How Do I Care for My Gold and Silver Jewelry?

Proper care can help keep your gold and silver jewelry looking beautiful for years to come. Because jewelry can vary in metal composition, gemstones, finishes, and construction, always follow any specific care instructions provided with your item.

General Jewelry Care

Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, or participating in activities where it may be exposed to water, chlorine, saltwater, excessive perspiration, or chemicals.

Avoid applying perfume, hairspray, lotions, oils, or other personal-care products directly onto your jewelry. Allow these products to dry before putting on your jewelry.

Store jewelry in a clean, dry place when it is not being worn. Whenever possible, store pieces separately to prevent scratching, tangling, or contact between different metals.

Gold Jewelry

Gold jewelry can be gently cleaned with a soft, lint-free cloth. For appropriate pieces, you may use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap, followed by thorough rinsing and gentle drying.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, polishing compounds, and rough materials, which can scratch the surface or affect certain finishes.

Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver naturally develops tarnish over time when exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. This is normal and does not mean the jewelry is defective.

A soft silver-polishing cloth can be used to gently remove tarnish from appropriate sterling silver pieces. Take extra care with jewelry that contains gemstones, enamel, oxidized finishes, or other special treatments, as polishing can affect the finish.

Jewelry With Gemstones

Gemstones can have different levels of hardness and may require special care. Avoid exposing gemstone jewelry to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, or abrasive cleaners unless the specific stone is known to be suitable for that type of cleaning.

When in doubt, use a soft, dry cloth and consult a professional jeweler for specialized cleaning.

With proper care and storage, your jewelry can remain beautiful and wearable for many years.