Fashion jewellery does not require the same level of care as fine metals, but a few simple habits make a real difference to how long a piece lasts and how good it continues to look. Here is a practical guide to keeping your jewellery in good condition.
Keep It Dry
Moisture is the most common cause of tarnishing and deterioration in fashion jewellery. Remove pieces before swimming, showering, or exercising. Avoid applying perfume, sunscreen, or body lotion directly onto jewellery. If a piece does get wet, dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing.
Store Pieces Separately
Keeping all your jewellery in a single box or tray means pieces rub against each other, causing scratches and tangling. Store pieces individually, or at least separate by material. Small zip-lock pouches, individual compartments, or a jewellery roll all work well. For necklaces, hanging storage prevents chains from knotting.
Cleaning Different Materials
For brass and plated metals, a dry or very slightly damp soft cloth is usually enough. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which remove plating. For natural stone, a dry cloth is safest — some stones absorb liquids and can be damaged by cleaning agents. Wood jewellery benefits from occasional conditioning with a small amount of natural oil. Clay pieces need only a dry wipe.
Tarnishing and What to Do About It
Brass tarnishes naturally over time, developing a darker patina. Many people find this appealing. If you prefer to restore the original finish, a specialist brass cleaning cloth or a small amount of lemon juice on a cloth, followed by thorough drying, usually works. For plated pieces, avoid any cleaning method that risks abrading the surface.
Knowing When a Piece Has Run Its Course
Fashion jewellery is not designed to last forever. Plating wears through eventually, elastics in bracelets stretch and break, and some materials age better than others. Treating pieces with basic care extends their life significantly, but accepting that some will eventually need replacing is part of buying in this category. The best approach is to choose pieces you love enough to care for.
If natural stone pieces are part of your collection, Natural Stone Jewellery: What to Look for When Buying Online has more on choosing and caring for them specifically, and our shop has pieces across every material covered here.