Jewellery can add elegance and personality to almost any outfit. Whether it’s a delicate necklace, a stylish bracelet, an everyday ring or a special piece you wear on occasions, taking proper care of your jewellery can help maintain its appearance for longer.
Everyday exposure to water, sweat, perfume, cosmetics, lotions and household chemicals can affect jewellery finishes over time. That’s why a simple jewellery care routine can make a noticeable difference.
In this guide, we’ll share practical tips on how to clean, store and care for your jewellery so your favourite pieces continue to look beautiful.
1. Keep Jewellery Away From Water
One of the simplest ways to care for jewellery is to minimise unnecessary exposure to water and moisture.
It’s a good idea to remove your jewellery before:
- Showering
- Swimming
- Washing dishes
- Exercising
- Going to the beach
- Participating in activities involving prolonged moisture
Water itself isn’t the only concern. Chlorinated or salty water and other substances commonly encountered during these activities may also affect certain jewellery materials and finishes.
Simple habit: Put your jewellery in a safe place before getting into the shower or pool.
2. Apply Perfume Before Wearing Jewellery
Perfume, body sprays and other fragranced products can contain ingredients that may affect jewellery finishes over time.
Instead of spraying perfume directly onto your jewellery, follow this simple routine:
Step 1: Apply your perfume or fragrance.
Step 2: Allow it to dry.
Step 3: Put on your jewellery afterwards.
The same approach can be used with lotions, creams and other cosmetic products.
3. Remove Jewellery Before Exercise
Sweat, friction and repeated movement can contribute to wear, particularly with delicate jewellery and certain surface finishes.
Before going to the gym, running or participating in sports, consider removing:
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
- Rings
- Delicate chains
- Jewellery with small decorative elements
This also helps prevent chains from getting caught or damaged during physical activity.
4. Clean Your Jewellery Gently
Jewellery doesn’t always need aggressive cleaning.
For many fashion jewellery pieces, a soft, dry and clean cloth is a safer starting point.
After wearing your jewellery:
- Gently wipe away surface moisture and residue.
- Make sure the piece is completely dry.
- Store it in a clean, dry location.
Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch delicate surfaces.
Important
Different jewellery materials require different cleaning methods. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions before using water, cleaning solutions or polishing products.
5. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
Household cleaning products and strong chemicals can affect jewellery surfaces and finishes.
Keep jewellery away from products such as:
- Household cleaners
- Bleach
- Strong detergents
- Chemical solvents
- Abrasive cleaning products
If you’re cleaning your home, it’s best to remove your jewellery beforehand.
6. Store Each Piece Properly
Good storage is just as important as cleaning.
Throwing all your jewellery into one box can result in:
- Tangled chains
- Scratches
- Knots
- Surface friction
- Difficulty finding individual pieces
Instead, try to store pieces separately.
For Necklaces
Hang them individually or place them flat in separate compartments.
For Rings
Keep them in individual sections to minimise contact with other pieces.
For Bracelets
Store them separately so chains and decorative elements don’t rub against each other.
A soft jewellery pouch or compartmentalised jewellery box can be useful.
7. Keep Jewellery in a Dry Place
Humidity and moisture aren’t ideal for many jewellery pieces.
Avoid storing jewellery in places where it is regularly exposed to:
- Steam
- Bathroom humidity
- Direct water
- Excessive heat
A clean, dry jewellery box or storage pouch is generally a better choice.
8. Be Careful With Delicate Chains
Delicate chains can look elegant but may require extra care.
When removing a necklace:
Don’t pull the chain aggressively.
Instead, carefully open the clasp and place the necklace flat or hang it safely.
If a chain becomes tangled, take your time and gently loosen the knot rather than pulling harder.
9. Put Jewellery On Last
A useful styling habit is to make jewellery one of the final steps of getting ready.
A simple order can be:
Skincare → Makeup → Perfume → Clothing → Jewellery
This reduces the chance of cosmetics, creams or fragrance coming directly into contact with your jewellery.
When getting undressed, remove your jewellery first and store it safely.
10. Avoid Sleeping With Jewellery On
Although it may seem convenient to sleep with your favourite necklace or bracelet on, removing jewellery before bed can reduce unnecessary friction and pulling.
