Jewelry Care & Longevity: How to Keep Your Jewelry Beautiful

A little care goes a long way.

Jewelry can be a meaningful part of your everyday style, and with the right care, your favorite pieces can remain beautiful for years to come. Different metals and gemstones have different care requirements, so understanding how to clean, store, and protect your jewelry is essential.

At The Raz Co., we believe that beautiful jewelry deserves thoughtful care. Use this guide to help protect your favorite pieces and enjoy them for longer.

1. Everyday Jewelry Care

A few simple habits can help reduce tarnishing, scratches, and unnecessary wear.

• Apply products first. Put on perfume, lotion, hairspray, and cosmetics before wearing your jewelry. Allow them to dry before putting your pieces on.
• Remove jewelry when appropriate. Take off jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, cleaning, or engaging in activities that could cause damage.
• Avoid harsh chemicals. Household cleaners, chlorine, bleach, and other chemicals can damage certain metals, coatings, and gemstones.
• Handle pieces gently. Avoid pulling on delicate chains, bending settings, or forcing clasps.
• Wipe after wearing. Use a soft, clean cloth to remove oils, sweat, and residue.

2. Caring for Different Jewelry Metals

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver can tarnish naturally when exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals.

• Wipe regularly with a soft jewelry cloth.
• Use a silver polishing cloth for light tarnish.
• Store in a dry, closed container or jewelry pouch.
• Avoid chlorine, bleach, and prolonged moisture.

Gold-Plated Jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold over another material. The coating can gradually wear away with friction, moisture, chemicals, and repeated polishing.

• Keep pieces dry whenever possible.
• Avoid abrasive cloths, polishing compounds, and harsh cleaners.
• Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth.
• Store separately to reduce rubbing and scratches.

Important: Gold-plated jewelry should not be treated like solid gold. Aggressive polishing can remove some of its gold finish.

Solid Gold

Solid gold jewelry is generally resistant to tarnishing, but it can still scratch, bend, or become damaged.

• Clean gently with lukewarm water and mild soap when appropriate for the piece.
• Use a soft cloth and a gentle brush if needed.
• Rinse carefully and dry thoroughly.
• Store separately from harder jewelry that could scratch it.

White gold may have a rhodium finish that can wear over time and may eventually need professional refinishing.

Platinum

Platinum is durable, but it can still develop scratches and surface wear.

• Clean gently using mild soap and lukewarm water when suitable.
• Dry with a soft cloth.
• Store separately to help prevent scratches.
• Have settings checked periodically by a qualified jeweler, especially for pieces worn every day.

Titanium and Tungsten Carbide

Titanium is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, while tungsten carbide is highly scratch-resistant but can crack or shatter if struck hard enough.

• Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap when appropriate.
• Avoid strong impacts, especially with tungsten carbide rings.
• Do not assume every ring can be resized; tungsten carbide rings generally cannot be resized using conventional methods.
• Follow the care instructions supplied for the specific piece.

3. Caring for Gemstones

Not every gemstone can withstand the same cleaning methods. Some stones are more sensitive to heat, chemicals, sudden temperature changes, or ultrasonic cleaners.

Moissanite

Moissanite is a durable gemstone that can be suitable for frequent wear.

• Clean with mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft brush when appropriate.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and unnecessary exposure to cleaning products.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

Cubic zirconia can collect oils and residue that reduce its sparkle.

• Clean gently with mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Use a soft brush to reach areas around the setting.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the stone or damage its setting.

Natural and Lab-Grown Gemstones

Natural and lab-grown gemstones can have similar care needs when they are the same type of gemstone, but treatments and inclusions may affect how they should be cleaned.

For example, some emeralds, opals, pearls, and treated stones require special care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning unless a qualified jeweler confirms they are appropriate for the particular stone.

When in doubt, use gentle cleaning methods and check the gemstone's specific care requirements.

4. Proper Jewelry Storage

How you store your jewelry can make a big difference in its condition.

• Store pieces separately. Chains, rings, bracelets, and gemstones can scratch or tangle with one another.
• Choose a dry location. Bathrooms and other humid areas can accelerate tarnishing.
• Use soft pouches or lined compartments. These help reduce friction and surface scratches.
• Fasten necklaces before storing. This can help prevent tangling.
• Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Some gemstones and materials may be affected by prolonged exposure.

For silver, a suitable anti-tarnish pouch or storage solution can help slow tarnishing.

5. Common Jewelry Care Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes when caring for your collection:

• Using toothpaste, baking soda, or abrasive household products to polish jewelry.
• Applying silver polish to gold-plated pieces.
• Using bleach, chlorine, or strong chemical cleaners.
• Wearing delicate jewelry in pools, hot tubs, or during strenuous activities.
• Using ultrasonic or steam cleaners without confirming they are safe for every component.
• Storing damp jewelry in a closed container.
• Pulling tangled chains apart forcefully.

A cleaning method that works for one piece may damage another. Always consider the metal, gemstone, finish, and setting before choosing a cleaning product.

6. When to Seek Professional Jewelry Care

Some jewelry needs more than routine cleaning. Consider consulting a qualified jeweler if you notice:

• Loose gemstones or settings.
• Bent prongs or damaged clasps.
• Severely tangled or damaged chains.
• Deep scratches or significant surface wear.
• Persistent tarnish or discoloration that gentle cleaning does not resolve.
• A finish that needs professional attention.

Stop wearing a piece if a stone or setting appears loose, as continued wear could cause further damage or loss.

7. Build a Simple Jewelry Care Routine

You do not need an elaborate routine to care for your collection. A few consistent habits can help:

After wearing: Wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth.

Weekly: Check frequently worn pieces for residue, tangled chains, or visible damage.

Periodically: Clean each piece using a method appropriate for its materials and inspect clasps and settings.

Before storing: Make sure jewelry is dry and placed in a suitable storage location.

Beautiful Jewelry Deserves Beautiful Care

Your jewelry should complement your life and personal style. By understanding the materials you wear and following the right care practices, you can help preserve their appearance and enjoy your favorite pieces for longer.

At The Raz Co., we believe that informed choices make every piece more meaningful.

Beautiful jewelry. Thoughtful care. Style that lasts.

Care requirements vary by product. Always follow any specific care instructions provided with your jewelry.