How to Care for Your Jewelry at Home
Jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a reflection of your personal style, your memories, and your story.
Whether you’re wearing dainty gemstone earrings, a handcrafted statement necklace, or a treasured bracelet passed down through generations, knowing how to care for your jewelry at home will keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Here are our top tips for at-home jewelry care, including special advice for pieces featuring soft gemstones like opals, pearls, howlite, and chrysocolla.
Everyday Jewelry Care Tips
1. Avoid Water Exposure
Before swimming, showering, or even washing your hands, be sure to remove your jewelry. Water—especially chlorinated or saltwater—can cause damage, tarnishing, or loosening of stones. If your jewelry gets wet, gently dry it with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
2. Keep It Dry
Humidity is one of jewelry’s biggest enemies. Always store your pieces in a cool, dry place—preferably in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box that keeps moisture out.
3. Minimize Contact with Chemicals
Perfume, hairspray, lotion, sunscreen, and even cleaning products can dull the finish or damage delicate materials. Always apply beauty products first and put on your jewelry last.
4. Remove Jewelry During Physical Activity
Sweat and impact from workouts or manual tasks can damage delicate components and dull the shine of metals and stones. Take off your pieces before exercising, gardening, or cleaning.
5. Clean and Polish Regularly
Gently polish your jewelry with a soft, non-scratch cloth to restore its natural luster. Every Miel Jewelry order comes with a complimentary jewelry polishing cloth to make this step easy and effective.
6. Store Pieces Separately
To prevent scratches, tangling, or chipped stones, store each piece individually in a pouch or compartment within your jewelry box.
7. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
Skip harsh chemicals and rough materials that can scratch or erode metal finishes or damage stones.
8. Inspect for Wear and Tear
Take a moment every few weeks to check for loose clasps, missing stones, or weakened links. Catching these signs early can prevent costly repairs or lost pieces.
9. Limit Sunlight Exposure
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration, especially for colored gemstones or dyed materials.
10. Handle with Care
Always put on and take off jewelry gently, avoiding any tugging or bending that could weaken delicate parts or stretch chains.
Caring for Jewelry with Soft Gemstones
Soft and porous gemstones like opals, pearls, turquoise, howlite, and chrysocolla require special care to preserve their unique beauty. These stones are often more delicate and prone to scratching, chipping, or chemical damage.
Keep Them Dry
Moisture can weaken porous stones or cause discoloration. Always remove rings, bracelets, or necklaces with soft gemstones before bathing, swimming, or doing the dishes. If they do get wet, blot them dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth.
Clean Gently
Avoid water and liquid cleaners. Most soft gemstones can be maintained with a dry, non-abrasive polishing cloth. If your piece needs a deeper clean, it’s best to visit a professional jeweler. Never use ultrasonic cleaners on these stones—they can cause cracks, surface damage, or fading.
Avoid Harsh Products
Makeup, perfumes, and alcohol-based sprays can damage or discolor soft gemstones—especially those that have been dyed. Always keep these chemicals far from your jewelry.
Handle with Extra Care
When wearing rings or bracelets with soft gemstones, avoid pushing directly on the stones. Use the band or chain to slide on the jewelry instead. Pressure on the stone setting can loosen it over time and cause the gemstone to fall out.
A Final Thought
Jewelry is an investment in beauty and self-expression. With just a little care and attention, your favorite pieces can last for generations. We’re here to help you care for the pieces that mean the most to you. Every purchase comes with a jewelry polishing cloth and jewelry care tips. Because beauty is even more meaningful when it lasts.