The Complete Guide to Jewelry Care

Tips and Techniques for Keeping Your Jewelry Sparkling and Secure

Introduction to Jewelry Care

Proper jewelry care is essential to preserving the beauty and longevity of your valued pieces. Whether it’s fine metals, dazzling diamonds, vibrant gemstones, or luxury watches, knowing how to wear, store, and clean your jewelry ensures it remains in excellent condition.

At Nelson Coleman Jewelers, we are committed to helping you protect your treasured items with expert advice and care. From proper storage to effective cleaning techniques, this guide provides everything you need to care for your jewelry and maintain its brilliance.

Metal: Silver

Wearing Tips: Silver is a beautiful but soft metal prone to tarnishing when exposed to air, moisture, or chemicals. Avoid wearing silver jewelry in chlorinated pools, hot tubs, or while using cleaning products, as these can accelerate tarnish and weaken the metal. Frequent wearing can reduce tarnish buildup through natural polishing, but remove silver jewelry during strenuous activities to prevent scratches or bending.

Storage: Store silver jewelry in anti-tarnish pouches, cloths, or lined jewelry boxes to minimize exposure to air and humidity. Add silica gel packets to absorb moisture, but keep materials like coral, pearls, turquoise, and amber stored separately to avoid drying them out. To prevent scratches or chemical reactions, store silver pieces separately from other metals.

Cleaning: Regular cleaning prevents tarnish and dirt from dulling silver’s shine. Use a silver polishing cloth for light tarnish or a mild soap solution with warm water for a gentle clean. For heavier tarnish, use a silver-specific cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid abrasives that can scratch the surface. If gemstones are present, research their care needs or consult a jeweler to ensure the cleaning process doesn’t harm softer or treated stones.

Professional Cleaning: Professional cleaning every six months keeps silver jewelry polished and free of tarnish. Jewelers use specialized methods to restore luster and inspect for loose stones or structural wear. While at-home care helps maintain shine, professional cleanings ensure long-term beauty and durability.

Metal: Gold

Wearing Tips: Gold is durable but can scratch or dent with excessive wear. Avoid wearing gold jewelry during activities like manual labor, intense exercise, or gardening to prevent damage. Exposure to chemicals, such as chlorine in pools or cleaning agents, can weaken gold and cause discoloration. Always remove gold jewelry before swimming, cleaning, or handling harsh chemicals to preserve its beauty and integrity.

Storage: Store gold jewelry separately to prevent scratches from other metals or gemstones. Use soft cloth bags, padded compartments, or lined jewelry boxes for protection. Wrapping gold pieces in anti-tarnish cloths further minimizes exposure to air and humidity, helping to maintain their shine.

Cleaning: Clean gold jewelry regularly at home using warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently scrub to remove dirt and oils, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or materials that may scratch the metal. If your gold jewelry contains gemstones, research their specific care needs, as some may be sensitive to water or soap. Softer or treated stones often require professional cleaning to prevent damage. When in doubt, consult a jeweler to ensure both the gold and gemstones are cleaned safely.

Professional Cleaning: Professional cleaning every six months helps maintain gold’s shine and structural integrity. Jewelers use advanced tools to polish gold and remove fine scratches without eroding the metal. White gold pieces may require rhodium plating reapplication to restore their bright finish. Regular inspections during professional cleanings ensure settings remain secure and free from wear.

Metal: Platinum

Wearing Tips: Platinum is one of the most durable precious metals, making it ideal for daily wear. However, it is not scratch-proof, and over time it can develop a patina—a soft, matte appearance. Avoid wearing platinum jewelry during activities that involve abrasive materials or heavy manual work to minimize scratches.

Storage: Store platinum jewelry in soft-lined boxes or separate compartments to prevent scratches and protect its polished surface. While platinum doesn’t tarnish, keeping it in a clean, dry place will help maintain its appearance. Do not store platinum with harder gemstones or other metals that could cause scratches.

Cleaning: Platinum can be cleaned at home using warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush to gently lift away dirt and oils. Once clean, dry the piece thoroughly with a lint-free cloth to preserve its natural sheen. While platinum itself is highly durable, be mindful of any gemstones set in your jewelry, as they may require special care. Some stones can be sensitive to water, soap, or brushing, so it’s important to understand their specific needs. When in doubt, consulting a professional jeweler ensures both the metal and gemstones are cleaned properly and safely.

