How to Care for Your Fine Jewelry: A Guide to Lasting Beauty

Every piece of Ashleigh Branstetter jewelry is designed to be worn, cherished, and passed down. Whether you're the proud owner of a diamond-halo pendant, a hand-forged gold ring, or a strand of luminous pearls, the way you care for your jewelry directly impacts how beautifully it ages. With a little intention and the right habits, your pieces will continue to sparkle for generations to come.

Daily Wear: Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference

Fine jewelry is sensitive to the products and environments it encounters every day. To keep your pieces looking their best, make it a habit to put your jewelry on last — after applying lotion, perfume, hairspray, and makeup. These products contain chemicals and microscopic particles that can build up in the settings of your rings and pendants over time, dulling gemstones and causing premature wear on metal finishes.

We also recommend removing your jewelry before swimming, bathing, exercising, or doing household chores. Chlorine in pools and hot tubs is especially harsh on gold alloys and can weaken prong settings over time. Gardening, cooking, and cleaning with chemical products all pose risks of scratching, bending, or exposing your jewelry to abrasive materials.

At-Home Cleaning Guide

Regular cleaning at home is one of the easiest ways to maintain the brilliance of your jewelry. Here's how to safely clean each type:

Gold and White Gold

Mix a small amount of mild dish soap into a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Soak your gold jewelry for 3–5 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, paying special attention to the undersides of settings where buildup collects. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Allow the piece to fully air dry before storing or wearing.

Diamonds

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth, but they are not indestructible. They can chip, crack, or fracture along natural cleavage lines if struck at the right angle with significant force. The edges and girdle of a diamond are its most vulnerable areas. Think of it like dropping a glass on the floor — the impact can cause it to shatter in an instant. The same is true for a diamond struck the wrong way: what was whole can become fragmented. Clean diamonds using the same mild soap-and-water method described above for gold. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or acetone, which can damage both the stone and the setting.

Silver and Sterling Silver

Silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air, moisture, perspiration, rubber, and sulfur-containing compounds. To clean sterling silver, dampen a clean, soft cotton cloth with a mild solution of dish soap and water. Rub the piece gently in one direction — avoid circular motions, which can leave micro-scratches. Rinse well and dry completely with a clean cloth. We do not recommend commercial silver dips or abrasive polishing compounds, as these can strip away intentional finishes and fine details.

Pearls

Pearls are an organic gem and among the most delicate materials in fine jewelry. They are easily damaged by perfume, hairspray, perspiration, and most cleaning products. Always put your pearls on last and take them off first. It's also important to handle pearls with care — dropping a pearl is much like dropping a glass on a hard floor. Despite their smooth, seemingly tough surface, the nacre can crack, chip, or shatter on impact. After wearing, gently wipe each pearl with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Never submerge pearls in water or use ultrasonic cleaners. Store pearls separately, wrapped in a soft cloth or a dedicated pouch, away from hard gemstones that can scratch their surface.

Gemstones (Sapphires, Rubies, Tourmalines, and More)

Colored gemstones vary widely in their hardness and porosity, so care should be taken with each variety. One thing all gemstones share: they are sensitive to sudden temperature changes, harsh chemicals, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can fade or alter their color over time. Clean most colored gemstones with a soft brush, mild soap, and lukewarm water, then rinse and pat dry. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners for stones such as emeralds, opals, turquoise, and pearls, as these treatments can cause irreparable damage. When in doubt, a soft cloth is always a safe choice.

Proper Storage

How you store your jewelry matters just as much as how you clean it. Fine jewelry should be stored individually to prevent scratching — diamonds, sapphires, and other hard stones can easily scratch softer metals and gems when they come into contact. Use soft pouches, individual fabric-lined compartments, or a dedicated jewelry box to keep pieces separated. Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from humidity and direct sunlight. Avoid leaving pieces on bathroom counters or windowsills, where exposure to moisture and UV light can accelerate tarnish and wear.

For pearls and strands, lay them flat when storing rather than hanging them, which can stretch the cord over time. Have your pearl strands professionally restrung periodically, especially if worn frequently.

When to Seek Professional Care

Even with diligent at-home care, your fine jewelry benefits from professional attention. We recommend having your pieces inspected by a trusted jeweler at least once a year. A professional cleaning can reach areas a toothbrush cannot, and an inspection allows a jeweler to check prong integrity, assess stone security, and catch any early signs of wear before they become costly repairs. If you notice a stone that seems loose, a prong that feels sharp or bent, or a clasp that no longer closes securely, bring the piece in as soon as possible rather than continuing to wear it.

At Ashleigh Branstetter, we are always happy to advise you on the care of your pieces. Reach out to us with any questions — we want your jewelry to last not just a lifetime, but for generations to come.