Jewelry Care

Proper care and maintenance of jewelry are essential for preserving its beauty and longevity. Whether your pieces are made from precious metals, diamonds, gemstones, or delicate materials like sea glass and coral, each requires specific attention to remain in pristine condition. This guide provides essential tips for cleaning, storage, and handling to keep your jewelry looking its best.

jewelry cloth and cleaning

General Jewelry Care

  • Cleaning: Regularly clean your jewelry to remove dirt, oils, and residue. Use warm water and mild soap, soaking pieces briefly before gently brushing with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the finish.

  • Storage: Store jewelry in a cool, dry place. Use a jewelry box with separate compartments to prevent scratching. Wrap softer items, like sea glass, in soft cloths or pouches. Avoid direct sunlight and humid environments to prevent discoloration.

  • Handling: Keep hands clean and dry when handling jewelry to reduce the transfer of oils. Remove pieces before swimming, exercising, or applying lotions and perfumes to prevent damage.

Caring for Different Materials

Silver

  • Clean silver regularly to prevent tarnish using a silver polishing cloth or a solution of mild soap and warm water.

  • Store silver in anti-tarnish pouches or lined compartments to reduce exposure to air and moisture.

  • Avoid exposing silver to chemicals like chlorine or sulfur, as these can cause permanent discoloration.

Gold

  • Clean gold with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.

  • Higher karat gold (18K, 22K, 24K) is softer and more prone to scratches and dents. Store these pieces separately to minimize contact with harder metals or gemstones.

  • Regularly inspect for signs of wear, such as loose clasps or settings, as softer gold can bend more easily over time.

Diamonds

  • Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner to maintain diamond brilliance. Soft toothbrushes work well for removing dirt from settings.

  • Store diamonds separately to avoid scratching softer stones or metals.

  • Protect diamonds from extreme heat and chemicals to preserve their clarity and shine.

Precious Stones and Other Metals

  • Each gemstone has unique care needs. For example, softer stones like opals, turquoise, pearls, and amber are more susceptible to scratches and chemical damage.

  • Store these stones separately to avoid contact with harder gems and metals that could cause abrasion.

  • Be mindful of exposure to heat, light, and chemicals, as these can alter color and clarity.

  • Sea Glass and Coral: Handle with care to avoid chipping. Keep away from chemicals and excessive moisture to prevent fading.

  • Mixed-Material Pieces: Consider each component’s care requirements to avoid unintended damage.

  • See our Gemstone Edit page for specific care on gemstones and pearls.

By following these guidelines for cleaning, storage, and handling, you can ensure your jewelry remains beautiful and retains its value over time. Regular maintenance not only enhances its appearance but also supports the longevity of these cherished pieces. At Sonoran Tide, we recommend storing your precious jewelry in WOLF products.