Jewellery may be designed to last for years, but improper cleaning and storage can gradually damage even valuable pieces. Common home remedies such as toothpaste, baking soda and hard-bristled brushes can scratch metals and affect the finish of gemstones. Similarly, soaking jewellery in water without considering its construction may lead to discolouration or other damage, particularly in delicate or traditional pieces.

Disha Shah, founder of DiAi Designs, recommends choosing a cleaning method based on the jewellery’s metal, gemstones and construction. She advises regular wearers to consider professional cleaning once a month to remove accumulated cream, dirt and residue that can reduce the shine of diamonds and gemstone-studded gold jewellery. At home, diamond and lab-grown diamond jewellery set in gold can generally be cleaned gently with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft-bristled brush.

Certain gemstones require extra caution. Pearls should never be submerged in water, while emeralds should be kept away from steam, heat and ultrasonic cleaning devices. Abrasive methods involving toothpaste, baking soda or stiff brushes should also be avoided because they can scratch metal surfaces and gradually dull jewellery. The safest approach is to identify the material and construction of each piece before choosing a cleaning method.

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Traditional jewellery such as Kundan and polki requires particular care because some older pieces use foil backing. According to Shah, moisture can become trapped beneath the foil, potentially causing clouding or discolouration over time. This makes water-based cleaning unsuitable for such pieces. Gold and diamond jewellery should also be stored separately, as harder gemstones can scratch softer gold surfaces when pieces are kept together.

Silver jewellery needs careful storage to slow tarnishing. Pieces should be completely dry before being placed inside a sealed pouch, as trapped moisture can contribute to tarnishing. Other simple habits can also help preserve jewellery, including fastening chain clasps before storage, using separate compartments while travelling and keeping delicate pieces away from surfaces that could cause scratches.

Everyday handling also plays an important role in extending jewellery’s life. Gold jewellery should be removed before swimming or heavy housework because repeated exposure to chlorine and other substances can affect gold alloys. Diamonds are highly hard but can still be chipped by a strong impact, while a knock may loosen their settings. Annual inspections by a jeweller can help identify loose or damaged settings before they become bigger problems.

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