Top Tips for Maintaining Your Precious Metal Jewellery

Precious metals like gold and silver are central to many jewellery designs, but they need the right care to stay looking their best. From daily wear to seasonal storage and everything in between, these tips will help you maintain the appearance, structure and longevity of your metalwork.

Know Your Metals: Gold vs. Silver

Understanding your materials is the first step to effective care. Here’s a quick guide to the two most commonly used precious metals in jewellery making:

Gold

• Naturally resistant to tarnish
• Available in a range of alloys and colours including yellow, white and red
• Softer than silver—more prone to scratching and surface wear
• Highly malleable, making it perfect for intricate or delicate designs
• Higher in value and often chosen for sentimental or luxury pieces

Silver

• Cool-toned, bright and highly reflective
• Tarnishes over time when exposed to air and moisture
• More affordable—ideal for experimenting or offering mid-range designs
• Slightly harder than gold but still soft enough to work with easily
• Commonly used in both commercial and handmade jewellery

Once you’re confident in your metal choices, protecting your precious metals is equally important, here is a few tips:

1. Store Pieces Separately

Storing jewellery correctly is one of the easiest ways to prevent unnecessary damage. Gold and silver can easily scratch when they come into contact with other items, especially chains, clasps and textured finishes.

Tips:

• Use soft-lined compartments, individual pouches or anti-tarnish zip bags
• Wrap each piece in acid-free tissue or a polishing cloth
• Avoid cotton wool—it traps moisture and sheds fibres
• Keep pieces away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Everyday substances like perfume, hairspray, hand cream, chlorine, sunscreen and household cleaners can all damage precious metals over time. They can dull finishes, leave residue, or even contribute to metal fatigue—especially in gold.

Tips:

• Put jewellery on after applying any cosmetic or skincare products
• Always remove jewellery before swimming, showering or cleaning
• Wipe pieces gently with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils and traces of chemicals

3. Clean Regularly

Build regular cleaning into your making or wearing routine to keep metals gleaming. Dirt, skin oils and environmental particles build up quickly, especially on jewellery worn daily or frequently handled.

Tips:

• Use a soft lint-free cloth or jewellery polishing cloth for a quick shine
• For deeper cleaning, soak in warm water with a drop of mild washing up liquid
• Use a soft toothbrush to clean textured or detailed areas
• Rinse with clean water and pat dry, don’t rub harshly
• Avoid toothpaste, abrasive cloths or baking soda directly on metal unless specifically tested

4. Tackle Tarnish Promptly

Tarnish is a natural part of silver’s aging process. It’s caused by exposure to air, moisture and sulphur. While tarnish doesn’t usually harm the metal itself, it can dull the appearance and require more aggressive cleaning if left too long.

Tips:

• Use anti-tarnish strips in storage boxes
• Store silver in airtight containers where possible
• Use commercial silver polish or dips for moderate tarnish (check they’re safe for stones or finishes first)

5. Inspect for Signs of Wear

Even the best-made jewellery will show signs of use over time—particularly in the areas that move or connect, like jump rings, clasps and chains. Regular checks can prevent breakages, losses and customer returns.

Tips:

• Inspect soldered joints, fastenings and thinner sections of wire or chain
• Look for signs of thinning, bending or warping
• Build these checks into your polishing or cleaning routine
• Reinforce or replace weak components before gifting or selling

Looking after gold and silver jewellery doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right habits in place, like proper storage, regular cleaning and checking for signs of wear, you’ll keep your designs looking their best for longer.

Need cleaning cloths, storage solutions or anti-tarnish products? Explore the full range of precious metal care tools at Cooksongold.com.

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