The Fine Art of Caring for Fine Jewelry (Without Losing Your Mind)

Fine jewelry is an investment—one that sparkles, dazzles, and (let’s be honest) sometimes mysteriously vanishes in the depths of a couch cushion. Whether you own delicate gold chains, shimmering diamond studs, or that one expensive ring you swore you’d never wear while doing dishes (but totally did), taking care of your jewelry properly is essential.

Let’s break it down—how to keep your treasured pieces looking like they just walked off the red carpet (instead of being found under your car seat).

1. Keep It Clean, But Not TOO Clean

Jewelry loves a good spa day, but don’t go overboard. Over-cleaning, especially with harsh chemicals, can damage delicate gems. Here’s a simple at-home cleaning routine:

• Gold & Platinum: Soak in warm water with mild dish soap, then scrub gently with a soft toothbrush (preferably not the one you plan to use later).

• Diamonds: Same as above, but be extra careful. Diamonds may be forever, but losing them down the sink is a very temporary situation.

• Pearls: Wipe with a soft cloth—no soaking! Pearls are like your grandma at a family reunion: they love attention but hate getting wet.

2. Store Your Jewelry Like a Pro (Not Like a Squirrel Hiding Snacks)

We’ve all been guilty of tossing our jewelry onto a dresser or into a purse pocket (where it then goes missing for six months). Instead, keep your fine jewelry stored properly:

• Use a jewelry box with soft lining to prevent scratches.

• Store pieces separately—gold chains are notorious for forming unbreakable knots, possibly as part of an elaborate prank.

• Keep sterling silver in anti-tarnish pouches (because nobody likes polishing when they could be wearing).

3. Remove Jewelry Before… Well, Almost Everything

We love our jewelry, but there are certain activities it just isn’t built for:

• Showering: Soap scum builds up, making gems look dull—like a disco ball after a bad night.

• Sleeping: Chains get tangled, earrings disappear, and rings leave weird imprints on your face.

• Cooking: Ever tried to rescue a diamond ring from a ball of bread dough? Yeah, let’s avoid that.

4. Get Regular Check-Ups (For Your Jewelry, Not Just Your Teeth)

Fine jewelry, especially pieces with stones, should be inspected and professionally cleaned once a year. Prongs loosen, clasps wear out, and—if you’ve been lucky enough to find a lost earring in the vacuum cleaner—you know accidents happen.

5. When in Doubt, Blame the Dog

Lost an earring? Necklace suddenly broken? Ring mysteriously vanished? If you have pets, you already know—the dog did it. Or the cat. Either way, it wasn’t you.

Fine jewelry is meant to be worn, enjoyed, and cherished. With a little care (and a lot of avoiding questionable activities while wearing it), your collection will stay as radiant as the day you got it.

Now, go check your couch cushions. You never know what treasures you might find.