How to keep your jewelry looking its best: care & storage tips

Your jewelry holds special meaning, whether as a cherished keepsake, a family heirloom, or a valuable investment. Proper care ensures your favorite pieces remain beautiful for years to come. Whether you own sterling silver, gold, or gemstone jewelry, here’s how to store, clean, and maintain them the right way.

Best Way to Store Jewelry

Proper storage prevents tangling, tarnishing, and scratches. Here are the best practices for keeping your jewelry safe:

• Use a jewelry box with compartments: Keep pieces separated to avoid scratches. Soft fabric-lined boxes or pouches work best.

• Store in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth: Especially important for silver jewelry, anti-tarnish pouches help slow oxidation.

• Avoid humidity and direct sunlight: Moisture can accelerate tarnishing, while prolonged sun exposure may fade some gemstones.

• Keep gold and silver separate: Storing different metals together can lead to unwanted reactions and discoloration.

• Hang necklaces to prevent tangles: A jewelry stand or hooks can keep delicate chains from knotting.

Caring for gold jewelry

Gold is resistant to tarnish, but it can still get scratched or dulled by everyday wear. Keep it gleaming with these tips:

• Remove before physical activities: Take off gold jewelry when exercising, swimming, or doing household chores to prevent damage.

• Clean gently: Use warm water with mild soap and a soft brush to remove dirt and oils.

• Polish occasionally: A professional polish once a year can restore shine and remove minor scratches.

Special care for 925 Sterling Silver

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time due to exposure to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. To keep it looking pristine:

• Wear it regularly: Silver tarnishes less when worn frequently because the oils on your skin help protect it.

• Keep it dry: Avoid water, especially chlorinated pools and saltwater, as they speed up oxidation.

• Polish gently: Use a soft microfiber cloth or a special silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish.

• Store properly: Keep silver in an anti-tarnish pouch or airtight container when not in use.

Taking care of gemstones & pearls

Many gemstones are delicate and require special attention:

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Perfume, hairspray, and household cleaners can damage porous stones like opal, turquoise, and pearls.

• Wipe with a soft cloth: Instead of soaking, gently clean with a damp, lint-free cloth.

• Store separately: Diamonds and other hard stones can scratch softer gems, so keep them in separate pouches.

• Keep pearls away from water: Pearls absorb moisture and can weaken if exposed to excessive water or humidity.