Jewellery Care Guide: Everyday Habits That Protect Your Pieces

A simple rule that protects jewellery of every kind: put it on last, after perfume, lotion, hairspray and makeup, and take it off first, before washing your face, hands or hair. Chemicals in everyday cosmetics can dull metal surfaces and, over time, affect stone settings.

Remove jewellery before swimming, bathing or doing household chores involving soap or chlorine. Chlorine in particular can weaken and discolour gold alloys and damage certain gemstones over repeated exposure. Cooking, gardening and cleaning are also good moments to set jewellery aside.

Store each piece separately, ideally in a soft pouch or a lined box compartment, rather than piled together in one box. This prevents chains from tangling, protects softer stones from being scratched by harder ones (diamonds can scratch almost anything else), and keeps clasps and settings from catching on one another.

For most gold and diamond jewellery, a soft, lint-free cloth wiped gently after wearing removes everyday oils and residue. For a deeper clean, lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap and a very soft brush (like a clean, soft toothbrush) can help around settings — rinse well and dry completely before storing. Avoid this for pieces with delicate or porous stones such as pearls or emeralds, which need gentler, specific care.

Some things are best left to a jeweller — a loose stone, a bent prong, a stiff clasp, or a chain that needs re-soldering. Bringing a piece in for a professional check every so often, especially for jewellery you wear often, catches small issues before they become bigger repairs. Visit our showroom in Boduppal and our team will take a look.