Jewelry That Lasts a Lifetime (or Longer!)
Jewelry is an investment, a memory, and sometimes even an heirloom. But no matter how well-crafted a piece is, it still needs care to stay beautiful over time.
A little extra attention can keep your jewelry sparkling and strong for years (or even generations). This guide covers the essential dos and don’ts of jewelry maintenance, from daily habits to deep cleaning, repairs, and insurance.
1. Know When to Take It Off
Jewelry is made to be worn, but that doesn’t mean it should be worn everywhere.
💎 Times to remove your jewelry:
✔️ Before working out – Sweat, friction, and impact can damage delicate settings.
✔️ Before showering or swimming – Chlorine, saltwater, and even soap can weaken metals and dull stones.
✔️ Before sleeping – Chains tangle, prongs bend, and delicate pieces can break. Settings that are already compromised can snag on sheets, leading to bent prongs and lost stones.
✔️ Before applying lotion, perfume, or hairspray – Residue builds up and dulls gemstones.
💡 A simple rule: If you wouldn’t expose silk or leather to it, don’t expose your fine jewelry either.
2. Store It Properly (Because Tossing It in a Drawer Isn’t Enough!)
The way you store your jewelry directly impacts its longevity.
✅ Ideal storage solutions:
- A fabric-lined jewelry box with individual compartments to prevent scratches.
- Soft pouches for travel to avoid tangling and damage.
- Anti-tarnish strips to protect silver from oxidation.
- For delicate chains: store hanging or clasped to prevent knots.
🚫 What to avoid:
- Humidity – Storing jewelry in bathrooms or other damp areas speeds up tarnishing.
- Piling everything together – Harder stones like diamonds can scratch softer gemstones and metals.
3. Clean Your Jewelry the Right Way
Regular cleaning helps maintain your jewelry’s brilliance—but only if done correctly!
💎 Best cleaning methods by material:
✔ Gold & Platinum – Mild soap and warm water with a soft brush; dry with a lint-free cloth.
✔ Diamonds & Gemstones – Soak in warm soapy water, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly.
✔ Pearls – Wipe with a damp soft cloth— short soaks ok, but don't leave in water, as this can weaken the silk thread. REMEMBER: NEVER DIP PEARLS IN SILVER TARNISH REMOVER.
✔ Silver – Use a silver polishing cloth; for heavier tarnish, a mild silver cleaner (but avoid harsh abrasives!).
🚫 What NOT to do:
- No ultrasonic cleaners for opals, emeralds, pearls, or other porous gems—they can crack.
- No toothpaste or baking soda—they’re too abrasive for fine jewelry.
- No bleach, lemon juice, or harsh household cleaners—these can damage both metal and stones.
When in doubt, always ask a jeweler for advice about cleaning your jewelry.
4. Regular Maintenance: Inspections & Professional Cleanings
Even the best-made jewelry can wear down over time—catching issues early prevents costly repairs.
🔎 What to check regularly:
✔ Loose stones – If something feels wobbly, don’t wait—get it checked before it falls out.
✔ Worn-down prongs – Prongs securing stones can thin out over time. Since many prongs are only twice the thickness of a human eyelash, these need to be repaired before they become to thin to retain their structural integrity.
✔ Clasp & chain strength – Weak clasps or stretched chains can lead to lost jewelry.
🔹 How often should you have professional cleanings?
- Everyday fine jewelry – Once a year.
- Engagement rings or frequently worn heirlooms – Every 6 months is best.
5. Be Mindful of How You Wear It
✔ Stacking with Care – While stacking rings and bracelets is trendy, too much metal-on-metal friction causes scratches and wear.
✔ Avoid Hard Knocks – Diamonds and sapphires are tough, but sudden impacts (like hitting them on a countertop) can still cause chips.
✔ Watch for Metal Wear – Gold is soft—if your ring band is thinning or your chain links look weak, it’s time for a check-up.
6. Special Considerations for Heirloom & Delicate Jewelry
✨ Heirlooms need extra care – Consider reinforcement work if prongs, clasps, or settings are aging.
✨ If a piece is too delicate for daily wear, consider turning it into a pendant or alternative setting.
✨ If you want to pass it down, store it properly and get occasional maintenance to ensure it lasts for generations.
7. When to Consider Repairs (and How to Do It Safely)
If a piece is damaged or worn out, don’t wait for it to break completely—repairs are easier before something is lost!
🛠 Common repair needs:
✔ Resizing rings for a better fit.
✔ Re-tipping prongs to secure loose stones.
✔ Reinforcing clasps or restringing pearls.
🔹 Worried about sending your jewelry in for repairs?
That’s why we offer our Precious Cargo Stress-Free Shipping Kit—a safe, secure way to send your jewelry for repairs and maintenance without stress. Your jewelry deserves expert care, and we make sure it arrives safely and is handled with the attention it deserves.
8. Jewelry Insurance: Is It Worth It?
💎 Why insure your jewelry?
- If you’re investing in a fine piece, insurance protects against loss, theft, and damage.
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may not fully cover high-value jewelry—look into specialized policies.
✔ What to look for in a jewelry insurance policy:
- Full replacement value (not just market value).
- Coverage for accidental loss (not just theft or damage).
- Options to repair or replace rather than just a payout.
💡 When to get an appraisal:
Fine jewelry should be appraised every few years to keep insurance values up to date.
9. How Stradley & Daughter Helps Your Jewelry Last
✔ Crafted for longevity – Our pieces are made with high-quality materials designed to withstand daily wear.
✔ Professional cleanings & inspections – We offer expert check-ups to keep your jewelry secure and stunning.
✔ Custom redesigns & repairs – If you have an heirloom that needs a refresh, we can help you preserve its history while making it wearable.
✔ Safe, Simple Repairs with Precious Cargo Kits – Our Precious Cargo shipping kits take the stress out of jewelry maintenance—so you can get expert repairs no matter where you are.
Jewelry That Lasts a Lifetime (With the Right Care!)
Jewelry is meant to be worn and loved, but giving it the right care means it can last for generations.
💎 If your favorite pieces need a professional check-up or a little extra care, we’d love to help.
💎 Order a Precious Cargo Kit today for secure, easy repairs, or book a consultation to discuss custom work or maintenance!
