1. Don’t Sleep in Your Jewelry.

It’s the end of a long and taxing day. You may be extremely tired, but make sure to remove your jewelry before getting into bed. When you sleep in jewelry you're likely to apply unnecessary strain or pressure, potentially breaking or damaging it. Furthermore, sleeping in jewelry brings it into contact with your skin oils, laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc. which may contain contaminants harmful to precious metals overtime.

2. Jewelry First, Makeup Second.

Cosmetics, hairsprays, body fragrances, and lotions contain chemicals that can damage jewelry. Be sure to put on your jewelry after applying these products to minimize the amount of contact.

3. No Water on Jewelry.

Water causes color change, corrosion, tarnish acceleration, and structural damage. Therefore, it’s important to avoid getting your jewelry wet. Remove jewelry before showering and washing your hands. Likewise, because chlorine can damage precious stones, silver, and even gold, never go swimming while wearing your jewelry.

4. No Jewelry at the Gym.

Always take off your jewelry before exercising or performing any type of strenuous physical activity. Over time, perspiration can cause wear and tear on metals and stones. There’s also always the chance of scratching or chipping your jewelry.

5. Clean Jewelry Regularly.

It’s important to have your pieces inspected and cleaned regularly by a jeweler to keep it fresh and free of potential damage. While there are clean-at-home kits, professionals have access to tools and resources you cannot buy at a department store. Like anything else, you get what you pay for! For less important pieces, you can get an appropriate home cleaner and a polish kit.

6. Store Jewelry Properly.

This is perhaps the easiest – yet most overlooked – way to care for your jewelry. It's crucial to ensure it is properly stored at the end of the day or when you're not wearing it. After cleaning your jewelry, place your pieces in a jewelry box in individual cells or use anti-tarnish bags to keep it separated and protected. Avoid storing jewelry together or in a pile, as this can cause scratching, tangling, damage and tarnish.