Jewellery isn’t just an accessory—it’s often a keepsake that holds memories, marking special moments in life. Whether you’ve just received a new piece as a gift or are a long-time collector, taking proper care of your jewellery ensures it remains as stunning as the day you got it. From diamonds to pearls and everything in between, each type of jewellery has unique care needs. Here’s your go-to guide for year-round jewellery care, with extra seasonal tips to keep your pieces looking their best.

1. General Jewellery Care Tips for Everyday Wear

Keeping your jewellery in great shape begins with everyday habits:

  • Storage: Store your pieces in a soft-lined jewellery box or pouch, with each item separated to avoid scratches. For delicate items, consider individual compartments.
  • Basic Cleaning: For most jewellery, a soft detergent (like dawn dishsoap, water, and a soft bristle toothbrush will do the trick. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage metals and stones.
  • Handling with Care: When handling delicate pieces, be gentle. Take off rings before heavy tasks and put on jewellery last when getting dressed to prevent exposure to lotions and perfumes.

2. Season-Specific Care Tips

Different seasons bring unique challenges for jewellery care. Here are some simple tips to keep your jewellery safe through changing weather:

  • Winter Care: Holiday activities can lead to accidental knocks or bumps. Take extra care with delicate pieces and avoid wearing them in freezing temperatures. Certain gemstones can be temperature sensitive.
  • Summer Care: Sunscreen, chlorine, and sweat can be harsh on jewellery. Rinse off any lotions or chemicals from your skin before putting on jewellery, and avoid wearing precious pieces to the pool. (Chlorine can actually damage gold so it’s best to avoid wearing gold jewellery in the pool/hot tub at all. Your fingers shrink faster than the metals do as well so for those wearing their rings in the ocean or lake, they can risk slipping off your finger without you realizing.)
  • Travel Tips: If you’re travelling, use a travel case with separate compartments to keep your jewellery safe. Avoid packing valuable pieces in checked luggage; carry them with you instead.

3. Caring for Diamonds

Diamonds may be durable, but they still benefit from regular care:

  • Cleaning and Maintenance: Gently clean diamonds with a soft bristle toothbrush and mild soap. To maintain their sparkle, consider having them professionally cleaned and inspected periodically.
  • Seasonal Care for Diamonds: In summer, avoid using sunscreen, which can dull a diamond’s shine. In winter, avoid exposing them to extreme cold.

4. Gold Jewellery Care

Gold jewellery is a classic choice that can last generations with proper care:

  • Avoiding Tarnish: Gold can tarnish when exposed to some harsh chemicals. Remove gold pieces before swimming or applying lotions. (Applying lotions would just be to keep it clean, but it won’t damage your jewellery.)
  • Cleaning Techniques: Use a soft micro fiber cloth micro fiber and mild soap to clean gold jewellery. For a deep clean, professional services can bring back its lustre.
  • Storing Gold Jewellery: To avoid scratches, store gold items in separate pouches or compartments, especially if they are stored with other metals.

5. Pearl Care – Keeping Pearls Pristine

Pearls are delicate and require special attention to maintain their natural beauty:

  • Gentle Handling and Cleaning: Pearls are soft and can scratch easily. Wipe them with a soft micro fiber cloth after each wear, especially if they’ve come into contact with makeup or skin oils. 
  • We always say “Last thing on, first thing off” with pearls. They’re a natural gemstone so they’re more susceptible to damage. They’re made with layers of nacre and our skin oils can dull the lustre of the pearls. Makeup, perfume, and hairspray can also start to eat away at the pearls nacre/lustre.
  • Seasonal Care for Pearls: Keep pearls away from excessive heat in the summer, and avoid storing them in dry conditions in winter, as they need a bit of moisture.
  • Storage Recommendations: Store pearls separately in soft fabric pouches to prevent scratches and allow them to “breathe.”

6. Silver Jewellery Care

Silver jewellery can tarnish easily, but with a few simple steps, you can keep it looking bright:

  • Preventing Tarnish: Wearing silver often can prevent tarnish since exposure to skin oils helps keep it shiny. When not in use, store silver in an airtight bag to limit tarnish.
  • Cleaning Silver: Use a silver polishing cloth or a mild baking soda solution to remove tarnish safely. For stubborn tarnish, a professional cleaning is a good option.
  • Seasonal Advice for Silver: Humidity in summer and storage conditions in winter can accelerate tarnishing. Store silver carefully to reduce exposure to air and humidity.

7. Gemstone-Specific Care

Different gemstones have different care requirements. Here’s how to protect popular stones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and opals:

  • Protection Tips: Avoid exposing gemstones to extreme temperatures, chemicals, or direct sunlight. This is especially important for softer gemstones like opals which are a temperature sensitive stone. [I don’t know if you want to mention but some stones like kunzite are sensitive to the sun and their colour can fade. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds are all fine though. However, most emeralds in the market are fracture filled and high alcohol solutions (like hand sanitizer) can actually loosen or remove the treatment done. We recommend pearls and emeralds are removed from the hand when sanitizing or that they’re careful not to touch either stone).
  • Seasonal Tips for Gemstones: For beach trips, it’s best to leave softer stones at home to avoid sand and saltwater exposure. Be mindful of taking them in and out of the cold in winter, as sudden temperature changes can affect certain stones.
  • Professional Inspections: Gemstones may loosen in their settings over time due to wear and tear. Regular professional inspections can ensure settings are secure.

8. Specialized In-Store Services at Vandenbergs Jewellers

While at-home care is important, regular professional maintenance helps keep your jewellery in top condition:

  • Professional Cleaning and Polishing: Our team offers professional cleaning services that restore shine and remove deep dirt that at-home cleaning can’t reach.
  • Repairs and Inspections: Periodic inspections allow us to catch any wear or loosened settings before they become issues. This is especially important for frequently worn items like rings.
  • Customization and Refurbishment: Thinking of updating a piece or adding a personal touch? Our expert jewellers can help you with customization options that preserve the beauty of your jewellery.

By caring for your jewellery, you’re preserving not only its beauty but also its sentimental value. Each item deserves special care, whether it’s a new piece or a family heirloom. For a deeper clean, inspection, or any repairs, Vandenbergs Jewellers is here to help.

Visit us today for expert advice on keeping your precious pieces as dazzling as the day you received them!