Care & maintenance

Jewellery Care

A little regular care helps preserve the beauty, comfort and security of the pieces you wear most. Use this guide to protect your jewellery and watches at home—and learn when it is best to see a professional.

A gold ring, chain, earrings and wristwatch arranged with a soft jewellery cloth and brush
Last on, first off

Apply perfume, lotion and hairspray before putting jewellery on.

Keep it dry

Remove pieces before swimming, showering, cleaning or exercising.

Store separately

Use a soft-lined box or pouch so pieces cannot scratch or tangle.

Check it often

Look for loose stones, worn clasps, bent prongs and damaged links.

Care by piece

Simple habits for the jewellery you wear

Rings

  • Remove rings before lifting weights, gardening, housework or using tools; pressure can bend a band or loosen a setting.
  • Hold a ring by its band instead of its stone, and check prongs regularly for snagging or movement.
  • Have frequently worn rings professionally inspected and cleaned about once a year, or sooner after a hard knock.

Chains & necklaces

  • Fasten clasps before storage and lay chains flat or hang them individually to help prevent knots.
  • Never pull a chain to remove it. Open the clasp, and avoid sleeping or exercising in delicate and hollow styles.
  • Match heavier pendants with a chain designed to support their weight, and inspect clasps and connecting rings for wear.

Earrings

  • Wipe posts and hooks after wear with a clean, soft cloth, then store pairs together in separate compartments.
  • Check butterfly backs, screw backs and hoops for a secure fit before wearing.
  • Put earrings on after hair products, and remove long or delicate styles before changing clothes or sleeping.

Watches

  • Follow the manufacturer’s water-resistance rating—“water resistant” does not always mean suitable for swimming or showering.
  • Wipe the case and bracelet after wear. Keep leather straps dry and away from perfume, lotion and prolonged sunlight.
  • Have a professional replace batteries promptly and inspect seals before water exposure. Avoid magnets, strong impacts and extreme temperatures.

Pearls & delicate gems

  • Pearls, opals, turquoise and other porous or soft gems need gentler care; avoid soaking, steam and ultrasonic cleaning.
  • Wipe pearls with a barely damp soft cloth after wear and allow them to dry before storing flat.
  • Keep delicate gems away from chemicals, heat and sudden temperature changes. Ask a jeweller before trying any cleaner.

Bracelets & bangles

  • Open clasps fully and roll hinged bangles on gently; forcing a piece over the hand can weaken its shape.
  • Avoid stacking hard gemstones beside softer metals when they may rub together.
  • Check safety chains, catches, links and stone settings, especially on pieces worn every day.
A diamond ring and gold bracelet beside a soft brush, bowl and lint-free cloth

At-home cleaning

Keep it gentle

For most plain gold, platinum and diamond jewellery, occasional gentle cleaning can remove everyday buildup.

  1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with lukewarm water.
  2. Soak briefly, then use a very soft brush around the back of stones and settings.
  3. Rinse in a bowl of clean water—not over an open drain—and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Storage

Give every piece its own place

A chain, earrings, pearls and watch stored separately in a lined jewellery box

Separate
Use individual pouches or lined compartments. Diamonds and harder gems can scratch other jewellery.

Secure
Close clasps, insert earring backs and lay chains flat before putting pieces away.

Keep dry
Choose a cool, dry location away from bathrooms, direct sunlight and big temperature changes.

Travel smart
Use a structured jewellery roll or case—never drop loose pieces together in a bag.

Professional care

Not sure? Let us take a look.

Stop wearing a piece if a stone moves, a prong catches, a clasp no longer closes securely, or you notice a crack, deep dent or stretched link. Our jewellery experts can inspect, clean and advise on the right repair.

Explore jewellery repairs