Your jewelry tells a story—whether it’s a family heirloom, a custom creation, or a piece you wear every day. To keep those stories shining bright, proper care is key. With just a little attention, you can ensure your treasures remain as radiant as the day you got them. Here are essential tips for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your jewelry to preserve its sparkle for years to come.
Regular Cleaning for a Lasting Shine
Dirt, oil, and everyday exposure can dull even the most brilliant stones and metals. Here’s how to keep them clean:
Diamonds and Precious Stones: Soak your jewelry in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap for 10-15 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean around the setting, then rinse and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Gold and Platinum: Use the same warm water and soap method, but avoid harsh scrubbing. Buff gently with a polishing cloth to restore its shine.
Pearls and Delicates: Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear. Never soak them, as water can weaken the silk thread holding them together.
Silver: Silver can tarnish over time. Use a silver-specific polishing cloth to clean and shine your pieces—avoid abrasive chemicals.
Tip: For deep cleaning or delicate repairs, consult a professional jeweler.
Safe Storage to Avoid Damage
Improper storage is one of the leading causes of scratches, tangles, and tarnish. Follow these steps to protect your pieces:
Store Separately: Always keep jewelry pieces apart to prevent scratches. Use soft pouches, separate compartments in a jewelry box, or individual jewelry bags.
Keep Away from Humidity: Moisture can cause metals to tarnish quickly. Store silver and gold in anti-tarnish pouches or airtight containers.
Avoid Tangling: For necklaces and chains, hang them on hooks or lay them flat in a jewelry organizer to prevent knots.
Protect Delicate Stones: Soft gems like opals, turquoise, or pearls need extra care—store them away from harder stones like diamonds that can scratch them.
Tip: Add silica gel packets to your storage box to keep moisture away.
Mindful Wearing for Longevity
Jewelry is meant to be loved, but some situations call for extra care.
Remove Before Activities: Take off rings and other jewelry before cleaning, working out, or swimming. Chemicals in cleaning products, sweat, and chlorine can damage metals and stones.
Apply Products First: Lotion, perfume, and hairspray can leave residue on jewelry, dulling its shine. Apply these products first, then put on your jewelry as the final touch.
Don’t Sleep with Jewelry On: Wearing pieces overnight can lead to unnecessary wear or even damage delicate settings.
Tip: Regularly inspect your pieces for loose stones or worn prongs to avoid accidental loss.
Know When to Visit the Pros
While at-home care is essential, professional cleaning and maintenance can work wonders.
Schedule a professional cleaning once or twice a year to ensure your jewelry stays in top shape.
Jewelers can check for loose stones, fix prongs, polish metals, and deep-clean areas that are hard to reach.
If you have heirlooms or delicate custom pieces, consult an expert for preservation tips.
Preventing Tarnish and Wear
Metals like silver and gold can tarnish naturally, but with a little care, you can slow this process:
Avoid Contact with Chemicals: Household cleaners, saltwater, and even beauty products can cause tarnishing.
Polish Regularly: Use a jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine and remove any light tarnish.
Wear It Often: Believe it or not, wearing silver jewelry helps prevent tarnish, as the natural oils from your skin keep it cleaner.
Make Your Jewelry Last a Lifetime
Your jewelry holds meaning, memories, and milestones—so it deserves the best care. With regular cleaning, thoughtful storage, and professional maintenance, your pieces can remain timeless treasures for generations.
Ready to give your jewelry the care it needs?
For professional cleaning, maintenance, or custom consultations, email us at lsjewelrycustomers@gmail.com
or visit us in-store at 1953 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles.