How to Care for Your Jewelry So It Lasts for Years

Jewelry is sacred. It carries intention, energy, and personal meaning — whether it's an everyday piece or a 1-of-1 adornment you reserve for ritual or special occasions. Just like your favorite garment or heirloom, your jewelry deserves love and care. The better you treat it, the longer it will serve you.

Below are essential jewelry care tips to help you preserve your adornments, especially if they’re handmade or crafted with precious/semi-precious metals and crystals.

Storing Your Jewelry

• Keep each piece separate to avoid scratches and tangling, especially chains and softer metals.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place, like a soft-lined pouch or jewelry box. Avoid direct sunlight and damp areas like bathrooms.
• Seal silver, brass, and copper jewelry in airtight containers (even small plastic bags) to reduce tarnish caused by exposure to air and humidity.
• Fasten your chains before storing to prevent knots and tangles.

Cleaning Your Jewelry

• Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth (like microfiber or chamois) to gently wipe your jewelry and restore shine.
• For deeper cleans, mix warm water with a few drops of mild plant-based dish soap. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and pat dry.
• Avoid dip polishes and harsh cleaners—they can wear down your metal and damage gemstones over time.
• Skip treated polishing cloths, especially those with built-in chemicals. These may do more harm than good over time.

What to Avoid Around Jewelry

• Jewelry should be the last thing on and the first thing off. This helps protect it from exposure to makeup, perfume, oils, and lotions.
• Keep jewelry away from chemicals like nail polish remover, hairspray, sunscreen, deodorant, and cleaning products.
• Avoid direct heat or intense humidity, which can speed up tarnishing, especially for brass, copper, and silver pieces.

Water, Sun, and Jewelry Don’t Mix

• Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or washing your hands. Chlorine and saltwater can dull, pit, or discolor metals.
• Avoid soapy buildup. Even everyday handwashing can leave a residue that mutes your jewelry’s shine.
• Protect porous stones like turquoise, lapis lazuli, and malachite from water. They absorb liquids easily and may become discolored or brittle.
• Extreme heat can crack or fade stones. It’s best to leave your favorite gems at home when heading to the beach or sauna.

Tips for Metal Allergies

• If metal irritates your skin, especially earrings, try applying a light coat of clear nail polish on the post or inside surface.
• Reapply polish as needed, especially after a few wears or cleanings. This creates a barrier between your skin and the metal.

Final Reminder

Your adornments are part of your energy field. When you care for them, you care for your vibration. Take a few moments after wearing them to wipe them down, speak gratitude into them, and store them with love. That energy not only preserves their shine — it preserves the frequency you carry with them.

Relevant Reads:
Simple and Safe Ways to Clean Your Jewelry at Home
The Truth About Tarnishing: Why Metal Jewelry Changes Color and How to Care for It
How to Clean Your Jewelry with Baking Soda