Caring for Your Pieces

Moisture is one of the quickest ways to dull precious metals and compromise delicate settings. Remove your jewelry before swimming, showering, washing dishes, or exercising. Even seemingly harmless contact — a splash from the sink, humidity after a workout — can accelerate tarnish and weaken prongs over time. If a piece does get wet, gently pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth right away.

After each wear, a quick wipe with a soft cloth removes the oils and residue that naturally accumulate throughout the day. For a deeper refresh, soak your piece briefly in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, then use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean around stones and settings. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic machines, and abrasive materials — certain gemstones like opals, pearls, and emeralds require especially gentle handling.

Perfume, lotion, hairspray, and sunscreen all contain chemicals that can cloud gemstones and tarnish metal over time. Make your jewelry the very last thing you put on when getting dressed, and the very first thing you remove when you arrive home. This simple habit also protects chains from snagging on clothing and earrings from catching on fabrics — small moments of care that prevent costly repairs.

How you store your jewelry matters as much as how you wear it. Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or a separate lined compartment — gemstones can scratch metal, and tangled chains are prone to kinking and breakage. Store your collection in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For pieces you wear less often, an airtight bag with an anti-tarnish strip will slow oxidation and preserve their luster between occasions.

Even with attentive at-home care, fine jewelry benefits from a professional eye at least once a year. A jeweler can inspect prong integrity, tighten loose settings, re-polish surfaces, and catch small signs of wear before they become serious. Think of it as a wellness check for your most treasured pieces — a small investment that ensures they remain as extraordinary as the day you first put them on.