Jewelry Care Guide

RH Jewelers | Jewelry Care Guide

How to Care for and Clean Your Jewelry

Jewelry can pick up oils, lotions, dirt, and other residue during normal wear. Over time, that buildup can dull its shine or affect its finish. Small changes in how you wear, clean, and store your pieces can help keep them looking their best.

Different materials need different types of care. A cleaning method that works well for sterling silver may be too harsh for plated or delicate pieces. Knowing what your jewelry is made from can help you choose a safer approach and avoid accidental damage.

Regular cleaning, careful storage, and a little extra attention during everyday wear can go a long way toward protecting the jewelry you love.

01 | Everyday Essentials

Everyday Jewelry Care: Simple Habits That Make a Difference

Daily wear exposes jewelry to moisture, natural skin oils, lotions, fragrances, and household products. A few easy habits can reduce buildup and help protect each piece from unnecessary wear.

Put jewelry on after applying lotion, perfume, hairspray, makeup, or other personal care products. Give those products a moment to dry before adding your jewelry. When you get ready for bed, remove your pieces rather than sleeping in them.

Take jewelry off before showering, swimming, exercising, cleaning, or doing activities that could expose it to chemicals, sweat, or repeated impact. Even durable pieces can collect residue or develop scratches from regular contact.

After wearing your jewelry, gently wipe it using a clean, soft cloth before putting it away. This removes some of the oils and residue left behind during the day. Keeping this habit simple makes regular jewelry care much easier.

Jewelry styled for an elegant everyday jewelry care routine

02 | Cleaning Guide

How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home

Regular cleaning can remove oils, fingerprints, and everyday buildup that make jewelry look dull. A gentle approach is usually the safest place to start.

For many pieces, use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface. If the material can safely handle water, a small amount of mild soap mixed into lukewarm water can help loosen residue. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean small areas carefully, then rinse only when appropriate for the material. Pat the piece dry using a soft cloth and let it dry completely before storing it.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, rough cloths, harsh chemicals, and stiff brushes. These can scratch surfaces or damage certain finishes. Household cleaning products, including bleach and chlorine, should also stay away from jewelry.

A gentle approach is best. Before using any cleaning method, check the material and finish of the piece. When you are unsure how a piece should be cleaned, stick to a soft cloth until you can confirm the safest method.

925 Sterling Silver

Sterling silver can naturally tarnish over time due to exposure to air, moisture, skin oils, and everyday products. This discoloration is normal and can often be removed through gentle cleaning.

Use a soft polishing cloth made for sterling silver to restore shine and remove light tarnish. For routine care, keep your jewelry dry and wipe it gently after wearing it. Avoid exposing sterling silver to chlorine, bleach, harsh cleaners, perfumes, and lotions whenever possible.

Store sterling silver pieces in a cool, dry place when they are not being worn. Keeping pieces separate can also reduce scratching and tangling.

Silver heart-shaped pendant necklace on a white background

Moissanite and Zirconia Jewelry

Moissanite and cubic zirconia can lose some of their sparkle when oils, soap, or lotion collect on the surface. Gentle, regular cleaning can help keep the stones bright.

Use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft-bristled brush to carefully loosen buildup around the stone and setting. Rinse thoroughly, then pat dry using a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and rough materials that could scratch the metal surrounding the stone.

Remove these pieces before swimming, exercising, or using household cleaners to limit exposure to chemicals and residue.

Diamond heart bracelet and necklace set on a white background

Plated, Finished, or Delicate Jewelry

Plated and delicate jewelry needs a gentle touch since moisture, friction, and chemicals can wear down the surface over time. Remove these pieces before showering, swimming, exercising, or applying lotions and fragrances.

After wearing them, gently wipe each piece using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid polishing compounds, abrasive cleaners, and prolonged soaking, which may damage the finish.

Store delicate pieces separately in a dry place to limit scratches, tangles, and rubbing against other jewelry.

Delicate jewelry displayed against a clean white background

03 | Protect Your Pieces

How to Store Jewelry Properly

Proper storage can help prevent scratches, tangles, tarnish, and other signs of wear. Keep jewelry in a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures.

Store pieces separately when possible, especially items that can easily scratch or become tangled. Small pouches, lined jewelry boxes, and individual compartments can help keep necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings protected between wears.

Before putting jewelry away, make sure each piece is clean and completely dry. Fasten necklace and bracelet clasps to help prevent chains from tangling or forming knots.

04 | Expert Care

When Your Jewelry Needs Professional Attention

Some jewelry problems are better handled professionally. Have a piece inspected if you notice a loose stone, bent prong, damaged clasp, broken chain, deep scratch, or other visible damage.

You may also want professional help when heavy tarnish or buildup does not improve after gentle cleaning. Avoid trying to force, reshape, or repair damaged jewelry at home, since this can make the problem worse.

Catching small issues early can help prevent further damage and keep your favorite pieces in wearable condition.

05 | Your Care Routine

A Quick Jewelry Care Checklist

Keep these simple habits in mind when caring for your jewelry:

  • Put jewelry on after lotions, perfumes, and other personal care products have dried.
  • Remove pieces before showering, swimming, exercising, or cleaning.
  • Wipe jewelry gently after wear to remove oils and residue.
  • Use mild cleaning methods suited to the material.
  • Keep harsh chemicals and abrasive products away from your jewelry.
  • Let pieces dry completely before putting them away.
  • Store jewelry separately in a clean, dry place.
  • Check clasps, settings, and stones regularly for signs of damage.
  • Seek professional attention for loose stones, broken parts, or damage that cannot be safely addressed at home.

Made to Be Treasured

Care for the Pieces That Tell Your Story

The jewelry you reach for most often can become connected to everyday memories, special occasions, and milestone moments. Giving those pieces regular care can help preserve their appearance so you can continue enjoying them for years to come.

Pay attention to how your jewelry looks and feels during wear. Clean it gently when buildup appears, store it carefully, and address loose stones or damaged parts before the problem gets worse. Simple habits can make a meaningful difference in how well your favorite pieces hold up over time.

Have questions about caring for a specific piece? Reach out to RH Jewelers for help.