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Jewelry and How to Care for It: What Do You Need to Know?

Published: 2022-05-17
Edited: 2026-11-13
Airidas Ulevičius
Airidas Ulevičius
Founder and Director of Auksinė svajonė, Master Jeweller

How should you store jewelry so that it stays beautiful for as long as possible? The most important thing is not to keep it all in one pile, to protect it from moisture, chemicals, and impacts, and to keep chains, rings, and jewelry with gemstones separate. Everyday habits often have a greater impact on the condition of your jewelry than occasional cleaning.

In short: how should you store your jewelry?

Follow a few simple rules every day:

  • Keep rings, earrings, and chains in separate compartments of a jewelry box;
  • do not let jewelry rub against each other constantly;
  • remove it before exercising, doing housework, or swimming in a pool;
  • apply perfume, lotions, and hair care products before putting on your jewelry;
  • keep chains clasped to minimize tangling;
  • use a separate jewelry case when traveling;
  • if you notice a loose stone, a damaged clasp, or deformation, stop wearing the piece until it has been inspected by a jeweler.

If you want to learn how to safely clean your jewelry, read the separate guide How to Care for Jewelry.

What causes the most damage to jewelry?

Jewelry wears out even when made from high-quality precious metals. Every day, it is exposed not only to dirt but also to mechanical friction, impacts, cosmetics, moisture, and improper storage.

Risks What Can Happen? How to Avoid Them?
Friction between pieces of jewelry Scratches, surface wear Store separately
Severe impacts Deformation, damage to the stone or its setting Remove before physical activity
Household chemicals Damage to metal, plating, or sensitive stones Remove before cleaning
Perfumes and cosmetics Residue on metal and gemstones Put on jewelry last
Chains stored haphazardly Tangling, deformation of links Keep fastened and stored separately
Neglected gemstone settings The gemstone may fall out Inspect regularly

It is especially important to understand that a hard gemstone does not mean the jewelry is indestructible. For example, a diamond is highly scratch-resistant, but it can scratch other pieces of jewelry, and the setting itself can wear out or become deformed.

How should you store jewelry at home?

The best place is a jewelry box or cabinet that is dry and protected from extreme heat and direct sunlight. More important than the material of the box itself is its interior: the jewelry should not move around freely, rub against each other, or be pressed together.

Store rings in separate compartments

It’s convenient to store rings in padded slots or individual compartments. This is especially important if a ring features a diamond or another hard stone. If it comes into contact with another piece of jewelry, it can scratch softer metals or stones. Wedding and engagement rings that you’re not wearing should also be stored in a separate place rather than left on a bathroom shelf or by the sink.

Keep chains clasped

Thin chains get tangled easily. Trying to untangle knots can stretch or even break the small links. Best practices:

  • fasten the chain;
  • keep it separate from other chains;
  • store longer pieces laid flat or hung up;
  • avoid placing heavy jewelry on thin chains.

Keep pairs of earrings together

It’s convenient to store earrings in pairs in separate compartments or in a special holder. Before putting them away, check that:

  • both clasps are present;
  • the posts aren’t bent;
  • the stones don’t wobble;
  • the clasp mechanism locks properly.

This way, you can spot a minor defect before you lose an earring.

Leave enough space for bracelets

Rigid bracelets can become misshapen if other items are piled on top of them. Chain-style bracelets can get tangled, much like necklaces. Therefore, don’t squeeze them into a compartment that’s too small.

When is the best time to take off your jewelry?

Proper care means more than just storing it well. Many types of damage can be prevented by taking off your jewelry in a timely manner.

During exercise

A ring or bracelet can become tightly pinched between your arm and sports equipment. This can deform the jewelry itself, damage the stone’s setting, or cause injury. Therefore, before exercising—especially when lifting weights or using other equipment—it’s best to leave your jewelry in a safe place.

While Doing Household Chores

When cleaning the house, jewelry is exposed to both mechanical stress and household chemicals. Chlorine, bleach, and some other cleaning agents can damage precious metals and more delicate gemstones.

