💖 Simple Steps to Keep Your Jewellery Sparkling

Narrated by Em — your sparkle-savvy mascot.

Jewellery isn’t just an accessory. It holds memories, moods, milestones, and sometimes impulse buys that end up meaning far more than expected. Whether it’s your everyday necklace or the earrings you save for special outfits, keeping your pieces clean is a gentle way to look after both the item and the meaning attached to it.

Think of jewellery care as a small ritual: simple, soothing, and surprisingly effective.

✨ Why Jewellery Care Matters

It’s easy to forget that jewellery collects everything we touch — lotions, perfumes, dust, and the general chaos of daily life. Over time, that soft build-up dulls shine and makes metals appear tired.

A study by the Jewellery Consumer Opinion Council (yes, it exists) found that around 70% of people rarely clean their jewellery. Not ideal for longevity — but thankfully, very easy to fix.

A little care now prevents tarnish later.

💍 Know Your Materials, Protect Your Pieces

Different materials need different levels of attention. Here’s a simple guide:

Gold & Silver:

Classic and bright, but benefit from regular polishing and proper storage.

Costume Jewellery:

Charming but delicate. Avoid water, sweat, or harsh products — they can dull coatings or loosen stones.

Gemstones:

Soft stones like pearls and opals prefer gentle handling and no harsh chemicals. Think of them as the introverts of the jewellery world: protect their space.

Understanding the materials helps you care for them properly — like checking a character’s stats before a challenging encounter.

🌸 Easy Daily Habits for Long-Lasting Shine

Em: Small habits add up.

• Remove before activities like swimming, cleaning, exercising, or anything involving chemicals.

• Store thoughtfully — separate compartments, pouches, or boxes prevent scratches and tangles.

• Perfume first, jewellery second — let skincare and fragrance settle before putting jewellery on.

These quick steps keep pieces looking polished without much effort.

🫧 Cleaning Methods That Actually Work

When your jewellery starts looking a little flat, here are gentle ways to refresh it:

🫧 Mild Soap + Warm Water:

Safe for most metals. Use a soft cloth or a very gentle toothbrush.

✨ Ultrasonic Cleaners:

Great for intricate pieces if the stones are suitable.(Soft stones like pearls and opals should never go inside.)

🔮 Specialised Cleaners:

Use the right cleaner for the right metal — silver cleaner for silver, gold cleaner for gold. Always read labels first.

Regular light cleaning prevents the need for deep restoration later.

🛠️ When to Visit a Professional

Some situations benefit from expert care:

• Deep cleaning for heavily tarnished or detailed pieces

• Repairs like loose stones, bent clasps, or broken chains

• Valuations for rare or vintage jewellery

Think of your jeweller as the real-world equivalent of a trusted craftsman — detail-oriented and very good at saving things.

🌟 Final Thoughts from Em

Jewellery care is a quiet act of appreciation — for your pieces, your style, and the memories they hold. Whether it’s a sentimental ring, a convention find, or a sparkly pendant chosen on a whim, each item deserves to shine.

So give your jewellery a small moment of attention. Your future outfits (and past memories) will thank you.

If you have your own tips or ritual for keeping your pieces bright, share them with us @emleeuk — I always love seeing your collections sparkle. ✨

P.S. All sterling silver at Emlee is nickel-free and sparkle-approved. Shop the silver collection here.