If you’re anything like us, your jewellery box is filled with necklaces, bracelets (and maybe a few odd stud earrings) that have, over time, lost their sparkle. What once glistened in the sunlight is now a dull and discoloured shell – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be brought back to life.
Our How to Clean and Care for your Jewellery guide is here to help you revive your old accessories back to their sparkly self. So, grab your jewellery box, detangle your old heirlooms and they’ll be looking brand-new in no time.
How to Clean Jewellery
Not only are gold and silver timeless in style, they’ll last you years to come, too.
That is – providing they’re properly cared for!
Where Not to Wear Gold and Silver Jewellery
Believe it or not, the first points we want to make is about how to wear your gold and silver. Or, rather, where not to wear them.
- Always take off gold and silver jewellery when you’re at the gym – all it takes is one slip of the dumbbell and your new gold or silver bracelet is snapped in two. These metals may be strong, but not strong enough to take on 10kg!
- Remove any jewellery before you start your skincare routine, as creams (moisturisers, lotions and sunscreen) can tarnish gold and silver, as well as the stones that might come with them.
- This applies to cleaning products, too – so remove your jewels before you start scrubbing!
- If you’re planning on going swimming, leave your jewellery in the locker. Chlorine is known to damage and discolour metal – even gold and silver!
- Also make sure you take off your jewellery before swimming in the ocean – otherwise, we could have a Keeping Up With The Kardashians Season 6 episode on our hands (if you know, you know!)
How to Clean Jewellery at Home
According to our research (from expert jewellers, only!) these are the steps you should take to make your dull, dirty jewellery look brand-new.
1. Add lukewarm water and a little dish soap to a small bowl
2. Drop in your jewellery, and leave it to soak for 15 minutes
3. Grab a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush, and gently scrub into any nooks and crannies
4. Use a cloth to help wipe dirt away from flatter surfaces
5. Rinse your jewellery in warm, running water
6. Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth
Of course, no at home-cleaning method will compare to a professional spruce-up. So, if our steps didn’t quite achieve the sunshine-sparkle effect you’d hoped for, just pop-in to your local jewellers.
How to Store Jewellery
Now you’ve got your silver sparkling and gold gleaming, the worst thing you can do is throw it back into the tangled mess we spoke about at the start. We’re not saying you need a new jewellery box, but you’ll need to give your current one a good clean out. Organisational boxes or drawers are perfect for keeping jewellery separate, and will help prevent tangling, too. Gold, silver and costume jewellery should be kept apart to avoid mixed-metal tarnishing, and it’ll also speed up the process when looking for your outfit’s finishing touch.
Our BrandAlley Jewellery Must-Haves
If you’re on the look-out for some new jewels, you can check out some of our favourites below.
Rose Gold Plated Elegant Bracelet – Ma Petite Amie – £15
Gold/Green Flower Earrings – Ma Petite Amie – £15
Silver Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace – Diamond & Co – £129
Rose Gold Plated Elegant Earrings – Ma Petite Amie – £12
Silver/Blue Necklace with Swarovski Crystals – Ma Petite Amie – £10
White/Silver Pearl Ring – Mitzuko – £39
Gold In a Flutter Pendant Necklace – Kate Spade – £45
You can have a look at more of our pieces here.
Words by Hannah Wright
