Good jewellery care is mainly prevention: limit chemical exposure, remove pieces for risky activities, wipe them after wear and store them separately. Cleaning methods vary by material, so a product's complete construction matters. If a piece combines metal, stone, leather, cord, plating or adhesive, use the gentlest method required by the most delicate component.
Build a daily routine
Put jewellery on after fragrance, sunscreen and grooming products have dried. Remove it before swimming, showering, sport, sleep, gardening, heavy lifting and household cleaning. After wear, use a clean soft cloth to remove moisture and skin oils. Check clasps, elastic, cord and settings while the piece is in your hand.
Sterling silver
Tarnish is a normal reaction and can often be removed with a silver polishing cloth. For plain silver, mild soapy water and a very soft brush may be suitable, followed by thorough rinsing and drying. Avoid aggressive dips on oxidised details, porous stones, pearls, plating or glued components. Deep scratches and loose settings belong with a jeweller.
Stainless steel, titanium and tungsten
Wipe these materials with a soft damp cloth and dry them. Plain, uncoated pieces may tolerate mild soapy water, but inlays, coatings and stones change the advice. Do not assume scratch resistance means indestructibility: impacts can mark coatings, chip inlays or crack hard, brittle materials. Remove rings for tools and gym equipment.
Leather
Leather should not be soaked. Keep it away from water, sweat, perfume and prolonged heat, and let incidental moisture dry naturally away from direct sunlight. Wipe the surface gently; use only a conditioner suitable for that specific leather and finish. Rotate leather bracelets so they can dry between wears.
Natural stone and beads
Stone hardness and porosity vary. Use a soft dry or barely damp cloth unless the maker provides another method. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners without professional confirmation, especially for porous, treated, fractured or glued stones. For beaded pieces, do not stretch elastic or pull the strand over the hand; open the clasp when one is provided.
Plated and coated jewellery
Plating is a surface layer and will wear with friction and chemical exposure. Clean it with a soft cloth rather than metal polish. Black coatings, enamel and coloured finishes also need gentle handling. Store these pieces separately, and accept that frequently worn high-contact areas may change over time.
Know when to stop wearing it
Pause use if a clasp opens unexpectedly, a stone moves, cord frays, elastic lengthens or a sharp edge appears. Do not use household glue for valuable pieces. A prompt repair is more likely to prevent loss. If jewellery causes persistent skin irritation, remove it and seek appropriate medical advice; cleaning alone may not address a sensitivity.
Next step
Use the storage guide to reduce tangles and scratches, and review the care information on the exact product page before cleaning.
A five-minute check before ordering
Open the live product page and confirm every material and finish in the piece, maker cleaning instructions, water sensitivity, loose components and suitable storage. Product names and photographs can communicate style, but specifications reveal whether the piece will work in daily life. Compare the measurements with an item you already own, read the full material description and keep a record of the details that matter to your decision.
Finally, imagine wearing the item for a complete day: sitting, moving, working and changing layers. If the fit, weight or care routine is unclear, ask before purchasing. This short check is especially useful for gifts and occasion purchases, when a deadline can make an avoidable mistake harder to correct.
