Jewelry is made to be worn and enjoyed every day, but daily life can slowly wear down even your favorite pieces. The good news is that regular care and timely jewelry repair can help your collection stay beautiful for years. Here are a few simple but important tips from experts at After Midnight Jewelers to keep in mind.
1. Check Your Prongs Often
Loose prongs are one of the most common reasons diamonds and gemstones fall out. If your ring suddenly catches on clothing or feels different when worn, it may be time for an inspection.
Signs to watch for:
- Stones shifting slightly
- Snagging on sweaters or fabric
- Visible gaps around the stone
2. Remove Jewelry During Certain Activities
Even durable jewelry isn’t designed for everything.
It’s best to remove pieces when:
- Exercising
- Swimming
- Gardening
- Cleaning with chemicals
- Sleeping
These everyday activities can weaken settings, scratch metals, or damage chains over time.
3. Store Pieces Separately
Jewelry scratches more easily than people realize. Tossing everything into one box can cause unnecessary wear.
Helpful storage habits:
- Use soft pouches or lined compartments
- Keep chains unclasped to prevent tangling
- Store diamond pieces separately from softer gemstones
4. Clean Jewelry Gently at Home
A little routine cleaning keeps jewelry looking brighter between professional services.
For most pieces:
- Use warm water and mild soap
- Clean gently with a soft toothbrush
- Dry with a soft cloth
Avoid harsh cleaners, toothpaste, or abrasive brushes, especially on delicate pieces.
5. Don’t Ignore Worn Chains or Clasps
Chains and clasps naturally weaken over time, especially on jewelry worn daily. If a clasp feels loose or a chain looks thin, small jewelry repair services can prevent breakage before it happens.
6. White Gold Needs Maintenance Too
White gold jewelry is typically coated with rhodium for that bright white shine. Over time, the finish wears down naturally and may need replating to restore its appearance.
7. Schedule Professional Inspections
Even if your jewelry looks fine, hidden wear can develop underneath settings and bands. Professional inspections help catch:
- Loose stones
- Thin ring shanks
- Weak solder points
- Worn settings
Visit our store in South Burlington, Vermont, for professional inspections, jewelry repair, polishing, resizing, and more to keep your jewelry looking its absolute best.
