As the seasons change, it is a good time to give your jewelry a little extra attention. Fall brings cooler weather, changing routines, sweaters, scarves, and more time spent outdoors. All of these can affect how your jewelry looks and how it holds up over time.

With a few simple jewelry care habits, you can keep your favorite rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings looking beautiful throughout the fall season and beyond.

Give Your Jewelry a Gentle Cleaning

Everyday jewelry can collect oils, lotions, makeup, dust, and other buildup. Over time, this can make gemstones look dull and metals lose some of their shine.

For many pieces, gentle cleaning with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush can help remove everyday buildup. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry the piece with a soft, lint-free cloth.

However, not every gemstone should be cleaned the same way. Some gemstones can be sensitive to heat, chemicals, or sudden temperature changes. If you are unsure how to clean a particular piece, professional cleaning is a safer option.

Be Careful With Sweaters and Other Fall Clothing

Cozy sweaters and other textured clothing are a big part of fall wardrobes, but loose threads can catch on prongs, chains, and other delicate parts of your jewelry.

Before putting on or removing a sweater, check that your jewelry is secure. If a ring catches on clothing repeatedly, it may be worth having the setting inspected. A loose prong or damaged setting can make it easier for a gemstone to become loose or fall out.

Check Your Rings and Prongs

Fall is a great time to take a closer look at the jewelry you wear regularly. Pay particular attention to rings with gemstones.

Look for signs such as:

• A gemstone that feels loose or moves when touched

• Prongs that look worn, bent, or uneven

• Scratches or damage to the metal

• A clasp that does not close securely

• A chain that appears thin or weakened

If you notice any of these issues, avoid wearing the piece until it can be checked by a professional. Addressing a small problem early may help prevent more extensive damage.

Store Jewelry Properly

When you are not wearing your jewelry, give each piece a safe place to rest. Store jewelry in a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture.

Try to keep pieces separated so they do not scratch or become tangled. A jewelry box with individual compartments or soft pouches can work well.

Fine jewelry should also be stored away from household chemicals and other substances that could affect certain metals or gemstones.

Take Jewelry Off Before Certain Activities

One of the easiest ways to protect your jewelry is knowing when to take it off.

Remove jewelry before cleaning with household chemicals, doing heavy work, exercising, or participating in activities where your jewelry could be bumped or caught. It is also a good idea to remove rings before applying lotions or other products that can leave buildup on the metal and gemstones.

Taking a few seconds to remove your jewelry can help protect it from unnecessary wear.

Pay Attention to Necklaces and Chains

Necklaces can be especially vulnerable to everyday wear. Check the chain and clasp regularly for signs of stretching, thinning, or damage.

When storing necklaces, keep them separated from one another to prevent tangling. If a chain becomes difficult to fasten or you notice a weak section, have it inspected before continuing to wear it.

Consider a Professional Jewelry Cleaning and Inspection

At-home cleaning can help with everyday maintenance, but professional jewelry cleaning and inspection can provide a closer look at the condition of your jewelry.

A professional inspection can help identify worn prongs, loose gemstones, damaged clasps, and other issues that may not be obvious during a quick look at home. Professional cleaning can also help restore the shine and appearance of many pieces.

Fall is a convenient time to have your frequently worn jewelry checked, especially before the holiday season arrives.

Keep Your Favorite Jewelry Looking Its Best

Your jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, and regular care can help keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Simple habits such as gentle cleaning, proper storage, checking settings, and removing jewelry during certain activities can make a difference.

If you are unsure about how to care for a particular piece, or if you notice a loose stone, worn prong, damaged clasp, or other concern, professional jewelry care can help you determine what your piece needs.

At Stokes Jewelry, we can help with professional jewelry cleaning, inspection, repair, and restoration. Bring in your favorite pieces and let us help you keep them looking their best through every season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my jewelry?

The ideal cleaning schedule depends on how often you wear a piece and what type of jewelry or gemstone it contains. Regular gentle cleaning at home can help with everyday buildup, while professional cleaning and inspection can provide more thorough care.

Can I clean all gemstones with soap and water?

No. Different gemstones have different care requirements. Some can be safely cleaned with mild soap and water, while others may require more careful handling. When in doubt, ask a professional before cleaning a gemstone at home.

Why should I have my jewelry inspected?

A professional inspection can identify problems such as loose gemstones, worn prongs, damaged settings, or weak clasps before they become more serious.

When should I take my jewelry off?

It is generally a good idea to remove jewelry before exercising, doing household cleaning, performing heavy work, swimming, or participating in activities where the piece could be damaged or exposed to chemicals.