When swimming in a pool

It is recommended to remove jewelry before entering the pool. This helps avoid contact with chlorine and also eliminates the risk of losing a ring or other item in the water.

When gardening or doing physical work

Dirt, sand, and various work surfaces can scratch your jewelry. An even greater risk is a strong impact or your ring getting caught on something.

Should you take off your jewelry before going to bed?

It depends on the piece of jewelry. While you sleep, a thin chain may twist or get caught, long earrings may press against your skin or get in the way, and a chunky ring may scratch your skin or other nearby jewelry. A simple everyday ring doesn’t necessarily have to be taken off every night, but it’s often more practical to put more delicate, intricately designed, or prominently protruding pieces of jewelry in a box overnight.

The most important thing is to put them in a designated spot so that the jewelry you take off doesn’t get lost.

How can you safely transport jewelry while traveling?

When traveling, it’s easy not only to lose jewelry but also to damage it if everything is stuffed into a single makeup bag or pouch. It’s helpful to have a small travel jewelry case with separate compartments. Before your trip:

  1. select only the jewelry you’re actually going to wear;
  2. keep rings and earrings separate from chains;
  3. fasten the chains;
  4. make sure gemstones don’t come into contact with other pieces of jewelry;
  5. don’t leave valuable items loose in your suitcase or in plain sight.

It’s worth carefully considering whether to take very valuable or sentimental jewelry with you at all—sometimes it’s safest to leave an irreplaceable item at home.

How often should you inspect your jewelry?

It’s not necessary to have everyday pieces professionally inspected every week, but it’s a good idea to get into the habit of examining them carefully from time to time. Pay attention to the following:

  • whether the gemstone is loose;
  • whether the clasps are caught on your clothing;
  • whether the ring has changed shape;
  • whether there are any thinned-out links in the chain;
  • whether the clasp opens too easily;
  • whether the earring post is bent;
  • whether any unusual damage has appeared on the surface of the jewelry.

The sooner a defect is noticed, the greater the likelihood of avoiding the loss of the stone or the entire piece of jewelry.

When is it better to stop wearing a piece of jewelry?

Set the jewelry aside and consult a jeweler if:

  • the stone moves in its setting;
  • a part holding the stone is missing;
  • the ring is deformed;
  • the chain or bracelet is nearly broken;
  • the clasp no longer fastens;
  • the piece of jewelry has a sharp, broken edge;
  • a crack is visible.

In such cases, continuing to wear the piece may turn a minor defect into a major one. Auksinė Svajonė performs jewelry repairs—from fixing chains and bracelets to repairing other types of jewelry. The current services page states that they repair gold and silver items and restore their functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store jewelry?

In a dry jewelry box, in separate padded compartments. The most important thing is to prevent the pieces from constantly rubbing against one another, especially if they contain gemstones of varying hardness.

Can I store all my jewelry in one box?

You can use a single box, but it should have separate compartments. It’s best not to throw all your jewelry into a single pile.

Should I take off my ring before exercising?

Yes, this is recommended, especially when working with weights or equipment. This reduces the risk of the ring becoming deformed, the stone setting being damaged, and injury to your finger.

Why should diamond jewelry be stored separately?

Diamonds are extremely hard and can scratch other gemstones and metal surfaces. Therefore, diamond jewelry should not be allowed to rub freely against other items.

When should you take your jewelry to a jeweler?

When the stone is loose, the clasp isn’t working, the ring has become misshapen, the chain is damaged, a crack has appeared, or the jewelry needs professional polishing or restoration.

Take Care of Your Jewelry Before It Needs Repair

The best way to care for your jewelry isn’t to wait until it’s already scratched or broken. Proper storage, careful daily wear, and noticing wear and tear early on will help you enjoy your jewelry for longer.

If you’re looking for a new piece, you can browse Auksinės Svajonė's jewelry. And if your jewelry is already damaged or has lost its original appearance, opt for professional repair or restoration.

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