3. Remove Jewelry Before Physical Activities

Why it matters:
Physical activities, such as exercising, swimming, or doing household chores, can expose your jewelry to harsh chemicals, sweat, or physical damage. Removing jewelry during these activities can prevent it from getting scratched, bent, or tarnished.

What to avoid:

• Chlorine: Swimming in pools treated with chlorine can cause gold, silver, and gemstones to tarnish or become discolored.
• Harsh chemicals: Cleaning products, perfumes, lotions, and hair products can cause damage to certain metals and gemstones.
• Physical wear: Jewelry can be scratched or bent if you wear it while lifting heavy objects or engaging in vigorous activities.

Tip: If you’re doing something that involves physical exertion or exposure to chemicals, take off your jewelry and store it safely.

4. Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals

Why it matters:
Many household chemicals and personal products can damage your jewelry, causing tarnishing, discoloration, or weakening of the metal. Even perfumes and lotions can leave a residue on your jewelry, dulling its shine.

What to avoid:

• Perfumes & lotions: Apply perfume, hairspray, or lotions before putting on jewelry. Chemicals in these products can cause discoloration, especially on silver.
• Cleaning products: Harsh cleaners, bleach, and other chemicals can damage gemstones and precious metals.
• Saltwater: Saltwater can cause tarnishing, especially on silver or plated jewelry.

Tip: Make jewelry the last thing you put on before heading out, and the first thing you take off when you get home.

5. Inspect Jewelry Regularly

Why it matters:
Regularly inspecting your jewelry helps you spot any loose stones, worn settings, or weak clasps before they become bigger problems. Catching issues early can prevent more costly repairs or loss of precious gemstones.

What to check:

• Loose stones: Check settings on rings, bracelets, and necklaces for any signs of loosening stones.
• Worn clasps: Make sure clasps and links are secure on necklaces and bracelets.
• Scratches or wear: Look for signs of wear, especially on rings that get daily use, or any metal discoloration.

Tip: Take your jewelry to a professional jeweler once a year for a full inspection and cleaning, especially if you wear it often.

6. Protect Jewelry from Physical Damage

Why it matters:
Jewelry can be fragile, and accidental bumps or drops can cause stones to crack, settings to loosen, or pieces to break. Preventing these accidents can extend the life of your jewelry.

How to protect:

• Avoid wearing rings while doing tasks that may expose them to physical force, like opening bottles, lifting heavy objects, or cooking.
• Be mindful of earrings: Long or dangling earrings can catch on clothing, causing them to bend or break.
• Protect gemstones: Some gemstones (like opals, emeralds, and pearls) are more delicate and can scratch or chip easily. Handle them with extra care.

Tip: When you’re not wearing your jewelry, store it in a soft pouch or a padded box to protect it from damage.

7. Keep Gold, Silver, and Platinum Jewelry Polished

Why it matters:
Metals like gold, silver, and platinum can develop a dull appearance over time due to exposure to air and moisture. Regular polishing helps maintain the shine of these precious metals.

How to polish:

• Gold: Use a soft cloth to gently buff gold jewelry. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
• Silver: Silver tarnishes easily, but you can use a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish and restore shine. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and water for tarnish removal.
• Platinum: Platinum is a durable metal but can develop a patina over time. If you prefer the high shine, you can polish it using a soft cloth.

Tip: Always use a specialized polishing cloth for each type of metal to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.