How to Keep Your Pieces Sparkling for Years

Your jewellery is more than just an accessory; it tells your story. Every piece you own must be cherished and preserved, whether it's a family treasure, a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, or a contemporary set of hoop earrings. However, without proper care, jewellery can lose its sparkle, discolour, or even damage.

How to Care for Different Jewellery Materials

Not all jewellery is created equal, and the material greatly affects how you care for it. Here’s a quick rundown of common materials and their care needs:

Caring for Gold Jewellery

• Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine, as they can weaken gold over time. This includes pools, cleaning products, and even frequent hand sanitiser.

• Gold is soft and can scratch easily, so store it separately in a soft pouch or compartmented jewellery box.

• If your gold jewellery gets dull, a mild soap and water solution is your best bet for a safe clean.

Caring for Silver Jewellery

• Silver tarnishes naturally and turns black when exposed to air and moisture—store silver pieces in anti-tarnish cloths or pouches.

• Use a silver polish or a soft cloth for gentle buffing to restore lustre.

• Don’t wear silver jewellery in water as it accelerates tarnishing.

Caring for Gemstones

• Different gemstones react differently to heat, chemicals, and moisture. Softer gemstones like opals require extra care and shouldn’t be exposed to extreme heat.

• Always clean gemstones with a soft, damp cloth, and avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which may be too harsh for fragile stones.

• Avoid direct sunlight as it can fade coloured gemstones like amethyst and topaz over time.

Caring for Pearls

• Pearls are delicate and need love and attention. Due to their porous nature, they can absorb chemicals from perfumes, oils, and hairsprays. Always apply products before putting on pearls, not after.

• Clean pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear to remove oils.

• Store them in a breathable cloth pouch instead of plastic, which can trap moisture and damage the surface.

Jewellery Daily Wear and Storage

Jewellery care starts with how you wear and store it every day. A few small habits can make a big difference in preserving your pieces.

Daily Wear Tips

• Don’t wear jewellery during strenuous activities like exercising or cleaning. Sweat and impacts can harm jewellery or loosen settings.

• Put on jewellery last in your routine to prevent exposure to lotions, perfumes and makeup.

• Remove your jewellery before bed to prevent accidental damage while sleeping.

Storage Best Practices

• Store each piece separately to prevent scratches and tangled chains. A good idea is to invest in a jewellery box with compartments or soft pouches.

• Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets for silver jewellery to prevent oxidation.

• Keep your storage location cool and dry, as excessive heat and humidity can damage jewellery over time.

Jewellery Cleaning Methods

Cleaning your jewellery isn’t as scary as it seems. Here’s how to clean your pieces safely without damaging them:

Gold and Silver Cleaning

1. Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.

2. Soak your jewellery for 10-15 minutes.

3. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to buff away the grime, paying close attention to crevices.

4. Rinse your jewellery with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Gemstones

1. Mix lukewarm water with a tiny amount of dish soap.

2. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wipe the gemstones.

3. Rinse gently and pat dry. Don’t submerge if you’re unsure if the stone can handle water.

Pearls

1. Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth. Don’t soak them in water.

2. Make sure your pearls dry completely before storing them to prevent damage.

3. Use a mild soap solution only if necessary and always rinse thoroughly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cleaning Jewellery

While jewellery care isn’t hard, it’s essential to avoid these common pitfalls:

• Harsh household cleaners. Some cleansers contain chemicals like ammonia or bleach, which can damage metals and stones.

• Ultrasonic cleaners. Though effectiv,e they’re not suitable for soft gemstones like emeralds or opals.

• DIY fixes. Don’t try to open clasps or tighten prongs yourself as you may cause more harm than good.

• Prolonged exposure to water. Showering, swimming or washing dishes with jewellery on can cause tarnishing, discolouration or weakened settings.

• Skipping regular checks. Settings can loosen over time. Check your jewellery regularly for loose stones or uneven clasps.

Jewellery Smart Storage Solutions

Proper storage is essential for protecting your jewellery when it is not worn.

Separate Storage

Always store components separately to avoid damage and tangling. Simple solutions such as soft pouches, anti-tarnish bags, and velvet-lined boxes work wonderfully.

Avoid humidity

Humidity is a silent murderer of metals such as silver. Store your jewellery in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight. For further protection, purchase silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture.

Travel with Style

A well-organised storage solution is even more critical when you're on the go. The travel jewellery case has compartments designed to cradle each piece, keeping it secure and tangle-free while you travel the world.

When to Get Professional Jewellery Servicing

There comes a time when your jewellery needs professional attention. Here’s when to get servicing:

• Annual check-ups: Schedule a yearly inspection with a jeweller to ensure that the settings are secure and the stones are intact.

• Deep cleaning: Professional jewellers have the tools to safely restore shine and remove stubborn grime.

• Repairs: Whether it’s a broken clasp or a lost stone, always get repairs done by experienced jewellery professionals.

Many jewellers also offer polishing services that can revive older pieces and give them that “just purchased” glow.

Keep Your Jewellery Sparkling

Jewellery is more than just a fashion statement; it is frequently emotive, meaningful, and worth keeping. Your beloved things can remain lovely for years with proper maintenance, careful storage, and sometimes professional assistance. 

Whether it's a delicate gold necklace or a string of ancestral pearls, a little extra work goes a long way towards keeping your jewellery as good as the day you first wore it. Treat your collection with affection, and it will shine with you through every stage of your life.

Looking to add new sparkle to your collection? 

Explore our range of thoughtfully designed pieces at Blush & Co. Every piece is made to shine – just like you.