Professional Cleaning: Professional cleanings every six months are highly recommended to maintain platinum's natural shine and to inspect for signs of wear, such as prong damage or loose settings. Jewelers can polish away patina or scratches, restoring platinum’s original brilliance. Regular professional maintenance ensures the longevity of your jewelry and provides peace of mind that your piece is protected.

Diamond Care

Wearing Tips: Diamonds are the hardest natural substance, ranking highest on the Mohs scale, meaning only another diamond can scratch them. However, they can chip or fracture under impact. Avoid wearing diamond jewelry during activities like sports, gardening, or manual labor to prevent exposure to heavy force or sharp impacts. Chlorine and harsh chemicals can weaken metal settings, increasing the risk of damage or stone loss. Remove diamond jewelry when handling chemicals or engaging in activities with potential for significant abrasion or impact.

Storage: Store diamond jewelry in soft-lined compartments or pouches to avoid scratching other pieces or settings. Diamonds can scratch other materials, including other diamonds, so always keep them separate. Use a padded jewelry box in a dry environment to maintain brilliance and protect the settings.

Cleaning: Clean diamonds regularly to remove oil and dirt buildup that dulls their sparkle. Soak in warm water with mild dish soap for 15–20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on the edges and underside of the setting. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives that may damage settings or accent stones. Ultrasonic cleaners are effective but should only be used for untreated stones and with professional guidance.

Professional Cleaning: Schedule professional cleanings every six months to maintain brilliance and secure settings. Jewelers use specialized tools to remove buildup, polish the stone, and inspect for loose prongs, thinning metal, or other issues that could lead to stone loss. Professional care is especially important for larger diamonds or intricate settings, ensuring these pieces receive the precision attention they require. Regular maintenance keeps your diamond jewelry radiant, secure, and worry-free for years to come.

Gemstone Care

Wearing Tips: Gemstone jewelry adds beauty and vibrancy to any collection, but proper care during wear is essential to maintain its condition. Many gemstones are more sensitive than diamonds and can be affected by heat, chemicals, and prolonged exposure to sunlight. For example, amethyst and citrine can fade with direct sunlight, while softer stones like turquoise or opal are prone to scratches and chips during physical activities. To preserve your gemstone jewelry, remove it before engaging in activities like gardening, sports, or cleaning, as these can expose your jewelry to impact, abrasion, or harsh chemicals.

Storage: Proper storage is crucial for protecting gemstone jewelry from damage. Harder stones, such as sapphires or rubies, can scratch softer gems, so always store pieces separately in soft-lined compartments or individual pouches. For moisture-sensitive gemstones, like pearls or opals, consider storing them in a slightly humid environment to prevent drying or cracking. A padded jewelry box placed in a cool, dark location will help maintain the luster and brilliance of your gemstones.

Cleaning: Regular cleaning keeps gemstones radiant and free of dirt and oils. Most gemstones can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrubbing to remove buildup. Be cautious with ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they may damage more delicate or treated stones. Always rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. For gemstones set in softer metals, such as gold, avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the metal or loosen the setting.

Profesional Cleanings: Professional cleaning and inspections are a vital part of gemstone jewelry care. Jewelers use specialized tools and techniques to remove deep-seated grime and restore the stone's brilliance without risking damage to its structure or treatments. During these cleanings, jewelers can also check for loose settings or signs of wear, ensuring the security of your gemstones. Incorporating professional cleanings into your care routine, ideally every six months, will help protect and maintain the longevity of your most cherished pieces.

Pearl Care

Wearing Tips: Pearls, known for their timeless elegance, are among the most delicate gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 2.5–4. Because of their softness and organic nature, they require extra care during wear. Always put on pearl jewelry last when getting ready to minimize exposure to perfumes, hairsprays, and cosmetics, as these substances can damage their lustrous surface. Avoid wearing pearls during activities that involve excessive moisture, abrasion, or harsh chemicals, such as swimming, cleaning, or exercising.

Storage: Proper storage is crucial for preserving pearls’ natural beauty. Store pearls in a soft-lined jewelry box or a silk pouch to protect them from scratches caused by harder gemstones. Pearls need a slightly humid environment to prevent drying and cracking, so avoid airtight containers and consider placing a damp cloth nearby to maintain humidity levels. Never hang pearl necklaces for long periods, as the string can stretch and weaken over time.

