Things You Should Never Do While Wearing Fine Jewelry

If you’re lucky enough to have a beloved piece (or two) of fine jewelry, you understand the desire to wear it all the time. Maybe it has sentimental value, a gift given to you by someone you love; or maybe it’s an integral part of your wardrobe, and you simply refuse to leave the house without it. Maybe you bought it for yourself, and it signifies a milestone in your life, and wearing it reminds you of all you’ve accomplished. 

Whatever the reason, we at Stewart Kuper Jewelers understand the connection between you and a piece of jewelry you love. However, there are some situations and places where it’s important to remove your jewelry in order to protect it! 

Sleeping

One of the easiest ways to avoid damaging your jewelry is by taking it off before you head off to bed! Sleeping with your jewelry on unnecessarily tugs and pulls at the fragile materials, especially if you toss and turn throughout the night. Delicate chains and clasps can be yanked and stressed, and ring prongs can bend, causing your precious gemstones or diamonds to fall out. 

A smart rule of thumb is to put your jewelry on soon after you wake up, and take it off right when you get home and are ready to relax for the night. Be sure to keep your fine jewelry in a safe spot (like a jewelry box or stand), and always put it in the same place so you don’t lose your favorite pieces! 

Be sure to check out our article on the keys to jewelry storage here!

Showering

There are a few risks that come with leaving your jewelry on when showering, the first being the chance of it falling off and spiraling down the drain forever. Second, all those lovely scented soaps, shampoos, and conditioners can do a number on your fine jewelry, leaving behind a dulling residue. 

When platinum or gold jewelry is immersed in water and exposed to shower products it can become significantly less shiny and lustrous; when sterling silver jewelry is showered with it can become tarnished; and all jewelry is susceptible to an unappealing residue left behind by a buildup of soap and water. 

Working Out

Before you throw on your favorite workout set, blend up a green smoothie and head to the gym, be sure to remove your jewelry. Wearing a ring at the gym is an easy way for it to bend out of shape and scratch against the heavy equipment. Bracelets, necklaces, and earrings can easily fall off, get twisted, and need repairs. And let’s face it — your fine jewelry deserves better than to be sweated on while you’re getting your daily cardio in. 

Gardening (and Yard Work)

Gardening is one of the most peaceful activities you can engage in — don’t disrupt the zen by wearing your favorite jewelry. Jewelry settings can trap dirt and debris, dulling their shine and making them look dingy. Rings are the most susceptible to damage: the prongs can be bent out of shape, the diamonds or gems can chip and fall off, and entire rings can be lost when pulled off with a glove.

Cleaning

If you’re in the mood for a spring clean, remove your fine jewelry first. The chemicals from harsh cleaning agents can damage the surface of your jewelry. Be especially careful with your gold jewelry, as cleaning products can cause irreversible discoloration. 

Looking for more jewelry maintenance tips? Check out our guide here!

Cooking

Let’s face the facts: a piece of jewelry you wear every day has probably accumulated some germs over time. It’s best to remove rings and bracelets before cooking a delicious meal. Plus, cooking can get messy, and you don’t want any loose ingredients getting trapped in your jewelry settings. 

Camping

The great outdoors aren’t so great when it comes to your beautiful jewelry. Pitching a tent is an easy way to lose a ring, tossing uncomfortably in a sleeping bag all night will wear and tear on your necklaces, and that scenic hike will take a toll on your bracelets if they get caught on all the shrubs and branches. 

Beach Days

We all love the beach with its comforting crash of waves, kids building sandcastles and attempting to surf, and adults sunbathing and laughing with their friends. It’s a magical place, just not for your jewelry. 

The warm sand can damage the surface of any piece of jewelry, the sun has the potential to fade the colors of your pieces (especially the gemstones), and the bustling atmosphere can make it easy to lose your favorite item and not realize it until you’re back at home. Plus, if you’re going to venture out into the waves, the turbulent water is well equipped to whisk your jewelry right off you, making it impossible to to find. 

Thank you for reading! We hope all your favorite jewelry stays as beautiful as the day you bought it for years to come! We at Stewart Kuper jewelers are here to assist you with all of your fine jewelry needs. Contact us here or call at 520-462-5612 to set up an appointment!