Good jewelry care keeps your pieces looking beautiful and helps them last for generations. This guide gives clear, practical steps for daily wear, safe at-home cleaning, when to see a pro, travel and storage tips, plus what to know about repairs, insurance and warranties. Links to Butler & Rose resources are included so you can get professional help whenever you need it.

Why care matters
Gentle, regular care preserves sparkle, avoids costly repairs and maintains resale value. Small fixes (re-tipping a prong, tightening a stone) are much cheaper when caught early.

Daily wear — what to avoid

• Chemicals: Remove jewelry before swimming, cleaning or using bleach and strong detergents. Chlorine and household chemicals can damage metals and weaken settings.

• Cosmetics & lotions: Apply lotions, perfumes and hairspray before putting on jewellery. Buildup dulls gemstones and can trap grime in settings.

• Physical activity: Take off rings for sports, gardening or heavy lifting. Hard knocks can loosen stones or bend prongs.

• Heat & extreme changes: Avoid exposing coloured stones (like opal or tanzanite) to sudden temperature changes which can cause cracking.

Cleaning at home — safe, step-by-step methods
These simple methods work for most hard gemstones and precious metals. Always check specifics for very fragile or treated stones.

General supplies: a bowl of warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap (no bleach), a soft toothbrush (not abrasive) and a lint-free cloth.

1. Diamonds & hard gemstones (sapphires, rubies, tourmaline, topaz):

   • Mix warm water + mild soap. Soak the piece for 10–20 minutes.

   • Gently brush under the stone and around settings to remove dirt.

   • Rinse in warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

2. Gold (yellow, white, rose) & platinum:

   • Same soak-and-brush routine works well. For white gold, consider rhodium plating when the white finish dulls (a job for a professional).

3. Delicate or porous stones (opal, emerald, pearls, amber, turquoise):

   • Do not soak. Wipe gently with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam for these stones.

4. Avoid abrasive cleaners and toothpaste; they can scratch metals and softer gems.

Ultrasonic cleaners & steamers — use with caution
Ultrasonic cleaners are great for diamonds and hard stones, but they can loosen settings and damage treated or fragile gems. Steam cleaners pose similar risks. If in doubt, bring the piece to a professional.

How often to clean

• Light home cleaning every 2–4 weeks if worn regularly.

• Professional inspection and cleaning every 6–12 months — sooner if you notice looseness or dullness.

When to seek professional cleaning or inspection

• You see movement in a stone or feel a clip/prong catch on fabric.

• Stones look dull after home cleaning.

• After an impact (dropping the ring or an obvious knock).

• Before travel or after extended wear (to check prongs, settings and mount integrity).

Professional jewellers can tighten settings, re-tip prongs, re-rhodium plate white gold, repolish surfaces and clean with safe, industry-grade methods.

Storing and travelling with jewellery

• Store separately in soft pouches or compartments to avoid scratches.

• Avoid humidity — store in a dry box with silica gel if you live in humid climates.

• Travel tip: Carry valuable pieces in hand luggage and use a padded travel jewellery case. Lock or secure boxes during transit.

Repairs, insurance and warranties

• Keep receipts, certificates (GIA, etc.) and photos of your pieces. These make insurance claims and appraisals easier.

• Check warranty terms for manufacturing defects, resizing policies and aftercare options.

• For high-value pieces, consider jewellery insurance or adding them to your home insurance with a specialist valuation. An updated valuation every few years is a good practice.

Butler & Rose aftercare & services
Butler & Rose offers professional inspection, polishing and repair services to keep your jewellery in peak condition. Whether you need a prong re-tip, rhodium re-plating, or a full polish, our skilled bench jewellers handle delicate work with care. For guidance on care and aftercare options, visit our practical care page: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/the-practical-part. If you’re ordering or commissioning a piece and want aftercare included, see our ordering guide: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/how-to-order.

Quick at-a-glance maintenance checklist

• Remove jewellery for sports, cleaning and swimming.

• Wipe pieces after wearing to remove oils and sweat.

• Clean hard stones monthly with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

• Inspect settings monthly for looseness.

• Book a professional check every 6–12 months.

Need help or a service?
If you’d like Butler & Rose to inspect, polish or repair a piece, book an appointment or request a service via our site. Don’t know the exact size? Use our ring sizer to measure safely before ordering: https://butlerandrose.com/products/ring-sizer.

About Butler & Rose
Butler & Rose combines careful craftsmanship, ethical sourcing and thoughtful aftercare so your jewellery looks beautiful for life. We offer bespoke commissions, certified stones and full aftercare services — from routine polishing to specialist repairs. Explore our care resources and services: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/the-practical-part, learn how to order or commission: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/how-to-order, or start a bespoke project: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/commissions.

Book a professional inspection or request a polish today — let Butler & Rose keep your treasures shining.