Platinum Care guide |
Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves in a liquid bath to dislodge dirt and oils — effective for diamonds and most durable, untreated gemstones set in gold or platinum. They are not safe for emerald, opal, pearl, turquoise, and other porous or treated stones, as the vibrations can widen existing fractures or damage delicate surfaces. When in doubt, stick to a soft cloth and mild soap, or ask a professional jeweller.
Steam Cleaning
Professional steam cleaning uses pressurised steam to clean intricate settings quickly and effectively. It carries the same risks as ultrasonic cleaning for softer, porous, or heavily treated gemstones, and the heat can also affect certain treatments (like emerald's oiling). It's best left to professional jewellers who can assess a piece before treating it.
Chemical Exposure to Avoid
Chlorine (swimming pools, some cleaning products), perfume, hairspray, and certain lotions are among the most common causes of dulled metal and damaged gemstone treatments. Chlorine in particular can weaken gold alloys over repeated exposure, especially in white gold and lower-karat pieces.
Swimming, Perfume, and Moisture
Always remove jewellery before swimming — pool chlorine and seawater salt both accelerate wear on metal and can dull gemstone finishes. Apply perfume and lotion before putting jewellery on, not after, since direct contact with these products is one of the most common causes of surface buildup and dulling. In humid climates, ensure jewellery is fully dry before storing, and consider silica gel packets in your storage box to control moisture.
Storage
- Store each piece separately — in individual pouches or a lined jewellery box with dividers — to prevent scratching and tangling.
- Keep jewellery away from direct sunlight and humidity, both of which can affect certain gemstone colours and accelerate tarnishing on silver.
- Fasten clasps on chains before storing to prevent tangling.
- Store diamond and other hard-gemstone pieces separately from softer stones, since they can scratch other jewellery even at rest.
Travel Care
Use a dedicated travel jewellery case with individual compartments or pouches rather than tossing pieces loosely into a bag. Pack jewellery in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags when flying, and avoid leaving jewellery in a hot car or direct sun for extended periods, which can affect certain gemstone treatments and stress metal settings.
Professional Cleaning and Inspection
Even with good home care, have your jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected periodically. A jeweller can check prong and setting security, spot early wear before a stone is lost, and safely deep-clean pieces using equipment suited to their specific metals and gemstones.
Suggested Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe down after wear | Every use |
| At-home soap-and-water clean | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Check prongs/clasps visually | Every 1–2 months |
| Professional cleaning & inspection | Every 6–12 months |
| Re-plating (white gold/rhodium-plated pieces) | Every 12–24 months, as needed |
Key Takeaways
- "Last on, first off" — apply perfume and lotion before jewellery, and remove jewellery before bathing, swimming, or exercise.
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are safe for diamonds in durable settings but can damage emerald, opal, pearl, and other porous or treated stones.
- Store pieces separately in a lined box or pouches to prevent scratching and tangling.
- Have jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected every 6–12 months to catch loose settings early.
- Chlorine, perfume, and hairspray are the most common everyday causes of dulled metal — avoid direct contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean all my jewellery with an ultrasonic cleaner?
No. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for diamonds set securely in gold or platinum, but unsafe for emerald, opal, pearl, and other porous or treated gemstones, where the vibrations can worsen existing fractures or damage the surface.
How often should I get my jewellery professionally cleaned?
Every 6 to 12 months is a good general guideline, or sooner for pieces worn daily. Professional cleaning also lets a jeweller check prong and setting security before a stone becomes loose enough to fall out.
Is it okay to wear jewellery in the shower or pool?
It's best to remove jewellery before swimming or showering. Chlorine and soap residue can dull metal finishes and, over time, weaken certain gold alloys — particularly in white gold and lower-karat pieces.
Why does my white gold jewellery need re-plating?
White gold is typically finished with a rhodium plating for its bright white shine. This plating wears down gradually with regular use, revealing the warmer tone of the gold alloy underneath — re-plating every 12–24 months restores the original finish.
Keep your collection looking its best with the right cleaning and storage habits.
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