Jewellery is more than just an accessory, it is a reflection of your personality, style, and sometimes even your emotions. Whether it's a cherished family heirloom, an engagement ring, or a trendy fashion piece, jewellery requires proper care to maintain its shine and beauty. Unfortunately, factors like moisture, dust, sweat, and exposure to chemicals can cause jewellery to lose its sparkle over time.

To keep your jewellery looking brand new for years, you need to follow the right cleaning, storage, and maintenance practices. In this expert guide, we will share detailed tips on how to protect your jewellery, prevent tarnishing, and extend its lifespan. We will also highlight the advantages of waterproof jewellery, a long-lasting and low-maintenance alternative that ensures durability without compromising on style.

Why Does Jewellery Lose Its Shine?

Before we get into maintenance tips, it's essential to understand why jewellery loses its shine. Several factors contribute to this:

Exposure to Air and Moisture: Oxygen and humidity cause oxidation, leading to tarnishing, especially in metals like silver and brass.

Chemicals from Everyday Products: Perfumes, lotions, makeup, and even sweat contain chemicals that react with jewellery, leading to discoloration and dullness.

Improper Storage: Storing jewellery in open air, humid areas, or tangled with other pieces can cause scratches, tarnishing, and damage.

Physical Wear and Tear: Constant friction, accidental drops, or exposure to rough surfaces can cause scratches and weaken clasps and settings.

Now that we know the common reasons for jewellery damage, let’s discuss how to protect your pieces effectively.

1. Store Your Jewellery the Right Way

Proper storage is key to preserving jewellery quality. Leaving jewellery in random drawers or exposing it to open air can lead to tarnishing and damage. Follow these best practices for safe storage:

Use a Soft-Lined Jewellery Box – Store your jewellery in a high-quality jewellery box with soft fabric lining to prevent scratches.

Keep Each Piece Separate – Avoid storing all your jewellery together. Use individual pouches, soft cloth bags, or separate compartments to prevent tangling and scratching.

Use Anti-Tarnish Strips – These strips absorb moisture and sulfur, slowing down oxidation and keeping jewellery untarnished for longer.

Avoid Storing in Bathrooms – High humidity in bathrooms accelerates tarnishing. Instead, store your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from moisture.

Hang Necklaces and Chains – To prevent tangling, hang delicate chains on hooks or keep them in anti-tangle cases.

For those who want low-maintenance jewellery, switching to waterproof jewellery is an excellent idea. Unlike traditional metals, waterproof jewellery is designed to resist tarnishing and requires minimal storage precautions.

2. Protect Your Jewellery from Water and Moisture

Water is one of the biggest enemies of jewellery. Even pure water can cause oxidation, while chlorine and saltwater can be highly damaging.

How to Protect Jewellery from Water Damage:

Remove Jewellery Before Showering or Swimming – Water, especially in pools and the ocean, contains harsh chemicals that can cause fading and tarnishing.

Take Off Jewellery Before Washing Hands or Dishes – Soap and detergents can leave a residue on jewellery, making it appear dull over time.

Keep Jewellery Dry After Cleaning – Always pat your jewellery dry with a soft cloth after cleaning to avoid moisture buildup.

Opt for Waterproof Jewellery – Unlike traditional metals, waterproof jewellery is designed to resist water damage, making it perfect for everyday wear. 

3. Clean Your Jewellery Regularly

Jewellery accumulates dirt, oil, and residue over time. Cleaning your jewellery regularly ensures it remains bright and sparkling. However, using the wrong cleaning methods can do more harm than good.

Best Ways to Clean Different Types of Jewellery:

Gold & Gold-Plated Jewellery: Use mild soap and warm water. Soak for a few minutes, then gently clean with a soft toothbrush.

Silver Jewellery: Use a silver polishing cloth or a mix of baking soda and water to remove tarnish.

Gemstone Jewellery: Wipe with a damp, soft cloth. Avoid soaking in water, as some gemstones are porous and can absorb liquids.

Waterproof Jewellery: Simply rinse with water and wipe with a dry cloth—no special cleaning required!

Avoid using harsh chemicals, toothpaste, or rough cloths, as they can scratch and damage your jewellery.

 4. Handle Your Jewellery with Care

Jewellery is delicate and requires careful handling to avoid unnecessary damage.

Put Jewellery on Last: Apply perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays first before wearing jewellery to prevent chemical reactions.

Remove Before Sleeping: Sleeping with jewellery on can cause chains to tangle and delicate pieces to bend or break.

Avoid Wearing Jewellery During Physical Activities: Sports, workouts, and household chores can expose jewellery to sweat, friction, and accidental impact.

Handle with Clean Hands: Dirt and oil from your hands can transfer to jewellery, making it look dull over time.

If you prefer durable, everyday-wear jewellery, waterproof jewellery is the best choice. It withstands exposure to sweat, water, and physical activities without losing its shine.

5. Get Professional Maintenance and Repairs

Even with proper care, some jewellery may need professional attention to maintain its beauty.

Regular Inspections: Get your jewellery checked by a professional jeweller once a year to ensure settings and clasps are secure.

Replating for Gold-Plated Jewellery: Over time, gold-plated jewellery may fade. A professional jeweller can replate it to restore its shine.

Stone Tightening & Cleaning: If you have gemstone jewellery, ensure stones are secure and get professional cleaning for deeper shine.

If you prefer jewellery that requires zero professional maintenance, consider waterproof jewellery. These pieces retain their beauty for years without the need for polishing, replating, or repairs.

Why Choose Waterproof Jewellery?

If you want jewellery that stays beautiful without constant care, waterproof jewellery is the perfect choice.

100% Water-Resistant: Designed to withstand exposure to water, sweat, and humidity.

No Tarnishing or Fading: Made with high-quality stainless steel and PVD coatings, ensuring long-lasting shine.

Perfect for Travel & Everyday Wear: Ideal for vacations, workouts, and daily use without worrying about damage.

Low Maintenance: No need for special cleaning—just wipe and go!

Conclusion

Jewellery is an investment, and with proper care, you can keep your favourite pieces looking as stunning as the day you bought them. By following expert care tips like proper storage, regular cleaning, and avoiding moisture exposure, you can extend the life of your jewellery.

For those who prefer low-maintenance, long-lasting jewellery, waterproof jewellery is the best option. It offers durability, shine, and resistance to tarnishing, making it perfect for any lifestyle.