How to care for your jewelry at home: silver, gold, pearls and gemstones

Jewelry you love is jewelry you wear, and jewelry you wear needs a little looking after. The good news is that most of it takes minutes, uses things you already have at home, and makes a real difference to how your pieces look over the years. Here's a simple routine for the materials you're most likely to own.

The everyday basics

Whatever your jewelry is made of, a few habits protect it:

• Last on, first off. Put jewelry on after lotion, perfume and hairspray, and take it off before cleaning, swimming, exercising or gardening.
• Wipe after wearing. A soft, lint-free cloth removes oils and residue before they build up.
• Store pieces separately. Harder stones can scratch softer ones, and chains love to tangle. Pouches, lined boxes and compartments all help.
• Keep it dry. Moisture speeds up tarnish, so avoid storing jewelry in a steamy bathroom.

Sterling silver

Sterling silver darkens over time when it reacts with air and moisture. That's tarnish, and it's normal. Wearing silver often actually helps, because gentle friction keeps it bright.

To clean it, use a silver polishing cloth and rub gently in straight lines rather than circles. For a deeper clean, wash it in lukewarm water with a drop of mild dish soap, rinse, and dry completely with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pastes on pieces with an oxidized (intentionally darkened) finish, since they can remove the contrast the maker created.

Store silver in an airtight bag or a box with an anti-tarnish strip.

Gold

Solid gold doesn't tarnish, but it does pick up a dulling film from skin and everyday products. Soak it for a few minutes in warm water with mild soap, brush gently with a very soft toothbrush, rinse and pat dry.

Gold-plated and gold-filled pieces need more care: the gold layer is thinner, so skip the brush and any cloths with chemicals, and simply wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. Take plated pieces off before washing your hands.

Pearls

Pearls are delicate and absorb what touches them. Wipe them with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth after each wear, and let them dry flat. Never soak pearls or put them in an ultrasonic cleaner, and keep them away from chemical cleaners.

Store pearls on their own, flat rather than hanging, so a strand doesn't stretch. If you wear a pearl necklace often, ask a jeweler about restringing from time to time.

Gemstones

Gemstones vary a lot in hardness, so it's worth knowing what you have. Many harder stones can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Softer or more porous stones, such as opal, turquoise or organic materials, should only be wiped with a soft, damp cloth.

If a stone is set with glue rather than prongs, avoid soaking it. And check settings now and then: gently press on each stone and listen for any rattling. A loose stone is much easier to fix than a lost one.

When to ask a professional

Some jobs are best left to a jeweler: resizing rings, repairing broken chains, restringing pearls, tightening prongs and deep-cleaning intricate pieces. If you bought a piece from an independent shop, start by messaging the maker. They know exactly how it was made and can often advise on care or repairs.

A simple routine

1. Wipe pieces with a soft cloth after wearing.
2. Store them separately, somewhere dry.
3. Give everyday favorites a gentle clean every few weeks.
4. Check clasps and settings a few times a year.

A few minutes of care now means your favorite pieces will be ready for many more years of wear.