The Dos and Don'ts of Wearing Jewelry: How to Prevent Damage & Keep Your Bling Brilliant

We’ve all been there: you look down at your favorite diamond ring and notice a loose stone, or your gorgeous gold bracelet has developed a mysterious scratch. It feels like a tiny betrayal from an inanimate object that should know better. But here’s the secret: jewelry damage is almost always preventable! Think of your fine pieces not as delicate flowers, but as loyal companions that need the right kind of love. With a few simple habits, you can keep your necklaces from turning into knotted messes, your earrings from losing their sparkle, and your bracelets from looking like they’ve been through a war zone.

At Robinson’s Jewelers, we’ve seen it all—from engagement rings that have taken a swim in dishwater (don’t do it!) to pearls that met their demise in perfume. Consider this your ultimate survival guide for keeping your jewelry looking as fabulous as the day you bought it. Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts that will save you tears, money, and that sinking feeling when you realize your favorite piece needs repair.

The Golden Rule: Last On, First Off

This is the cardinal rule of jewelry wearing that everyone should have tattooed on their brain (figuratively speaking, of course). Your jewelry should be the very last thing you put on when getting dressed and the very first thing you take off when undressing. Why? Because lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, and even that fancy body oil you splurged on are like kryptonite to your precious metals and gems.

These products can create a filmy buildup that dulls stones and attracts dirt like a magnet. For delicate pieces from brands like Roberto Coin or intricate designs from Oscar Heyman, this buildup can be particularly damaging over time. Make it a ritual: do your hair, makeup, spritz your perfume, then put on your jewelry. Reverse the process at night, and your pieces will thank you with years of brilliant sparkle.

Know Your Enemy: Water is Not Jewelry’s Friend

I know what you’re thinking: “But gold and diamonds come from the earth! They can handle water!” While technically true, the chemicals in pools, hot tubs, and even your shower are another story. Chlorine is public enemy number one for gold and other precious metals—it can actually eat away at the alloys, making your jewelry brittle and prone to breaking.

Salt water isn’t much better, and soapy water creates that slippery situation where rings can slide right off your finger and down the drain (cue the panic). This is especially important for pieces with porous stones like opal jewelry or organic materials like pearls from our Mikimoto collection. The simple rule? Remove your jewelry before any water activities—swimming, showering, washing dishes, or attempting to recreate that scene from Titanic.

The Workout Conundrum: To Jewel or Not to Jewel?

Let’s be real: nobody needs to wear diamond tennis bracelets to play actual tennis. The gym, yoga studio, or hiking trail are danger zones for your jewelry. Sweat accelerates tarnishing, weights can crush delicate settings, and that fancy bangle bracelet from Tiffany & Co. could easily get caught on equipment.

Even something as simple as a cable chain necklace can get pulled during certain exercises. The solution? Invest in a small jewelry pouch for your gym bag or leave your good pieces at home altogether. Your lab diamond jewelry might be tough, but it’s no match for a 50-pound dumbbell.

Sleeping Beauty’s Mistake: Bedtime with Bling

You might feel like royalty sleeping in your jewels, but this is one fairy tale habit you should break immediately. Sleeping in your jewelry is like sending it into a miniature wrestling match every night. Chains tangle, prongs catch on bedding, and earrings can press uncomfortably into your skin or even fall out.

That beautiful Charles Krypell engagement ring could have its prongs bent by your sheets, potentially loosening stones. Those gorgeous huggie earrings from EFFY might not survive a night of tossing and turning. Make removing your jewelry part of your bedtime routine—it takes seconds and could save you hundreds in repairs.

Storage Solutions: Because Throwing It in a Box Isn’t Working

We’ve all committed the jewelry sin of tossing everything into one box and hoping for the best. The result? A tangled mess that looks like a metallic spider web. Proper storage is non-negotiable for jewelry longevity.

Invest in a jewelry box with separate compartments, use soft pouches for individual pieces, or hang necklaces separately. This is especially crucial for pieces from our estate & vintage jewelry collection, which may be more delicate. For travel, consider a roll-up jewelry case that keeps everything separated and secure. Your future self will thank you when you’re not spending 20 minutes untangling a rope chain from your charm bracelet.

Cleaning: The Right Way vs. The Wrong Way

Here’s where many well-intentioned jewelry lovers go horribly wrong. Toothpaste? Baking soda? Ultrasonic cleaners for everything? These can be disastrous for certain gems and metals. The safest bet for regular cleaning is warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush.

However, some pieces need special care. Pearl jewelry should never be submerged, while emerald jewelry often has fractures that can be damaged by harsh cleaning. For intricate pieces from designers like Buccellati or David Webb, professional cleaning is your best bet. When in doubt, bring it to us—we offer professional cleaning that knows the difference between treating a ruby and a tanzanite.

The Professional Check-Up: Your Jewelry’s Annual Physical

Just like you visit the doctor for a check-up, your jewelry needs professional attention too. We recommend bringing your fine pieces to Robinson’s Jewelers at least once a year for inspection. We’ll check for loose stones, worn prongs, weak clasps, and other issues you might not notice until it’s too late.

This is especially important for items you wear daily, like wedding bands and engagement rings. Catching a loose diamond early can prevent you from literally throwing money down the drain. Plus, we’ll give everything a professional cleaning that will make your pieces look brand new.

Know Your Pieces: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Different materials require different care approaches. That stunning Sofer Jewelry piece might have different needs than something from our Robinson’s Bridal collection. Soft stones like turquoise or malachite are more prone to scratching, while harder stones like diamonds and sapphires can take more wear but still need protection from hard blows.

Even within our men’s jewelry collection, a rugged piece from Carlex will have different maintenance needs than a delicate chain. When you purchase from us, we’ll give you specific care instructions for your particular piece—be sure to follow them!

When Disaster Strikes: Emergency Jewelry First Aid

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, accidents happen. Your cocktail ring gets caught on a sweater, or you notice a stone has come loose in your stud earrings. The number one rule? Don’t panic, and don’t try to fix it yourself with super glue (we’ve seen it, and it never ends well).

If a stone falls out, put it in a small baggie and bring both the stone and the setting to us immediately. If a chain breaks, don’t continue wearing it—you could lose the entire piece. For any jewelry emergency, your first call should be to Robinson’s Jewelers. We have the tools and expertise to perform jewelry CPR without causing further damage.

The Joy of Well-Cared-For Jewelry

Taking proper care of your jewelry isn’t about being fussy or high-maintenance—it’s about preserving the beauty and value of pieces that often carry deep emotional significance. Whether it’s your grandmother’s anniversary band or the heart pendant your partner gave you on your first anniversary, these treasures deserve to be treated with care.

Following these simple dos and don’ts will ensure that your jewelry from Robinson’s Jewelers continues to sparkle, shine, and tell your story for generations to come. After all, life is too short for dull diamonds, tangled chains, or missing stones—and you’ve got better things to do than fish your favorite ring out of the kitchen drain!