During sleep, jewellery can:
- Get caught in clothing or bedding
- Become tangled
- Experience repeated friction
- Put stress on delicate chains or clasps
Making jewellery removal part of your bedtime routine is an easy way to protect it.
11. Take Extra Care of Gold-Plated Jewellery
Gold-plated jewellery has a surface layer of gold over another base material. Because the visible finish is a surface layer, repeated friction and exposure to moisture or chemicals can gradually affect its appearance.
To help preserve the finish:
✔ Minimise contact with water
✔ Avoid perfumes and lotions on the jewellery
✔ Store pieces separately
✔ Wipe gently after use
✔ Avoid abrasive cleaning
With proper care, you can help maintain the appearance of your favourite gold-plated pieces.
12. Take Care of Stainless Steel Jewellery
Stainless steel jewellery is generally known for being durable and resistant to corrosion, making it a popular choice for everyday fashion.
However, proper care is still recommended.
After wearing stainless steel jewellery:
- Wipe it gently
- Keep it dry
- Store it properly
- Avoid unnecessary contact with harsh chemicals
For specific products, always follow the care instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
13. Don’t Mix Jewellery Care Methods
One important point to remember is that not every jewellery piece should be cleaned in the same way.
A method that works for one material may not be appropriate for another.
Before cleaning a piece, check:
- The material
- The finish
- Whether it is plated
- Manufacturer’s instructions
- Any special care recommendations
When you’re unsure, gentle dry cleaning with a soft cloth is often a safer starting point than experimenting with household cleaning products.
Simple Daily Jewellery Care Routine
You don’t need a complicated routine.
After Wearing
1. Remove your jewellery carefully.
2. Gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.
3. Check for moisture or visible residue.
4. Store it separately.
Before Wearing
1. Check the clasp and chain.
2. Make sure the piece is clean and dry.
3. Put jewellery on after perfume and cosmetics have dried.
This simple routine takes only a few moments.
Jewellery Care Checklist
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Store jewellery in a dry place | Storing it in a humid bathroom |
| Wipe with a soft cloth | Using abrasive materials |
| Store pieces separately | Throwing all pieces together |
| Remove before swimming | Prolonged exposure to pool water |
| Apply perfume before jewellery | Spraying perfume directly on jewellery |
| Follow product care instructions | Using random cleaning chemicals |
| Handle delicate chains carefully | Pulling tangled chains |
How Often Should You Clean Jewellery?
The ideal frequency depends on how often you wear the piece and what it is exposed to.
For frequently worn jewellery, a gentle wipe after use is a good habit.
A more thorough cleaning should only be done when appropriate for the jewellery’s material and finish.
If a product comes with specific care instructions, those instructions should take priority.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your jewellery doesn’t have to be complicated.
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
Keep jewellery dry.
Avoid harsh chemicals.
Apply perfume before putting jewellery on.
Store pieces separately.
Clean gently.
Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Whether you wear a delicate necklace every day or save a special piece for occasions, treating your jewellery carefully can help preserve its beauty and finish.
At Aurelark, we believe beautiful jewellery deserves beautiful care.
Love Your Jewellery. Keep It Beautiful.
Explore Aurelark’s collection of elegant necklaces, bracelets, rings and other jewellery pieces—and give every piece the care it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I clean my jewellery?
For many fashion jewellery pieces, start by gently wiping the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Always check the specific material and manufacturer’s care instructions before using water or cleaning solutions.
Can I wear jewellery while showering?
It’s generally better to remove jewellery before showering, particularly pieces with plated or decorative finishes. Regular exposure to moisture and products such as soaps can contribute to wear.
Can I wear jewellery while swimming?
It’s best to remove jewellery before swimming. Pool chemicals, salt water and prolonged moisture may affect certain materials and finishes.
Can perfume damage jewellery?
Perfume and other fragranced products may affect some jewellery finishes over time. Apply fragrance first, allow it to dry and then put your jewellery on.
How should I store necklaces?
Store necklaces individually in a dry jewellery box, pouch or separate compartment. This helps reduce tangling, scratching and friction.
How do I protect gold-plated jewellery?
Minimise exposure to water, sweat, perfumes, lotions and harsh chemicals. Store it separately and clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth when appropriate.
Is stainless steel jewellery easy to maintain?
Stainless steel jewellery is generally durable and relatively easy to maintain. Keeping it clean and dry and avoiding unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals can help preserve its appearance.
