How to Keep the Luster of Jewelry

Jewelry’s one of those special things—you want it to keep shining like the first day you got it, right? Whether it’s your go-to silver necklace, a gold ring you never take off, or that fancy platinum pair of earrings, all of it needs a little regular care to stay looking good. Here’s how to do it easy, no fancy tools required.

1. Keep chemicals far away from your jewelry

Chemicals are jewelry’s worst enemy—they can stain it, make metals dull, or even eat away at tiny details. Think perfumes, hairspray, lotion, even the soap you use to wash dishes.

The simplest fix: Put your jewelry on after you spray perfume or slather on lotion. That way, the chemicals dry first and don’t touch the metal or stones.

If you forget? Just wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth later—but better to avoid the contact altogether.

2. Store it in a cool, dry spot (not your bathroom!)

Moisture and air make jewelry tarnish fast—especially silver. Your bathroom’s the worst place (steamy showers = humidity central), so find another spot.

A basic jewelry box works great, or even a drawer lined with soft fabric (like an old scarf) to keep pieces from scratching each other.

If you have silver jewelry, toss an anti-tarnish strip in the box—they’re cheap and keep that dull gray film away. And never leave jewelry out on your dresser where sunlight can fade stones or heat can warp metal.

3. Clean it regularly (it’s easier than you think)

You don’t need fancy jewelry cleaner—most of the time, warm water and a little mild soap (like dish soap or baby shampoo) do the trick.

Grab a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works!) to gently scrub tiny spots, like the links of a chain or around gemstones.

Rinse it well with warm water (no hot—heat can damage some stones) and pat dry right away with a soft cloth. Don’t let it air dry—water spots can leave marks.

4. Take it off before you get wet

Swimming, showering, washing dishes—any time your hands or neck are gonna be in water, take your jewelry off.

Chlorine in pools or saltwater at the beach is super harsh on metals. Even tap water has minerals that can build up and make jewelry look dull over time.

And if you accidentally get it wet? Dry it immediately with a cloth—don’t just let it sit.

5. Be gentle when you handle it

Jewelry’s tougher than it looks, but it still scratches or bends if you’re rough with it.

Take off rings, bracelets, or necklaces before you work out, garden, or do heavy chores—sweat can tarnish metal, and bumps can chip stones.

Don’t sleep in jewelry either! It can get tangled in sheets, bend, or even scratch your skin (and the jewelry itself). Just take a second to lay it in its spot before bed.

At the end of the day, taking care of jewelry isn’t about big routines—it’s just small, consistent steps. Do these things, and your favorite pieces will stay shiny and pretty for years—maybe even long enough to pass down.