Everyday Habits for Longer-Lasting Jewelry

1. Keep Them Dry

Moisture is the quiet enemy of all jewelry. Water, steam and harsh cleaning products can leave water spots, dull natural shine and speed up tarnish and plating wear over time.

Always remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, soaking in hot tubs, doing the dishes or cleaning with household chemicals.

2. Keep Them Away from Everyday Chemicals

Perfume, body lotion, hairspray, sunscreen and makeup can contain ingredients that slowly dull metal finishes and harm crystal surfaces through regular contact.

Put your jewelry on last — after skincare, makeup and fragrance have fully dried. Take it off first when you get home.

3. Take Jewelry Off During These Moments

Remove jewelry before bed, exercise, gardening, housework or sports. Sweat contains salt that speeds up tarnish, especially on silver, while hard knocks may scratch, bend or damage delicate pieces.

Simple rule: Put jewelry on last and take it off first.

Care by Material

Different materials have different needs. Follow the guidance below for your favorite pieces.

Sterling Silver

Tarnish is completely normal. It happens when silver reacts with sulfur, humidity, salt air, chlorine, sweat and cosmetics. It is not a flaw — it is how sterling silver naturally behaves.

Store sterling silver in a cool, dry place when it is not being worn.

Plated Jewelry: Gold, Rose Gold and Rhodium

Plated finishes are delicate. Avoid rough rubbing, harsh cleaners and heavy chemical contact. Do not use abrasive polishing cloths, as they may gradually remove the thin plated finish.

Store plated jewelry separately to prevent surface scratches.

Leather Cords and Details

Leather and water do not mix. Moisture may cause leather to stiffen, fade or crack. If it becomes damp, gently pat it dry and allow it to air-dry at room temperature.

Never use a hair dryer or place leather in direct sunlight.

Natural Crystals and Gemstones

Natural crystals are beautiful but can be brittle. Avoid dropping or knocking them against hard surfaces. Amethyst, rose quartz and some other stones may fade after prolonged direct sun exposure.

For everyday cleaning, gently wipe crystals with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.

Smart Storage

How you store your jewelry matters more than you might think. Proper storage prevents most scratches, tangling, moisture damage and tarnish before they happen.

Store Each Piece Separately

Keep every necklace, bracelet, ring and pair of earrings in its own compartment, soft pouch or fabric-lined jewelry box. This protects delicate surfaces from rubbing against one another.

Use a Soft Jewelry Box or Pouch

Choose soft, clean and dry storage materials. Avoid placing loose jewelry directly inside handbags, drawers or hard containers.

Add a Silica Gel Packet

Place a small silica gel packet inside your jewelry box to absorb excess moisture, especially in humid climates. Replace it periodically when it is no longer effective.

Keep Jewelry Away from Damp Areas

Do not leave jewelry on bathroom counters, near sinks or on windowsills. Steam, condensation and changing temperatures can accelerate tarnish.

Fasten Chains Before Storage

Close necklace and bracelet clasps before storing them. Lay chains flat or hang them separately to reduce knots, tangling and surface damage.

Protect Jewelry While Traveling

Use a compact padded jewelry case or separate soft pouches while traveling. Keep delicate pieces away from keys, coins and other hard objects.

Good habit: Check stored jewelry regularly and wipe each piece with a clean, soft cloth before returning it to its pouch.

How to Restore Tarnished Silver

Sterling silver will eventually tarnish, even with careful wear. This is normal and does not mean the jewelry is defective. These two gentle methods can help restore its shine.

1. Aluminum Foil and Mild Dish Soap

Line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side facing upward. Place the silver pieces inside, add a small amount of mild dish soap and cover them with warm water.

Allow the pieces to sit for 5–10 minutes. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly using a soft cloth.

2. Baking Soda Paste

Mix a small amount of baking soda with warm water to create a soft paste. Apply it to tarnished areas using a soft cloth and rub very gently.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely before returning the jewelry to storage.

After Cleaning

• Dry every surface and crevice completely.
• Use only a clean, soft and non-abrasive cloth.
• Store the piece separately in a dry pouch or jewelry box.
• Do not expose freshly cleaned silver to perfume or moisture.

Important: These cleaning methods are intended for sterling silver only. Do not use them on plated jewelry, leather, pearls or delicate gemstones because they may damage the surface or finish.