Jewellery that holds meaning, such as breast milk pearls or gemstone rings, deserves thoughtful care and proper cleaning. These pieces, often made of silver, gold, or gold-plated metals, react to outside elements. Maintain them properly, and they’ll stay shiny and last longer. Here are five practical tips to clean your jewellery and build good care habits.
It might seem tedious, but a piece that holds meaning for you deserves the extra attention.
1. Clean rings, bracelets, and other jewelry according to metal type
Your first instinct should always be to match the cleaning method to the metal. While lemon juice, white vinegar, or baking soda can help polish raw silver, you should never use them on jewelry containing stones, pearls, or breast milk resin. These materials are too delicate and could get damaged.
Sterling silver jewelry
Silvertarnish typically results from natural oxidation that occurs over time. You can remove it by gently rubbing the surface with a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth. A specialized silver polishing cloth also works well, but be careful to avoid contact with the breast milk pearl or any stone.
Gold-plated jewelry
Gold plating is delicate and wears down more easily than solid gold. Even if the piece doesn’t include a stone or pearl, it’s recommended that you avoid wearing it in the shower, pool, or during any activity that involves water, sweat, or chemicals. To restore shine, use a clean, dry cloth—never use any cleaning product, not even a mild one, or you’ll risk thinning the gold layer.
Solid yellow, white, or rose gold jewelry
For plain solid gold jewelry without stones or pearls, gentle cleansing with warm water and mild soap can help. Let the piece soak for a few minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to gently clean it. Avoid applying pressure to minimize the risk of scratching the metal. This cleaning method works well for removing residue without damaging the jewellery’s structure. However, if the piece includes a breast milk pearl, skip the water and soap entirely.
2. Caring for pearls and gemstones: never submerge your jewellery
To preserve their quality, breast milk pearls, gemstones, and semi-precious stones should only be cleaned using a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Avoid rubbing or applying pressure. Alcohol wipes or abrasive cleaners can permanently damage the resin and alter the appearance of your jewellery. Do not let your jewellery come into contact with these types of products.
3. Avoid everyday products that can harm your jewellery
Daily exposure to products wears out jewelry faster than age alone.
Perfume, lotion, makeup, cleaning agents, chlorine, and sweat can all dull metal and cloud stones.
Wear your jewellery only after your beauty routine, and take it off before exercising (especially sports) or doing manual work like chores. Even silver or white gold can’t withstand constant exposure to sweat or chemical products.
4. Jewellery care: clean only when needed, and clean correctly
Jewellery doesn’t need frequent cleaning, just the right method. Once a month is usually enough if you are careful with it during daily life.
If you notice stains or dirt, resist the urge to use DIY methods like baking soda, toothpaste, or lemon juice. Using these methods can erode the surface of gold-plated jewellery and distort the details in resin components. If you aren’t sure what to use, ask a professional or contact the manufacturer.
5. Store your jewellery in a dry, safe place
Even the best cleaning won’t protect your jewellery if you don’t store it properly. Humidity and dust—especially in poorly ventilated areas—can quickly cause silver to tarnish and other metals to lose their shine.
To prevent scratches and tarnishing, store each piece in its own soft pouch or in a jewellery box with a fabric lining. Keep your jewellery away from humid areas like bathrooms, and areas prone to extreme temperatures like windowsills or heat sources.
For added protection, place a silica gel packet inside your storage box. This will absorb excess moisture, which in turn will help maintain your jewellery’s appearance by preventing corrosion and dullness.
Maintain, store, protect: simple habits that keep your jewellery looking Its best
Before cleaning a piece, always check what it’s made of. Breast milk pearls, gemstones, and precious metals all require different care methods. A single mistake can ruin the entire piece.
Storage plays just as big a role as cleaning. Always place your jewellery in a dry, dark place, where it will not be damaged by friction. For example, use individual jewellery pouches or the compartments in a jewellery box to avoid contact between items.
Once your jewellery is clean, remember to keep it protected. Every piece deserves special care. Proper cleaning helps preserve details and shine. Proper protection helps the entire piece last longer. By adopting the right habits, you can maintain the shine and value of your jewelry without putting it at risk.
Comments are closed for this article!