Introduction
Fine jewellery is designed to be worn, but how you care for it will determine how it looks years from now. While gold and silver are durable materials, everyday wear, exposure to chemicals, and improper storage can all take a toll over time.
As a jeweller, these are the simple, professional care practices I recommend to help your jewellery age beautifully rather than wear out prematurely.
Caring for Gold Jewellery
Gold is one of the most stable metals used in jewellery, but it still benefits from thoughtful care.
Everyday Gold Jewellery Care
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Remove gold jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising
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Avoid direct contact with perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products
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Put jewellery on after getting ready, not before
Even solid gold can dull over time if repeatedly exposed to chemicals or abrasion.
How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home
For routine cleaning:
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Use warm (not hot) water
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Add a small amount of mild dish soap
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Gently brush with a soft toothbrush
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Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive cloths, as these can damage the surface finish.
Scratches, Wear & Patina
Fine scratches on gold jewellery are normal — especially on rings worn daily. These marks don’t weaken the piece and can usually be polished out during professional maintenance.
Many people come to appreciate the subtle patina that develops over time, as it reflects how the piece has been worn and lived in.
Caring for Silver Jewellery
Silver requires slightly more attention than gold, but it’s still very wearable with the right habits.
Why Silver Tarnishes
Sterling silver naturally reacts with oxygen and moisture, which causes tarnish over time. This is a normal process, not a fault in the metal.
Humidity, air exposure, and infrequent wear can accelerate tarnishing.
How to Reduce Tarnish
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Wear your silver jewellery regularly — skin contact actually helps
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Store pieces in airtight bags or anti-tarnish pouches
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Keep silver away from moisture when not being worn
Cleaning Silver Jewellery
For light tarnish:
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Use a dedicated silver polishing cloth
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Gently buff the surface without excessive pressure
For heavier tarnish, a professional clean is often safer than aggressive chemical dips, which can remove metal over time.
How to Store Jewellery Properly
Storage plays a bigger role than most people realise.
Best practices:
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Store pieces separately to prevent scratching
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Use soft pouches or lined jewellery boxes
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Keep jewellery away from direct sunlight and humidity
Chains should be laid flat or hung to avoid kinks, and rings should be stored so stones aren’t rubbing against other pieces.
Jewellery with Stones: Extra Care
If your jewellery contains gemstones:
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Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless advised by a jeweller
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Be cautious with heat, chemicals, and sudden temperature changes
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Check settings periodically to ensure stones are secure
This is especially important for rings worn daily.
When to Visit a Jeweller
Even well-cared-for jewellery benefits from professional attention.
A jeweller can:
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Clean and polish pieces safely
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Check stone security
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Assess wear on clasps, bands, and settings
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Resize or repair when needed
Regular maintenance helps extend the life of fine jewellery significantly.
Final Thoughts
Jewellery is meant to be part of your everyday life, not something you worry about constantly. With simple care and occasional professional maintenance, gold and silver jewellery can last for decades and continue to look beautiful as it ages.
At Solvei, each piece is designed with longevity in mind, so it can be worn often, cared for easily, and enjoyed for years to come.