Caring for Pre-Owned Jewelry at Home

Pre-owned jewelry has already lived a life. The goal is not to make it look factory-new; it is to keep it clean, stable, and wearable for years to come.

For gold and platinum, a soft toothbrush, warm water, and a drop of mild dish soap work wonders. Rinse well and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towels, which can scratch softer metals over time.

Sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to air. Store it in a small zip-top bag with an anti-tarnish strip, or wear it regularly — the oils on clean skin help keep tarnish at bay. A silver polishing cloth is safer than liquid dip, which can remove desirable patina.

Keep jewelry away from household chemicals, perfumes, and hot tubs. Put pieces on last when getting dressed, and take them off before swimming, gardening, or working out. These small habits prevent most avoidable damage.

Once a year, lay your pieces out and inspect them in good light. Check prongs, clasps, and earring backs. If something feels loose, stop wearing it until a jeweler can tighten it. A ten-minute repair beats losing a stone.