Jewellery Care Guide
Proper jewellery care helps protect the appearance, shine and condition of your favourite pieces. Follow these practical tips for cleaning, wearing and storing different jewellery materials.
Last updated: August 2026Essential Jewellery Care
A few simple habits can help reduce scratches, tarnishing, discolouration and accidental damage.
Store Separately
Keep pieces apart to help prevent scratching and tangling.
Avoid Moisture
Remove jewellery before showering, swimming or exercising.
Apply Products First
Put jewellery on after perfume, cosmetics and hairspray.
Wipe After Wear
Use a clean, soft cloth to remove oils and fingerprints.
General Jewellery Care
Use gentle handling and avoid exposing jewellery to unnecessary moisture, chemicals or friction.
- Store each piece separately to help prevent scratches
- Remove jewellery before sleeping, exercising or swimming
- Avoid perfumes, lotions, hairspray and cleaning products
- Fasten necklaces before storage to reduce tangling
- Wipe pieces gently after wearing
Always follow any product-specific care instructions supplied with your jewellery.
Fashion Jewellery
Fashion jewellery should be handled gently to help preserve its finish, stones and decorative details.
- Keep jewellery dry whenever possible
- Avoid direct contact with perfume and cosmetics
- Do not use abrasive cloths or chemical jewellery cleaners
- Wipe carefully with a clean, soft, dry cloth
- Store away from direct sunlight and humidity
Sterling Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver can naturally tarnish when exposed to air, moisture and certain chemicals.
- Store silver jewellery in a clean, dry place
- Use a soft silver polishing cloth when appropriate
- Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and chemicals
- Keep pieces in a jewellery box or pouch when not in use
Take extra care when polishing silver jewellery containing delicate stones, coatings or decorative finishes.
Gold-Plated Jewellery
Gold-plated jewellery requires gentle care because abrasive cleaning and repeated exposure to water may affect the finish.
- Remove before showering, bathing or swimming
- Avoid perfume, cosmetics and household chemicals
- Do not scrub or use abrasive polishing products
- Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Store separately from harder jewellery pieces
Freshwater Pearl Jewellery
Freshwater pearls have a delicate surface and should be protected from chemicals, friction and harsh cleaning.
- Put pearls on after applying perfume and cosmetics
- Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth
- Do not use chemical or abrasive jewellery cleaners
- Never place pearls in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner
- Store separately from harder gemstones and metals
Amber Jewellery
Amber is a relatively soft organic gemstone that requires gentle handling and protection from heat and chemicals.
- Keep amber away from excessive heat and direct sunlight
- Avoid perfumes, hairspray and cleaning chemicals
- Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth
- Do not soak amber jewellery for long periods
- Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaning equipment
Moissanite Jewellery
Moissanite is durable, but its setting and surrounding materials still require appropriate care.
- Use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap
- Clean gently with a very soft brush where appropriate
- Rinse carefully and dry with a lint-free cloth
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive products
- Check settings regularly for looseness or damage
Jewellery with Stones
Different stones and settings may require different cleaning methods. When the material is unknown, use the gentlest option.
- Use a soft, dry cloth for routine cleaning
- Do not soak jewellery with glued decorative stones
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaning unless confirmed as suitable
- Do not wear jewellery if a stone or setting feels loose
Jewellery Storage
Correct storage is one of the simplest ways to reduce scratches, tangling, moisture exposure and accidental damage.
Store jewellery in a clean, dry location away from direct sunlight, heat and excessive humidity.
Recommended Storage
- Use a lined jewellery box with separate compartments
- Fasten necklaces and chains before storing them
- Keep earrings together in pairs
- Separate soft gemstones from harder materials
- Use individual pouches where appropriate
When Not to Clean Jewellery at Home
Stop wearing or cleaning a piece if you notice damage or are uncertain about its materials.
- A stone, clasp or setting feels loose
- A chain, earring post or fitting is damaged
- The jewellery contains an unidentified stone or coating
- The item requires specialist restoration or repair
Professional Cleaning
For deeper cleaning, repairs or valuable and delicate jewellery, consult a suitably qualified professional jeweller.
A professional can assess the materials, settings and condition before recommending an appropriate cleaning or repair method.
Need Jewellery Care Advice?
If you have a question about caring for an item purchased from Aurum & Relics, contact us and include the product name or order number where available.