5 Things You Should Do to Make Your Jewellery Last a Lifetime

So, you have bought your first piece of jewellery. Considering the trouble you have gone through—from the extensive research on the best starter pieces to covet to the deliberate act of spending your hard-earned money on it—you want to make sure that it stands the test of time. But you don’t know where to start. Worry not, you have come to the right place. Whether it is a pair of simple stud earrings or a stone-stacked necklace, these five essential steps in our jewellery care guide promise to preserve your precious piece.

WEAR THOUGHTFULLY

The first thing you need to know about jewellery-wearing is when to wear it. If you plan to go out, make sure that jewellery is the last thing you put on. Getting your skincare and makeup done beforehand is perhaps the most crucial precaution, as cosmetic products are often loaded with chemicals that jewellery can react poorly to. The formulations in your favourite fragrances, for instance, can easily cause wear on porous gemstones such as pearls. Of course, there will still be contact, eventually, but placing jewellery over set makeup will limit exposure and damage.

CLEAN REGULARLY

Taking your jewellery outdoors means exposing it to a bunch of environmental irritants and stressors. That is why it is imperative that you clean it regularly, and that means having a dedicated cleaning kit at the ready. As a rule of thumb, soak your pieces in warm water with a couple of drops of gentle washing liquid—castile soap is recommended—for 15 minutes. Then, run a soft, clean toothbrush over them and rinse thoroughly in clean water. The last step is to dry the pieces with a lint-free cloth. Note: Organic gems like pearls and opals may require extra care.

DON’T GET BRAVE

It’s hard not to fall for the allure of modern gizmos, what with them all being so accessible on the market. One click of a button and they show up at your front door. So, chances are you have already heard of ultrasonic cleaners. The concept of sound waves producing heat and pressure that simplifies dirt removal makes it sound like it’s an easy-to-use washing machine for your precious pieces. But here’s the thing: it’s not one-size-fits-all. Treated stones and delicate ones like opals may be harmed in the process. So, we advise that you leave this device to the pros.

TAKE IT OFF

Here’s a groundbreaking solution to caring for your jewellery: take it off. We have already covered that fine jewellery and chemicals do not make a good pair, so leave your gems before you do your household chores. You should refrain from wearing your jewellery during strenuous activities as well—just because Chris Evert made tennis bracelets fashionable, it doesn’t mean you should follow suit. You could easily scratch or ding your pieces. Chlorinated water has an adverse effect on precious metals like platinum, so jewellery in swimming pools is also a no-no.

STORE SEPARATELY

Last but not least, store your jewellery separately to avoid scratching. Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring mineral, so lumping them together with the likes of opal or lapis lazuli would be a grave mistake. Leaving them unattended on a wood or any chemically treated surface would not be wise either, as those can speed up the staining and tarnishing process. So, keep your jewellery either in individual zip-lock bags or a fabric-lined case to minimise the risk of damage. Be sure to also place them away from natural sunlight, heat, and humidity to preserve their longevity.