How to Care for Your Jewellery.

Whether it's an engagement ring worn every day, a treasured family heirloom or a special gift, fine jewellery is designed to last a lifetime. With the right care and regular maintenance, your jewellery can retain its beauty, brilliance and sentimental value for generations.

In this guide, we'll share our expert jewellery care tips to help you protect your favourite pieces, along with advice on when it's time for professional jewellery cleaning or repairs.

Store Your Jewellery Safely

One of the simplest ways to care for your jewellery is to store it properly when you're not wearing it.

A quality, lined jewellery box helps protect your pieces from scratches, dust and accidental damage while keeping them beautifully organised. Store each piece separately where possible, especially diamond jewellery, which can scratch softer gemstones and precious metals.

Keeping necklaces and chains fastened when stored can also help prevent tangling, while delicate pieces such as pearls should be kept separately to protect their surface.

Explore our range of Stackers Jewellery Boxes, designed to keep your jewellery organised, protected and ready to wear.

Remove Jewellery During Everyday Activities

Although fine jewellery is made to be enjoyed, removing it during certain activities can significantly extend its life.

We recommend taking jewellery off before:

• Swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean.

• Gardening or outdoor work.

• Going to the gym or lifting heavy weights.

• Cleaning with household chemicals.

• Showering, as soap residue can dull gemstones and metals.

A simple rule to remember is "last on, first off." Apply perfume, moisturiser, sunscreen and hairspray before putting on your jewellery, and remove your jewellery before your evening routine.

How to Clean Your Jewellery at Home

Regular cleaning helps restore sparkle and remove the everyday build-up of oils, lotions and dust.

Gold and Platinum Jewellery

Most gold and platinum jewellery can be cleaned safely at home using:

• Warm water

• A few drops of mild dishwashing liquid

• A soft toothbrush

• A lint-free cloth for drying

Gently brush around the setting and underneath gemstones, where dirt often collects. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, toothpaste or rough cloths, as these can scratch precious metals.

Understanding the differences between gold alloys can also help you care for your jewellery. Read our guide on 9ct vs 18ct gold.

Diamond Jewellery Care

Diamonds are incredibly durable, but they can quickly lose their sparkle when coated with everyday oils and residue.

Cleaning your diamond jewellery regularly will help restore its brilliance. Pay particular attention to the underside of the diamond, where dirt commonly builds up.

Caring for Coloured Gemstones

Each coloured gemstone has unique characteristics and care requirements. While many gemstones, such as sapphires and rubies, can be gently cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush, others require more specialised care.

For treasured pieces or jewellery worn regularly, we recommend bringing your gemstone jewellery into Wrights Jewellers for a professional inspection. Our team can check the condition of the gemstone, ensure the setting is secure and advise on the best way to care for your piece.

 

Jewellery That Needs Extra Care

Pearls

Pearls are organic gemstones and are much softer than diamonds or sapphires.

To keep pearls looking beautiful:

• Wipe them gently with a soft cloth after wearing.

• Avoid contact with perfume, hairspray and cosmetics.

• Store them separately from other jewellery.

• Never soak pearls in water.

Opals

Opals are one of Australia's and New Zealand's most loved gemstones, but they require gentle handling.

Avoid exposing opals to sudden temperature changes, harsh chemicals or heavy knocks, and never use ultrasonic cleaners.

Emeralds

Emeralds often contain natural inclusions that make each stone unique.

To protect them:

• Avoid harsh chemicals.

• Clean gently with warm soapy water.

• Have them professionally inspected if worn regularly.

Protect Your Jewellery from Chemicals

Many everyday products can gradually affect precious metals and gemstones.

Try to avoid exposing your jewellery to:

• Perfume

• Hairspray

• Sunscreen

• Hand sanitiser

• Household cleaning products

• Chlorinated swimming pools

Putting your jewellery on after applying beauty products can make a noticeable difference over time.

Professional Jewellery Cleaning and Inspections

Even with excellent care at home, we recommend having your jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected every 6 to 12 months, particularly if it's worn every day.

During a professional inspection, our jeweller can:

• Check claws for wear.

• Ensure gemstones remain secure.

• Inspect clasps and chains.

• Professionally clean hard-to-reach areas.

• Polish precious metals where appropriate.

Regular inspections can identify small issues before they become costly repairs or result in the loss of a valuable gemstone.

White Gold and Rhodium Plating

Many people are surprised to learn that white gold naturally develops a slightly warmer tone over time.

This is completely normal.

A fresh layer of rhodium plating restores white gold to its bright, crisp finish. How often this is needed depends on how frequently the jewellery is worn, but rings worn every day may benefit from replating every one to three years.

Signs Your Jewellery Needs Attention

If you notice any of the following, it's a good idea to have your jewellery inspected by a professional jeweller:

• A loose or rattling gemstone.

• Bent or worn claws.

• A chain that catches or feels weak.

• A clasp that doesn't close securely.

• Deep scratches or visible wear.

• A ring that no longer fits comfortably.

Addressing these issues early can often prevent more extensive repairs later.

Caring for Jewellery for Generations

Fine jewellery is often more than something beautiful to wear—it's a symbol of life's most meaningful moments and memories.

With regular cleaning, careful storage and professional maintenance, your favourite pieces can continue to be enjoyed for generations.

At Wrights Jewellers, we've been helping families care for their jewellery since 1912. Whether your jewellery needs a professional clean, a repair, rhodium plating or simply a routine inspection, our experienced team is here to help you keep every piece looking its very best.