Jewellery Is Made to Be Worn, But It Needs a Little Love

Jewellery often carries special meaning. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a thoughtful gift or a piece you’ve treated yourself to, the right jewellery becomes part of your everyday story.

However, even the most beautiful handcrafted jewellery needs proper care to maintain its appearance. Everyday activities, chemicals, moisture and friction can all affect how your jewellery looks over time.

The good news? Looking after your jewellery doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are six simple tips to help keep your favourite pieces looking their best.

1. Keep Jewellery Away from Water

One of the easiest ways to protect your jewellery is to remove it before showering, bathing or swimming.

Water, chlorine, sulphides and other chemicals can react with sterling silver, potentially causing discolouration. Frequent exposure to moisture can also affect gold plating over time.

Make it a habit to remove your jewellery before:

• Showering or bathing.

• Swimming in pools or the ocean.

• Exercising or participating in physical activities.

• Washing dishes or cleaning around the house.

A little prevention can make a big difference to the lifespan of your jewellery.

2. Apply Perfume and Beauty Products Before Putting on Jewellery

Perfume, moisturisers, hairspray and other beauty products can contain ingredients that affect jewellery finishes.

A good rule to follow is beauty products first, jewellery last.

Allow your perfume, lotions and creams to dry completely before putting on your favourite rings, earrings or necklaces.

This simple habit helps reduce unnecessary exposure to chemicals and product build-up.

3. Store Your Jewellery Properly

How you store your jewellery is just as important as how you wear it.

Leaving jewellery scattered on a bedside table or in a bathroom can expose it to moisture, dust and unnecessary scratches.

Instead:

• Store individual pieces in soft jewellery pouches or lined compartments.

• Keep necklaces separated to prevent tangling.

• Avoid storing jewellery in humid environments.

• Make sure your jewellery is clean and dry before putting it away.

Keeping your pieces separate also prevents harder gemstones and metal surfaces from scratching other jewellery.

4. Clean Your Jewellery Gently

Jewellery doesn’t need aggressive cleaning to look beautiful.

For everyday maintenance, gently wipe your pieces with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing them. This helps remove oils, fingerprints and everyday residue.

For sterling silver jewellery, use a suitable silver polishing cloth when necessary.

For gold-plated jewellery, take extra care. Avoid vigorous polishing or abrasive cleaning products, as these can gradually wear away the gold-plated surface.

When in doubt, ask your jeweller which cleaning method is suitable for your particular piece.

5. Give Your Jewellery a Break

We all have those favourite pieces we never want to take off!

However, wearing the same jewellery continuously can expose it to unnecessary friction and wear.

Rings, in particular, experience significant contact with everyday surfaces. Removing them during exercise, gardening, household chores and other physical activities can help protect their finish.

If you have gold-plated jewellery, occasional wear can help preserve the plating for longer.

6. Understand That Jewellery Can Be Restored

Over time, jewellery may develop signs of wear. Sterling silver can tarnish, and gold plating can gradually wear away with repeated use.

This doesn’t necessarily mean your favourite piece has reached the end of its life.

Depending on its design and condition, jewellery may be suitable for professional cleaning, maintenance or replating.

Gold-plated sterling silver, for example, can be replated to refresh its appearance.

Always consult your jeweller before attempting repairs or restoration.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Beautiful jewellery is something to enjoy, not something to keep hidden away. With a few simple habits, you can help protect your favourite pieces and enjoy them for many special moments to come.

At Anke Linden Jewellery, each piece is created with care and designed to become part of your story.

Looking for something uniquely yours?

Explore our handcrafted jewellery collection or get in touch to discuss creating a bespoke piece that you’ll treasure for years to come.