Caring for Your Fine Jewelry: Cleaning, Storage & Wear Tips

Caring for Your Fine Jewelry: Cleaning, Storage & Wear Tips

How to keep your heirlooms looking their best for years to come.

At Relic Fine Jewelry, every piece is made to last—but even the most durable, well-crafted jewelry deserves a little care along the way. Whether you wear your pieces daily or save them for special occasions, taking time to maintain them will help preserve their beauty and structure over the long term.

Here are our favorite, no-nonsense tips for cleaning, storing, and wearing your fine jewelry with care.

❖ Everyday Wear: When to Take It Off

We believe in jewelry that’s meant to be worn and lived in—but there are times when taking it off is the better choice.

Remove your jewelry when:

• Doing any hands-on work (gardening, lifting, construction, cleaning, etc.)
• Swimming, showering, or washing dishes
• Applying lotions, perfumes, or hair products
• Sleeping (especially for delicate chains or rings with elevated settings)

Even strong materials like gold and gemstones can scratch, shift, or wear down over time with constant exposure. Giving your pieces a break in these moments protects them from unnecessary damage.

❖ Cleaning Tips: Simple and Safe

You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive tools to keep your jewelry clean. Here’s how to safely freshen it up at home:

For Most Gold Jewelry & Durable Stones (like diamonds, sapphires, spinels):

1. Soak in a bowl of warm water with a drop of gentle dish soap.
2. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub behind settings and around details.
3. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid:

• Toothpaste, baking soda, or abrasive cleaners
• Ultrasonic machines, unless recommended—some stones and settings are too delicate
• Hot water for certain gems (temperature shock can cause fractures)

If your piece needs a deeper clean or has buildup you can’t remove, we’re always happy to professionally clean or inspect it for you. It’s recommended to have your jewelry inspected at least once a year to make sure all stones are secure—catching a loose setting early can prevent a missing gem later.

❖ Storage Matters: Keep Pieces Safe and Separate

Jewelry can get scratched or tangled when tossed together. A little organization goes a long way.

Best practices:

• Store pieces separately in soft pouches or compartments
• Keep chains clasped to prevent tangling
  
• Avoid humid areas like bathrooms for long-term storage

For travel, a structured jewelry case with padded sections is worth the investment—it’ll protect your pieces in transit and keep things tangle-free.

❖ Routine Checkups: Don’t Wait for a Problem

Fine jewelry can loosen or shift over time—especially rings worn daily. Prongs wear down, stones settle, and clasps can fatigue. We recommend having your most-worn pieces checked once a year to catch any issues before they turn into repairs.

At RELIC, we’re happy to offer inspections and maintenance to keep your pieces in top condition. Just reach out.

Jewelry That Lasts Deserves Care That Lasts

Heirloom-quality jewelry isn’t just about how it’s made—it’s about how it’s cared for. With regular upkeep and a little attention, your pieces will age gracefully and stay beautiful for decades to come.

Questions about your RELIC? Need help with a cleaning or repair?
We’re here when you need us. Contact us anytime.