3 Jewellery Care Tips Every Woman Should Know

Singapore’s heat and humidity are hard on jewellery. Sweat, moisture and the lotions we use to cope with the weather all speed up tarnishing, dull crystals and wear away plating. The good news is that three simple habits will keep your jewellery looking beautiful for much longer, whether it is fine gold or fashion jewellery.

Tip 1: Put your jewellery on last, and take it off first

Perfume, hairspray, lotion and sunscreen contain alcohol, oils and chemicals that dull metal, cloud crystals and damage pearls. Apply them first, let them dry for a few minutes, and put your jewellery on as the very last step of getting ready.

In the same way, take your jewellery off before you do anything that exposes it to water, chemicals or knocks: showering, swimming (chlorine and salt water are especially harsh), exercising, cleaning with household products, cooking and sleeping. A small dish by your bed or sink makes this an easy habit.

Tip 2: Store each piece separately

When jewellery is thrown together in one box, harder stones scratch softer metals, chains tangle and delicate pieces get bent. Give each piece its own pouch or compartment, fasten chains before storing them so they do not knot, and lay pearls flat rather than hanging them.

In Singapore, humidity is the other enemy. Store your jewellery in a closed box or a zip-lock bag and add a silica gel sachet or an anti-tarnish strip to absorb moisture. Avoid keeping jewellery in the bathroom, which is the most humid room in the house.

Tip 3: Clean gently and regularly

After each wear, wipe your jewellery with a soft, dry cloth, such as a microfibre or glasses cloth, to remove sweat, oil and dust before they build up. This one habit makes the biggest difference to how long plated jewellery lasts.

For fashion jewellery, avoid soaking pieces in water, and never use toothpaste, baking soda, harsh cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can strip the plating. For solid gold without delicate stones, a quick wash in warm water with a drop of mild soap, followed by thorough drying, is usually fine. Pearls need only a soft, slightly damp cloth.

Extra tips for fashion jewellery

Rotate your pieces. Wearing the same piece every day wears the plating faster. Rotating between a few favourites spreads the wear.

Be gentle with brooches. Pin brooches through thicker fabric or seams to avoid tearing, and use magnetic brooches for silk, chiffon and tudung, where a pin would leave holes.

Watch for early signs of wear. A slight dulling or change in colour is normal over time. Cleaning it gently and storing it properly will slow further wear.

Caring for pearls and crystals

Pearls and crystals need a little extra care because they are softer than metal. Keep them away from perfume and hairspray, wipe them after every wear and store them away from harder pieces. Learn more in our guides All About Pearls and The Truth About Swarovski.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop fashion jewellery from tarnishing in Singapore?

Keep it dry, put it on after perfume and lotion, wipe it after wearing, and store it in a closed box or bag with a silica gel sachet to absorb humidity.

Can I wear my jewellery in the shower?

It is best not to. Water, soap and shampoo dull metal and plating over time, and pearls and crystals are especially sensitive. Take your jewellery off first.

How often should I clean my jewellery?

Wipe it with a soft cloth after every wear. For pieces you wear often, a more careful clean once a month is plenty.

Is fashion jewellery worth caring for?

Yes. A few seconds of care after each wear can keep a well-made fashion piece looking new for years. Unsure how fashion and fine jewellery differ? Read Fine Jewellery vs Fashion Jewellery.

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