Keep Your Custom Jewelry Clean and in Tip Top Shape from The Start

Follow These Tips to Keep Your Jewelry from Dazzling Little Gems Sparkling Clean

When you find the jewelry piece of your dreams, we know that the first thought that pops into your head is usually something along the lines of, “Wow, this is going to look amazing with my new outfit,” and not, “I wonder how long until gunk builds up in the creases,”. While we wish there was some magical way to repel dirt, we just can’t guarantee that your piece is never going to get dirty. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you keep your jewelry in tip-top, clean condition

Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, we suggest that you start following these steps from the moment you purchase your piece, that way it’ll keep its sparkle for years to come. Establishing a weekly and monthly cleaning routine is an important part of sustainable jewelry ownership, but how you treat your jewelry on an everyday basis is also an important step to consider. Follow the tips in this handy guide and you’ll never have to worry about deep cleaning again. 

Keep it Clean – Everyday Routines

Remember your grandmother’s ornate wooden jewelry box? Or how about the one that always sat atop your mother’s dresser? There are more uses for these boxes than just looking pretty and storing your jewelry when you’re not wearing it, so if you haven’t already it might be time to invest in one. It doesn’t have to be a complex or ornate box; anywhere that your jewelry can exist in a dark, cool, and dry place while it’s not being worn will do. Whether it’s a repurposed cardboard box or the vintage jewelry box of your dreams – you’ll want to make sure that it has dividers for different types of jewelry. The last thing you want to do is get all of your stretch bracelets or gemstone necklaces tangled together. 

Aside from storage, there are some other factors you’ll want to consider when handling your jewelry on an everyday basis to keep it clean for longer. For instance, you’ll want to make sure to apply your creams and lotions well before you put on your piece. Allow body products time to soak into your skin and then put on your favourite ring. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, body products building up on your jewelry can cause a whole host of issues such as product buildup in the creases of your piece or degrading the finish of your piece. Don’t risk it – just keep the lotions away from your jewelry

One final reminder is to keep your jewelry tucked safely away when swimming or showering. This is especially important for gemstone jewelry that may have a chemical reaction with the water – such as selenite (it dissolves into water). It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid submerging most jewelry in water though, so it’s best to just make it a regular practice.

Weekly and Monthly Clean Routine

Different types of jewelry have different care needs – but we’ve got some general tips that apply to most. To read a full breakdown of different cleaning routines for individual jewelry types, visit our care guide page. 

Weekly Cleaning

For this tip, you’ll want to acquire a good quality cloth or chamois. We recommend using microfibre because it’s not abrasive, is relatively inexpensive, and is typically pretty easy to acquire. That said, use what you’ve got access to. You’ll want to dedicate a new cleaning cloth to your jewelry – this ensures that no tiny pollutants or particles become intertwined with the material of the cloth. While it’s unlikely, there is a chance that small abrasive particles can get caught in your cloth and scratch your jewelry, so it’s best to dedicate one. 

Make a habit of inspecting your jewelry for signs of wear and tear each week, and then gently scrubbing down the surface and in the creases of the piece with your microfiber cloth. You can do this with a dry cloth, but a damp (NOT WET) cloth is also effective. Consider repairing any signs of wear and tear early – before it gets to be a bigger problem. 

*Note that using water should be avoided with some gemstones please do your research to ensure it’s safe to use water on your stones. 

Monthly Cleaning

Each month you’ll want to gather a small basin of warm water, a toothbrush dedicated to jewelry cleaning or a mixture of 2 parts baking soda and one part water, and some gentle detergent. Soak your piece in warm water, and then gently scrub with the toothbrush and detergent or polish mixture. Ensure that you rinse the piece well with the warm water afterward to rid it of any debris that may have come loose in the process, and then gently pat dry with a cloth. Ensure you allow your piece to dry fully before wearing it or storing it again to avoid tarnishing or allowing bacteria to grow. 

It’s important to note that some jewelry, such as pieces made of sterling silver can tarnish quickly and you may want to do this more often. Some other jewelry, such as gold filled, should avoid soaking in water. Visit our guide on care tips for individual types of jewelry to learn how to best care for your piece.

Keep it Dazzling for Years to Come

At Dazzling Little Gems, each piece that we produce is as unique as its wearer. We understand that you want to keep your jewelry as beautiful as the day you bought it. That’s why we offer a 1-year limited warranty on our Jewelry – to give you peace of mind about your purchase. Our high-quality jewelry is handmade with love and intention, and we hope that comes across in every creation.

Whether you’re creating a cleaning routine for a gemstone bracelet or a gold-filled jewelry set, we hope this guide helps you to keep it pristine for years to come. Don’t have a piece from Dazzling Little Gems yet? Shop our entire collection to put your newfound knowledge to the test!