Love a piece gently, and it will keep giving back the light.
Fine jewelry is made to be worn, not kept behind glass. Yet the pieces that stay beautiful longest are usually the ones looked after with a few quiet habits rather than occasional grand efforts. None of what follows takes more than a moment. Together, these small routines protect a diamond's sparkle, the finish of its metal and the setting that holds everything in place.
Last on, first off
One simple rule guides most everyday care: jewelry should be the last thing you put on when you dress and the first thing you take off. Lotion, perfume, hair spray and sunscreen leave a thin film on diamonds that dulls their brightness, so let them settle before you add your rings, earrings and pendants.
It is also wise to remove jewelry before:
- swimming, since the chlorine in pools and hot tubs can weaken and discolor metal alloys over time
- cleaning with household chemicals such as bleach
- exercising, gardening, lifting or moving furniture, when a ring can be knocked or bent out of shape
- going to sleep, when prongs and fine chains can catch on bedding
When you take rings off to wash your hands, place them in a small dish rather than on the edge of a sink, where they can slip away far too easily.
Where your jewelry rests
Diamond is hard enough to scratch other gemstones, other diamonds and precious metals, so pieces should never be tossed together in one pile. Give each item its own soft pouch or lined compartment. Fasten necklace clasps before putting chains away so they cannot tangle, and store earrings in their pairs so a single stud never goes missing.
Sterling silver appreciates a closed pouch or a small sealed bag kept away from humidity, which slows the natural darkening that happens when silver meets the air. When traveling, a compact jewelry case with separate sections is far kinder to your pieces than a loose zip pocket in a suitcase.
A gentle clean at home
Diamonds attract natural oils and everyday residue, which is why a ring can look less lively after a few weeks of wear. A simple clean brings the light back:
- Mix a little mild dish soap into a small bowl of warm water.
- Leave the piece to soak briefly so any residue can soften.
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, paying special attention to the underside of the diamond, where oils tend to gather.
- Rinse in a second bowl of clean water rather than under an open drain.
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive powders and toothpaste, all of which can scratch metal. Ultrasonic cleaners are not suitable for every piece, especially designs with many small set stones, so ask a local jeweler before using one. For sterling silver, a dedicated silver polishing cloth restores brightness safely.
Small checks that prevent losses
Every few months, take a moment to look closely at your jewelry in good light.
- Prongs: check that each one still sits firmly against the diamond. A prong that snags on a sweater may have lifted slightly.
- Stones: press the diamond lightly with a fingertip; it should not shift or move in its setting.
- Clasps and links: open and close each clasp, and look for links that seem stretched or worn thin.
- Earring backs: make sure they still grip the post securely.
If anything feels loose, set the piece aside until a local jeweler has examined it. Many people also have their most-worn rings checked once a year simply as routine. And when a new Aetheris piece arrives, look it over carefully: if you find a defect or damage from transit, send photos within 7 days of delivery and it will be repaired free of charge, as our refund policy explains.
Notes by metal
Gold, platinum and silver each respond to the passing years in their own way, so it helps to know what to expect.
- 18K yellow, rose and white gold keep their color well. Fine surface marks appear with daily wear and can be polished away by a jeweler whenever you wish.
- PT950 platinum develops a soft patina as it is worn. Some people treasure that gentle texture as a record of time; others have it polished back to a mirror finish.
- Sterling silver darkens naturally with exposure to air. Closed storage and regular gentle polishing keep it bright, and because it is softer than gold or platinum, it deserves extra protection from knocks.
For a fuller comparison of how each metal looks and wears, our guide to choosing between gold, platinum and silver is the place to start.
Wearing with love
Care is not about keeping jewelry untouched. It is about making sure a piece is ready each time you reach for it, for many years, and perhaps one day for someone else. Explore the Vow and Eternal rings and our Whispers at Dawn earrings, and choose the pieces you will be glad to look after.