How to Keep Your Jewelry Looking Its Best
Your jewelry goes everywhere with you, which means it also comes into contact with lotion, sunscreen, perfume, natural oils, dirt, and everything else your day brings. A little regular care can help keep your favorite pieces sparkling and protect them for years to come.
Put Your Jewelry on Last
Apply perfume, hairspray, lotion, and sunscreen before putting on your jewelry. These products can leave behind buildup and may damage delicate or porous gemstones over time.
Take It Off Around Water and Chemicals
Remove fine jewelry before swimming, cleaning, showering, exercising, or working with your hands. Chlorine, salt water, household cleaners, and even repeated contact with beauty products can discolor metals or dull a gemstone’s finish.
Clean Carefully
For many pieces, warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush may be enough for gentle at-home cleaning. However, pearls, opals, turquoise, vintage jewelry, treated gemstones, and other delicate materials can require special care. Ultrasonic machines and internet cleaning “hacks” are not safe for every piece, so check with a jeweler before experimenting.
Store Pieces Separately
Keep jewelry in a padded box, pouch, or travel case with separate compartments. This helps prevent scratched gemstones, tangled chains, bent posts, and unnecessary repairs.
Not sure how to clean something? Bring it to Hauser’s Jewelers in Williamsburg or Newport News. We are always happy to help you care for the jewelry that means the most.
Keep your jewelry shining wherever summer takes you. Our limited-edition Cabana Essentials Bag includes Shinery jewelry wipes for quick, on-the-go cleaning, along with a travel jewelry case and a 17-piece emergency kit. Available for $99 while supplies last.
Sources
Gemological Institute of America. (2015, December 10). Tips on caring for jewelry. https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-tips-caring-jewelry
Hannoush Jewelers. (n.d.). Jewelry care guide: Cleaning and storing fine jewelry. Retrieved July 23, 2026, from https://www.hannoushny.com/jewelry-care
Jewelers of America. (n.d.). Jewelry care. Retrieved July 23, 2026, from https://www.jewelers.org/buying-jewelry/jewelry-repair-and-care/jewelry-care
McPherson, K. (n.d.). Keep your jewelry clean with our top tips. Dickinson Jewelers. Retrieved July 23, 2026, from https://www.dickinsonjewelers.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/keep-your-jewelry-clean-with-our-top-tips
