How to Care for Jewellery when it’s Not Being Worn

Looking after your jewellery while it’s not being worn is essential – not only will it prevent damage and keep the jewellery in good condition, but it will also guarantee longevity.

Read on to discover our top tips for making sure your jewellery lasts a lifetime.

Storing Your Jewellery

When your jewellery is not being worn, the way you store it will have an impact on its condition. Here are some tips on the best ways to store your jewellery:

• Keep jewellery in a fabric-lined box or pouch. Most good jewellery boxes will have a soft, lint-free lining that’s perfect for storing delicate jewellery.
• Store jewellery separately. Whether you choose a jewellery box with different compartments, or you have individual boxes for each piece, it’s important to separate your jewellery to prevent damage. There are a few reasons for this: it prevents necklaces from becoming tangled together, and it stops hard gemstones from scratching other pieces.
• Maintain an ambient temperature. Jewellery should not be stored in extreme temperatures, and a humid environment should be avoided too. Storing at room temperature protects the jewellery from discolouration and tarnishing.
• Keep jewellery storage clean. It’s important to keep your jewellery box clean, as any dust or musty smells will be transferred onto the jewellery.

Cleaning Your Jewellery

Regular cleaning will prevent a build-up of dust and dirt on your jewellery and keep it looking fresh.

• Silver jewellery: If you do not regularly wear your silver jewellery, it will tarnish over time. Tarnishing is not difficult to remove, however; all you need is a sterling silver cleaning cloth. These lint-free cloths can be purchased from a local jeweller and will keep your silver jewellery looking shiny.
• Gold Jewellery: Because gold is a relatively soft, malleable material, it’s not advised to clean it too harshly. Soaking your gold jewellery in a bowl of water with a few drops of washing up liquid will help to lift any dirt and grime. After a few minutes in the water, remove the jewellery and polish with a soft toothbrush.
• Platinum Jewellery: You can clean platinum with water and washing up liquid too. In contrast to gold, platinum jewellery is more durable, so you don’t need to be quite as delicate when cleaning.
• Gemstone jewellery: When cleaning gemstone jewellery, you need to be mindful of their setting – it’s not difficult to damage a diamond while cleaning, for example, but the surrounding gold is more sensitive. Take extra care cleaning pearls, however, as their nacre surface can be damaged easily by harsh chemicals.

In order to keep your fine jewellery in good condition for years to come, you should take it to your jeweller for a professional clean every few years. Also, a reputable jeweller will be able to make you aware of any tweaks or repairs that need to be made.

If you have any specific questions about caring for the jewellery you own, our experienced team here at Cuttings would be happy to answer them for you. Just get in touch!