Jewelry Care Guide: Keeping Every Metal and Stone Looking New

Almost all jewelry damage is cumulative and avoidable. These are the habits that keep a piece looking new for decades.

The universal routine

Warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, a soft baby toothbrush. Brush behind the stone where oil collects, rinse, pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Once a week for daily-wear pieces.

By metal

• Yellow and rose gold — soap and water only; no need for polishing unless scratched.
• White gold — needs rhodium re-plating every 1–2 years; that is normal, not a defect.
• 925 silver — tarnishes with sulphur in the air; a polishing cloth restores it in seconds. Store in a sealed bag.
• Platinum — develops a matte patina over time; a jeweler can re-polish it, or leave it for the brushed look.

By stone

• Moissanite, diamond, ruby, sapphire — tolerant of ultrasonic cleaners.
• Emerald — never ultrasonic or steam; it is traditionally oiled and the treatment can be stripped.
• Paraiba, zircon, opal — hand-clean only.

Storage and habits

• Store pieces separately in soft pouches — harder stones scratch softer ones
• Remove rings before cleaning products, swimming or the gym
• Have prongs checked once a year; most lost stones are loose prongs first

More detail in how to clean moissanite and coloured gemstone care.