Jewelry Care 101: How to Keep Your Jewelry Sparkling Through Winter and Beyond
Winter in Michigan can be beautiful, but the cold, dry air and indoor heating can take a toll on your favorite jewelry pieces. Whether you're wearing your engagement ring daily, treasuring a family heirloom, or enjoying a recent addition to your collection, proper jewelry care helps protect your investment and keeps each piece looking as stunning as the day you fell in love with it.
At J. Thomas Jewelers in Rochester Hills, we've been helping customers care for their precious jewelry for years. Here's what you need to know to keep your pieces sparkling through winter and beyond.
Why Winter Is Especially Tough on Jewelry
Michigan winters bring unique challenges for jewelry care. Cold temperatures can cause metal to contract slightly, potentially loosening prongs that hold gemstones in place. Meanwhile, dry indoor air and frequent hand washing (especially during cold and flu season) can dull the brilliance of diamonds and gemstones.
Add in the lotions and creams we use to combat dry winter skin, and you've got a recipe for buildup that can make even the most beautiful pieces look lackluster.
The good news? A few simple habits can prevent most wear and tear before it ever starts.
Essential Jewelry Care Rules to Live By
Last On, First Off
Think of your jewelry as the finishing touch to your look. Here's the right order:
- Apply all makeup, hairspray, perfume, and lotion first
- Put on your jewelry last
Many beauty products contain chemicals and ingredients that can dull gemstones, discolor metals, and wear down delicate finishes over time. By putting jewelry on last, you minimize exposure to these substances.
At the end of the day, reverse the process—jewelry should be the first thing you remove before bed, showering, or working out.
When in Doubt, Take It Off
Life is busy, and it's easy to forget you're wearing your favorite ring or bracelet. But certain activities can cause significant damage to fine jewelry. Remove your pieces when:
- Cleaning: Household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage metals and gemstones.
- Swimming: Chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water can corrode metal and loosen settings.
- Hot tubbing: The combination of heat and chemicals is especially tough on jewelry.
- Exercising: Impact and sweat can cause unnecessary wear.
- Gardening or yard work: Dirt and impact can scratch metals and loosen stones.
- Sleeping: Even tossing and turning can bend prongs or catch delicate chains.
How to Clean Your Jewelry Safely at Home
Regular cleaning keeps your pieces bright and prevents buildup from lotions, oils, and daily wear. However, not all jewelry should be cleaned the same way.
For Most Diamond and Precious Metal Jewelry
- Use a gentle jewelry cleaner specifically formulated for fine jewelry.
- Soak for only the recommended time.
- Use a soft-bristled brush (like a child's toothbrush) for detailed areas.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Special Care for Delicate Stones
Some gemstones require extra gentle handling. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, and prolonged soaking for:
Organic gems: Pearls, opals, coral, and amber are porous and delicate. Use only a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately.
Softer colored stones: Tanzanite, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and emeralds can be damaged by harsh cleaning methods. Gentle wiping with a damp cloth is safest.
Antique or vintage jewelry: Older pieces may have fragile settings or adhesives that modern cleaning methods can damage.
When in doubt, bring your piece to J. Thomas Jewelers for a professional cleaning. We have specialized equipment and expertise to clean even the most delicate jewelry safely.
The Importance of Annual Professional Inspections
Even with excellent at-home care, professional jewelry inspections are essential—ideally once a year, or twice yearly for pieces you wear every day.
What We Check During an Inspection
- Prongs and settings: Are stones secure? Have prongs worn down?
- Clasps and closures: Do they work properly and hold securely?
- Metal integrity: Are there any cracks, thinning areas, or weak spots?
- Overall condition: Does the piece need professional cleaning, polishing, or refinishing?
Professional Cleaning and Restoration
During your visit, we can:
- Deep clean your jewelry using professional-grade equipment that's safe for your specific pieces.
- Polish metals to restore original luster and remove surface scratches.
- Re-plate white gold with rhodium to bring back that bright, crisp finish.
- Tighten settings to prevent stone loss.
- Repair any damage before it becomes a bigger problem.
Catching a loose prong or worn clasp early can save you from losing a cherished gemstone—and a lot of heartache.
Winter-Specific Jewelry Care Tips
During Michigan winters, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Remove rings before applying hand lotion: Winter hand care products create significant buildup under rings.
- Check your jewelry more frequently: Cold temperatures can affect metal, so monthly at-home checks are wise.
- Store properly: Keep jewelry in a fabric-lined box away from heating vents, which can dry out certain gems.
- Avoid temperature extremes: Don't leave jewelry in a cold car, then immediately bring it into a warm house.
Proper Storage Makes a Difference
How you store your jewelry between wearings matters:
- Store pieces separately to prevent scratches.
- Use soft fabric pouches or a lined jewelry box.
- Keep chains unclasped and laid flat to prevent tangling.
- Store pearls flat (not hanging) to prevent the strand from stretching.
- Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
When to Seek Professional Repair
Don't wait if you notice:
- A loose or missing stone.
- A bent prong.
- A clasp that doesn't close properly.
- Discoloration or tarnishing that won't clean off.
- A chain that catches or kinks.
- Any visible damage to the metal or setting.
What seems like a small issue can quickly become a major problem—or a lost stone. We're here to help with repairs of any size.
Keep Your Jewelry Sparkling for Generations
With just a little attention and care, the jewelry you love will continue to shine and tell your story for many years to come. Whether it's your engagement ring, a special gift, or a treasured heirloom, proper care ensures these meaningful pieces can be enjoyed—and even passed down—for generations.
Here's to keeping your sparkle strong, season after season.
Schedule Your Complimentary Jewelry Inspection
Visit us at J. Thomas Jewelers in Rochester Hills for a professional cleaning and inspection. We'll make sure your favorite pieces are secure, sparkling, and ready to wear with confidence.
Stop by our showroom at 2254 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, call us at (248) 299-5250, or schedule your repair consultation here.
We look forward to helping you care for the jewelry you love.
