Frequent cleaning is recommended to maintain the true beauty of your jewelry. Salt water, chlorine in swimming pools, soap and perspiration take their toll on all fine jewelry. Be careful when working with household cleaners with bleaches and ammonia and remove all jewelry. Wipe your jewelry carefully with a soft cloth to keep it clean and free of these elements which oxidizes. 

The proper care of jewelry starts with its storage. Just as you would with any fine piece of jewelry, any silver or rolled gold (aka “gold filled”) jewelry piece should be stored individually – ideally in its own soft pouch made for the purpose. If you just toss it into a jewelry box, it will rub against other pieces and scratching will result. 

The jewelry should be stored in a cool, dry place to help retard the oxidation or tarnishing that develops over time. Wrapping the piece in a tarnish proof cloth and then inside a soft pouch is the ideal condition. 

Avoid prolonged contact with wood, since some woods contain acids which will dull the finish of the jewelry piece. Oak seems to be the worst wood for this process so be careful of oak jewelry boxes. Also avoid storing your sterling with other materials, such as old coins or rubber. These also contain acids which promote tarnishing and other damage. 

Cleaning Your Fine Jewelry

Wipe your jewelry carefully with a soft cloth to keep it clean and free oxidizing elements. A soft polishing cloth designed for fine jewelry can be used for a more thorough cleaning. 

If needed, wash the piece with mild soapy water – phosphate free is best. Then dry the piece with a soft cloth. Old t-shirt material can work well as a drying cloth.