Jewelry Care Guide: Cleaning, Storage & Maintenance

Fine jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed—but like anything valuable, it benefits from a little regular care. Your engagement ring, wedding band, or a favorite everyday piece, will benefit from simple habits that can help keep your jewelry looking beautiful for years to come.

If you’re ever unsure about how to care for a specific piece, you can also visit our Jewelry Care FAQ for quick answers to common questions.

How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home

Regular cleaning helps restore your jewelry’s sparkle and remove buildup from lotions, soaps, and everyday wear.

For most diamond and gemstone jewelry, a simple cleaning routine works well:

• Use warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap
• Let the jewelry soak for a few minutes
• Gently brush with a soft toothbrush, especially behind the stones
• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
• There are some caveats with soft stones, so please visit our Jewelry Care FAQ for more details

Keep in mind that removing buildup can sometimes reveal loose stones that were previously held in place by dirt or residue. If something feels different after cleaning, it’s best to have it checked.

Jewelry Care Do’s and Don’ts

Do

• Have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected every 6–12 months
• Clean frequently worn pieces on a regular basis
• Store jewelry separately to prevent scratching

Don’t

• Apply lotion, sunscreen, or hair products while wearing jewelry
• Wear jewelry in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean
• Wear jewelry during workouts, yard work, or heavy activity
• Assume diamonds cannot be damaged—hard impact can chip them

Protecting Your Jewelry from Damage

Even durable jewelry can be damaged over time. Prongs can wear down, metals can thin, and gemstones can loosen. Everyday activities—especially those involving impact or pressure—are the most common causes of damage.

If you prefer to wear a band during physical activity, consider a silicone band as a safe alternative.

Storing Your Jewelry

Proper storage helps prevent scratches, tangles, and unnecessary wear.

• Store pieces in a soft-lined jewelry box or individual pouches
• Keep chains fastened to prevent tangling
• Separate softer gemstones from harder ones like diamonds
• Store silver in a cool, dry place to reduce tarnishing

When in Doubt, Have It Checked

If something doesn’t look or feel right, it’s always better to have it checked sooner rather than later. Small issues like loose stones or worn prongs can often be fixed quickly if caught early.

Our team at Jewelry Creations is always happy to take a look and offer guidance you can trust.