
Jewelry Care & Maintenance: How to Clean, Store & Protect Your Jewelry | Ishime Jewels
Jewelry is more than just an accessory — it’s a personal treasure. Whether it’s a daily-wear gemstone pendant, a pair of delicate earrings, or a luxury silver necklace, proper care ensures your jewellery stays beautiful for years.
At Ishime Jewels, we handcraft silver and natural gemstone pieces with premium finishing, but even the best-quality pieces need regular care.
Here is your complete guide to cleaning, storing, and protecting your jewelry.
💎 1. How to Clean Your Jewelry Safely
Different metals and gemstones require different cleaning methods.
Here are the simplest and safest steps:
🧼 A. Cleaning 925 Sterling Silver
Best method:
✔ Mild soap + warm water
✔ Soft cloth or silver polishing cloth
How to clean:
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Mix lukewarm water with mild soap.
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Soak the silver piece for 5 minutes.
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Use a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt.
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Rinse and dry fully.
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Polish with a silver cloth.
Avoid:
❌ Toothpaste
❌ Hard scrubbing
❌ Strong silver dips (harmful to gemstones)
❌ Bleach or alcohol
💠 B. Cleaning Natural Gemstone Jewelry
Use only mild soap water for:
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Topaz
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Garnet
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Amethyst
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Citrine
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Tourmaline
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Peridot
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Jade
Gently brush around the setting and rinse with clean water.
For soft gemstones (handle with care):
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Moonstone
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Opal
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Labradorite
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Turquoise
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Lapis
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Malachite
✔ Wipe with a damp cloth
❌ Do not soak
❌ Avoid ultrasonic cleaners
🪙 C. Cleaning Gold-Plated or Gold-Vermeil Jewelry
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Use a damp microfiber cloth
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Gently wipe the surface
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Avoid rubbing hard
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Do not use chemicals or abrasives
These pieces need extra care to maintain their shine.
🧿 2. How to Store Jewelry Properly
Proper storage prevents tarnish, scratches, and stone damage.
🌙 A. Store Each Piece Separately
Use:
✔ Soft pouches
✔ Velvet-lined boxes
✔ Anti-tarnish bags
This prevents scratches, especially for gemstone rings and pendants.
🌤 B. Keep Jewelry Away From Moisture
Moisture accelerates tarnish and weakens glue.
Store jewelry:
✔ In a dry, cool place
✔ With silica gel (anti-moisture)
✔ Away from bathroom areas
❄️ C. Lay Chains Flat to Prevent Tangles
Necklaces and fine chains should be stored flat or hung separately.
This prevents knots and breakage.
📿 D. Keep Silver Pieces in Airtight Bags
925 silver reacts with air. Use:
✔ Zip-lock pouches
✔ Anti-tarnish strips
✔ Vacuum-sealed bags
This slows down tarnishing dramatically.
🔨 3. Preventing Damage: What You Should Avoid
Jewelry can get damaged without proper care. Here are the common mistakes to avoid:
🚿 A. Do NOT Wear Jewelry in Water
Remove jewelry before:
❌ Shower
❌ Swimming pool
❌ Washing dishes
❌ Bathing
Chlorine, soap, and saltwater damage metals and gemstones.
💄 B. Avoid Perfume & Lotion Contact
Perfume + lotion = gemstone dullness + silver tarnish.
Always:
✔ Apply perfume first
✔ Wear jewelry last
🛠 C. Remove Jewelry During Physical Activities
Avoid wearing jewelry while:
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Sleeping
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Cooking
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Exercising
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Gardening
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Cleaning
This prevents stone loosening, scratches, and breakage.
🛁 D. Keep Away From Chemicals
Jewelry should never touch:
❌ Sanitizer
❌ Hairspray
❌ Nail polish remover
❌ Harsh cleaners
These damage both silver and gemstone finishes.
💎 4. Professional Maintenance Tips
✔ Check gemstone settings yearly
Prongs can loosen over time.
✔ Get professional polishing
It restores shine and smoothness.
✔ Re-plate gold vermeil when needed
Gold coating can be refreshed periodically.
✔ Clean antique jewellery professionally
Never use DIY methods on heirlooms.
🌟 5. Ishime Jewels’ Recommended Daily Care Routine
To keep your jewellery sparkling longer:
✔ Wipe with a soft cloth after every use
✔ Store individually in soft pouches
✔ Keep silver airtight
✔ Remove jewellery before sleep & water
✔ Clean gently once a month
Small steps → big difference in jewelry life.
🌸 Conclusion
Jewelry care is essential to maintain beauty and longevity.
By cleaning your pieces gently, storing them properly, and avoiding everyday damage, your jewellery will stay stunning for years.
At Ishime Jewels, we craft jewellery designed to last — and with the right maintenance, your gemstone and silver pieces will keep shining with elegance.

