Jewelry reflects both taste and investment, and respected entrepreneur Jeremy Millul, the owner of elite jewelry company Jeremy Millul, Inc., is passionate about the proper maintenance and preservation of jewelry. A diamond pendant, a gold band, or a strand of pearls each demands care to maintain its appearance and value.
Beyond style, proper maintenance protects the integrity of every piece, ensuring it endures for years to come. Attention to detail in cleaning, storage, and wear distinguishes a well-kept collection from one that shows neglect.
Daily and Routine Care of Jewelry
Every piece of jewelry faces risk when exposed to daily wear. Gold, silver, platinum, gemstones, and pearls all require different levels of care. Even simple activities like washing hands, using perfume, or heading outside can affect a collection. With just a few habits, anyone can add years to the life of their favorite items.
“Routine care starts with observation,” says Jeremy Millul. “Look for fingerprints, smudges, or dullness after wearing. Wipe pieces gently using soft, lint-free cloths.”
Avoid fabrics that may scratch metal or stone. For gold and platinum, a quick wipe will do. Silver needs special attention to prevent tarnish, so add a gentle rub-down after use. Always remove pieces before showering, swimming, or cleaning.
Moisture, chemicals, and soap residues can cause damage. Store jewelry away from direct sunlight, which can slowly fade colored stones and dry out pearls. Handle pearls with clean hands and avoid lotions or sprays nearby, as these can weaken their shine.
Best Cleaning and Storage Practices
Each material in a jewelry collection asks for a different approach. Gold cleans well with a mix of mild soap and warm water. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach small corners, then rinse and dry with a soft towel. Avoid abrasive substances, which can leave scratches.
Silver jewelry benefits from commercial polishing cloths or specialized cleaners. Never soak pieces for extended periods, as this can loosen gemstones set in silver. Tarnish can be gently removed, but check for signs of damage or loosened prongs before cleaning.
Gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies allow for mild soapy water cleaning, using a soft brush for detail work. Rinse thoroughly and dry well. Softer stones, such as emeralds or opals, should not be left in water and need gentle handling with a damp cloth.
Pearls need the most careful touch. Avoid submerging them. Wipe with a slightly damp, soft cloth after wearing to remove any buildup from skin oils or products. Let them dry flat, reducing tension on the silk thread.
At home, never use bleach, baking soda, or other harsh cleaners. When seeing black marks, obvious residue in settings, or discoloration that does not wipe away, schedule a visit to a professional.
Notes Millul, “The way jewelry is stored makes a difference. Each piece should have its own pouch or box, lined with a soft fabric like velvet or felt.”
Storing items together invites scratches and tangling. Even sturdy metals like platinum can show signs of wear when crowded together. Boxes with dividers help keep chains from knotting and earrings from getting lost. Pieces with delicate stones or pearls need extra care.
Keep them in separate compartments and never in sealed plastic, which traps moisture. Storing jewelry in a dry place slows tarnish and general aging. Bathrooms are not safe spots due to constant changes in humidity. Instead, use bedroom drawers or closets that keep light and moisture away.
For pearls, the air should not be too dry, as this can crack their surface. Check containers for residues or damage regularly. Improper storage remains the leading cause of broken clasps, scratches, and loss of luster. Invest in quality storage and habits to protect every piece for years.
Long-Term Jewelry Preservation
Preserving jewelry over time involves a mix of daily attention and seasonal action. Pieces with higher value or sentimental meaning need a plan for routine maintenance. This level of care involves inspections, professional cleaning, and repairs before problems become costly.
Rotate jewelry to avoid over-wearing favorites, which can lead to loose prongs or thin spots in chains. For rare or antique pieces, create a yearly schedule for inspections with a trusted jeweler. Document the condition and note changes each year.
Insurance provides another layer of safety for significant collections. Keep documentation current, including photographs and written descriptions. Regular appraisals help keep coverage up to date and make for easier claims if damage or loss occurs. Strong preservation habits start with awareness. Treat the jewelry box like a toolbox that is clean, organized, and checked often.
Environmental risks threaten even the toughest metals and stones. Dramatic swings in temperature can make some gems brittle or fragile. Everyday chemicals like cleaners, pool chlorine, or even perfume and hairspray leave a mark over time. Remove jewelry before household chores, cooking, gardening, or any physical activity that exposes hands or skin to bumps and chemicals.
“Physical risk comes from normal activities,” says Millul.
Rings, for example, knock against hard surfaces and can lose stones or flatten settings. Necklaces catch on clothing or bag straps. Earrings can bend or detach during exercise or when hurriedly pulling off a sweater.
Sports and heavy lifting create prime conditions for dents or snapped chains. Always take off rings, watches, and bracelets before working out, swimming, or using tools. A small investment in care today prevents expensive repairs or heartbreaking losses down the road.
The Role of Professional Maintenance
While home care prevents many problems, some issues demand a professional touch. Jewelers spot loose stones, worn prongs, thinning chains, and failing clasps long before disaster strikes. A scheduled cleaning at the jeweler’s bench removes grime from hard-to-reach settings, restoring brilliance.
Antique and ornate settings can require careful tightening and realignment that only skilled hands can provide. Pearl necklaces, for example, need re-stringing as the silk weakens. Trust professional services for repairs, cleaning, and evaluations.
Choose professionals with positive reviews and high standards of training. Keep service records, and ask questions about care. Expert attention lengthens life and increases the comfort of wearing treasured pieces. Jewelry carries memories, marks milestones, and reflects personal style.
Daily care, such as gentle cleaning, smart storage, and protection from harm, keeps each gem at its brightest. Over time, planning for inspections, documenting conditions, and seeking professional help preserves both appearance and worth. Treating each piece with care pays off with beauty that lasts for generations. Consistent routines bring peace of mind and ensure every ring, bracelet, and necklace shines when it matters most.
