More of us are spending more on "demi-fine" jewellery pieces than ever, yet much of that investment is undermined by poor care.
From chains left on bathroom shelves to rings worn in the gym – negligence of care for our jewellery is resulting in dull metal, chipped stones and lost plating.
As sales of vermeil chains and heirloom-style rings surge, so too does the need for clear, independent guidance on how to look after them.
So, we hear from jewellery experts their top habits to adopt when it comes to jewellery care – so you don’t have to reinvest.
Cleaning doesn’t require any specialist kits
The first myth to dispel is that special kits are essential.
Founder of Kouree jewellery, Blue Wilson, the former CEO and partner of Irish success story Nadine Merabi, says the safest way is always the simplest. For gold vermeil and sterling silver […] we recommend gently polishing with a soft, dry cloth.
"Avoid abrasive cleaners or dips, as they can wear down the finish."
Gemstones require even greater caution and care, "delicate stones like opals or pearls should never be submerged – they need only a soft cloth," she says.
For harder materials, warm water, a drop of mild washing-up liquid and a soft toothbrush suffice – abrasives and aggressive gadgets are unnecessary.
Metal matters
It’s no surprise that longevity correlates with the underlying metal.
"Solid gold and platinum are the most durable and resistant to tarnish – they’re designed to last lifetimes," says Wilson.
"Platinum is widely regarded as the most durable precious metal. It’s incredibly hard-wearing, resists tarnishing, and maintains its white sheen without plating," explains CEO and co-founder of The Diamond Store, Jeremy Kanzen.
"White gold requires occasional rhodium plating to retain its brightness, but offers a beautiful and timeless look," making it a more affordable option, he says.
Silver, a more affordable metal, is softer and will tarnish in damp air but can be polished back easily.
Gold vermeil is a good middle ground. "Gold vermeil is a beautiful in-between: far more enduring than flash plating, but still demi-fine, so it requires care," explains Wilson. "The thicker the plating, the more long-lasting."
The lesson is not to buy or shun a specific label, but to understand which metal sits on the skin; the harder and purer it is, the less fragile a routine needs to be.
How to store your pieces
How you store your pieces can depend on how often you wear them.
The jewellery you wear every day is more exposed to lotions, perfume, sweat, sunlight and air.
Wilson recommends removing everyday items before showering, exercising or applying products. "Occasional pieces should be stored carefully in their pouches or boxes when not in use. Think of it like clothing: some items are hardy everyday wear, others are delicate silks you take out on special occasions – both need care, just in different ways."
Kanzen advises not only cleaning but also an annual check-up for frequently worn items to ensure stones stay secure.
There are some key basics to know about jewellery storage, the first being to "avoid storing jewellery in bathrooms or humid areas, which may accelerate tarnishing," Kanzen says.
"For pieces like pearls and opals, which are sensitive to light and moisture, a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight is best.
"It’s also worth fastening necklaces and bracelets before storing them, to prevent tangling, a small step that makes a big difference to preserving their beauty," he explains.