Cleaning: After each wear, gently wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth to remove oils and dirt. For a deeper clean, use a mild soap solution and carefully wipe each pearl with a soft cloth, avoiding soaking the pearl strand necklaces and bracelets, as moisture can weaken the silk thread. Rinse lightly with a damp cloth and let the pearls air dry completely before storing. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, or abrasive materials, as these can irreparably damage the pearls’ delicate surface.

Professional Cleaning: Professional cleanings are essential for maintaining the longevity and beauty of pearls. Jewelers can clean pearls with specialized methods that preserve their luster while removing stubborn residue. Additionally, regular inspections of pearl strand necklaces or bracelets ensure that the silk threading remains secure and free of fraying. Restringing pearls periodically, especially for pieces worn often, is recommended to prevent breakage and ensure durability. With professional care, pearls can retain their elegance and remain heirloom-quality treasures for years to come.

Watch Care

Wearing Tips: Watches are designed for regular use but need care to stay functional and stylish. Protect the case and crystal by avoiding impacts, abrasives, and excessive force. Sapphire crystal resists scratches but isn’t shatterproof, so handle all watches carefully. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures (below 14°F or above 104°F) or sudden changes, as these can affect accuracy and damage internal components. Keep mechanical watches away from magnetic fields, like electronics or MRI machines, which can interfere with the movement. For water-resistant models, always ensure the crown is securely fastened before submersion and follow their depth rating—e.g., 30m for splashes, 100m for swimming. Avoid hot water exposure, which weakens seals over time.

Storage: Proper storage preserves your watch's appearance and mechanics. Use a padded watch box to prevent scratches, and keep it dry with a silica gel packet to reduce humidity. For automatic models, a watch winder maintains movement, especially for intricate designs. Store watches separately from other jewelry like bracelets to avoid abrasions.

Cleaning: Regular cleaning prevents dirt, oils, and sweat from degrading components. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the case and crystal, or a mild soap solution with a soft brush for tough grime. Metal bracelets can be scrubbed with soapy water and dried with a lint-free cloth, while leather straps should be wiped dry and occasionally conditioned to stay supple. For delicate materials or coatings, consult a professional to avoid accidental damage. Always avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives.

Professional Cleaning: Routine servicing every 3–5 years keeps watches running smoothly, though heavy use or water exposure may require more frequent checks. Mechanical models need lubrication and component inspections, while quartz watches require battery replacements and seal checks. Water-resistant watches should be tested annually to ensure seals remain intact. Professionals can also polish cases, replace crystals, or repair straps to restore your watch’s original look and performance.

Jewelry Care Recap

Proper care is essential for keeping your jewelry both beautiful and safe. While this guide offers a range of tips and techniques, maintaining most jewelry requires just a bit of mindful attention. Simple habits like careful wearing, proper storage, and occasional at-home cleaning can go a long way toward preserving your treasured pieces. For additional peace of mind, Nelson Coleman Jewelers offers complimentary basic cleanings and inspections every six months. These quick services can catch potential issues, such as loose stones or worn prongs, before they require costly repairs.

For more comprehensive protection, the Montage Jewelry Care Plan is an excellent solution. This plan covers regular cleanings, inspections, and repairs for common wear-and-tear issues, including clasp replacements, stone tightening, and resizing. Whether your jewelry holds sentimental or monetary value, the Montage Plan ensures lasting beauty and integrity with professional care tailored to your needs.

At Nelson Coleman Jewelers, we understand the significance of your jewelry and are committed to helping you protect and maintain it. Our expert artisans handle a variety of repairs—from ring resizing and clasp replacements to watch servicing—regardless of where the piece was originally purchased. With multiple locations across Central and Eastern Maryland, we make accessing professional jewelry care convenient. Every piece entrusted to us is carefully cleaned or repaired, ensuring it is returned in its best possible condition, ready to be worn and enjoyed. 

Visit Nelson Coleman Jewelers today to take advantage of our complimentary cleanings and inspections or to learn more about the Montage Jewelry Care Plan. Let us help you preserve your jewelry’s brilliance and significance for years to come.