Good jewellery does not have to be expensive to last a long time. With the right care routine, even everyday fashion accessories can stay beautiful for years. Here is everything you need to know.
The Number One Rule: Take It Off
The fastest way to damage your jewellery is to forget you are wearing it. Always remove your pieces before swimming, showering, exercising, or applying skincare products. Chlorine, salt water, sweat, and chemicals in perfumes and moisturisers are the biggest enemies of plated jewellery.
Store Pieces Separately
Chains tangle and metals scratch each other when stored together. Keep each piece in its own small pouch or compartment. A simple jewellery box with individual sections is all you need. For necklaces, hanging them on hooks prevents tangling entirely.
Cleaning Gold-Plated Jewellery
Gold-plated pieces need gentle care to preserve the plating. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe after each wear. For a deeper clean, use lukewarm water with a tiny drop of mild dish soap — never hot water, never harsh chemicals. Pat dry immediately and thoroughly before storing.
Cleaning Silver Jewellery
Silver tarnishes naturally over time when exposed to air. A silver polishing cloth is the easiest solution for regular maintenance. For heavier tarnish, a paste of baking soda and water applied gently with a soft toothbrush works well. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
Preventing Tarnish
Store jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Anti-tarnish strips placed in your jewellery box absorb moisture and dramatically slow tarnishing. Wearing your jewellery regularly actually helps too — the natural oils in your skin can maintain a light polish.
When to Let a Professional Help
For fine jewellery with genuine gemstones, a professional clean once a year keeps pieces at their best. For fashion accessories like ours at Zivanno, home care is more than sufficient — our pieces use tarnish-resistant finishes and water-resistant coatings designed for real-world daily wear.
Quick Reference: Do and Don’t
Do: wipe after wearing, store separately, remove before swimming, keep away from perfume.
Don’t: sleep in jewellery, use bleach or harsh chemicals, store in humid bathrooms, wear in chlorinated water.