Good jewellery deserves good care.
Jewellery is made to be worn, enjoyed and remembered. With the right care, you can help preserve its appearance, finish and condition for years to come.
At Indian Zevar, we work with different metals, finishes, gemstones and freshwater pearls. Since each material responds differently to everyday conditions, jewellery should not always be cleaned or stored in the same way.
This guide provides general care principles for your jewellery.
1. Handle Your Jewellery With Care
Jewellery can be delicate, especially when it includes intricate craftsmanship, stones, pearls, fine settings or multiple components.
Avoid pulling, bending, twisting or applying unnecessary pressure to your jewellery.
When putting on or removing a necklace, bracelet or earring, handle it gently rather than pulling it by its decorative elements.
2. Keep Jewellery Away From Chemicals
Perfumes, cosmetics, hairsprays, creams, lotions and other chemical products can affect certain metals, finishes, pearls and gemstones.
As a general practice:
Apply perfumes and cosmetics first.
Allow them to settle and dry.
Wear your jewellery afterwards.
Avoid unnecessary contact between jewellery and personal-care products.
3. Remove Jewellery During Certain Activities
For better long-term care, remove jewellery before:
- Bathing or showering
- Swimming
- Exercising
- Household cleaning
- Sleeping
- Activities involving excessive friction or physical impact
Water, chemicals, sweat, friction and repeated physical stress can affect different jewellery materials and finishes over time.
4. Freshwater Pearl Care
Freshwater pearls are natural organic materials and require particular care.
Avoid exposing pearls unnecessarily to:
- Perfume
- Cosmetics
- Hairspray
- Strong chemicals
- Excessive moisture
- Abrasive materials
After wearing pearl jewellery, gently wipe it with a soft, clean and dry cloth to remove surface residue.
Do not use abrasive cloths, harsh cleaners or aggressive polishing methods on pearls.
Pearl Jewellery
If your pearl necklace or set is regularly worn, periodically check the condition of its string.
If the string becomes visibly weak, worn or damaged, professional restringing may be appropriate.
5. Gemstone Jewellery
Different gemstones have different physical and chemical properties.
For this reason, one cleaning method should not automatically be used for every gemstone.
Avoid exposing gemstone jewellery to harsh chemicals, unnecessary heat, strong impact or abrasive cleaning.
If you are unsure how a particular gemstone should be cleaned, it is better to seek professional guidance before attempting to clean it yourself.
6. Gold-Polished & Finished Jewellery
Gold-polished jewellery can gradually show changes in appearance through regular wear.
Friction, moisture, chemicals, cosmetics and repeated contact with surfaces can contribute to wear over time.
To help preserve the finish:
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals.
- Remove jewellery during activities that create friction.
- Store pieces separately.
- Handle them carefully.
- Avoid abrasive polishing materials.
The lifespan of a finish depends on several factors, including how frequently the jewellery is worn and how it is cared for.
7. Jadau, Polki & Intricate Jewellery
Jewellery with intricate settings, decorative elements and multiple components should be handled particularly carefully.
Avoid:
- Dropping the jewellery
- Applying pressure to raised elements
- Pulling decorative components
- Using abrasive cleaning methods
- Attempting to repair loose stones yourself
If you notice a loose stone, damaged component or weakened setting, discontinue wearing the piece until it can be assessed.
8. How to Store Your Jewellery
Proper storage can help reduce scratches, tangling and unnecessary exposure.
Recommended practice:
Store jewellery separately whenever possible.
Keep necklaces, earrings, bangles and other pieces in suitable jewellery boxes, pouches or compartments.
For necklaces and long pieces, avoid storing them in a tangled pile.
Pearls and delicate jewellery should ideally be kept separately from harder materials that may scratch their surface.
Store jewellery in a clean, dry environment, away from unnecessary moisture and direct exposure to harsh conditions.
9. Cleaning at Home
For routine surface care, a soft, clean and dry cloth is generally the safest starting point.
However, jewellery containing different materials should not automatically be treated with the same cleaning solution.
Do not use household cleaners, abrasive powders, toothpaste, rough brushes or unverified DIY cleaning methods on your jewellery.
If you are uncertain about the appropriate cleaning method, ask us before attempting it.
When Should You Have Your Jewellery Checked?
Consider having your jewellery professionally assessed if you notice:
- A loose gemstone
- A weak or damaged setting
- A damaged or worn string
- Broken or weakened joints
- Significant loss or dullness of finish
- Loose components
- Damage after impact
- Any unusual change in the jewellery's condition
Early assessment can help identify issues before they become more serious.
Jewellery Health Check-Up
If you are unsure about the condition of your jewellery, Indian Zevar offers a Jewellery Health Check-Up.
The jewellery can be assessed for its overall condition, including applicable areas such as:
Metal · Finish · Stones · Pearls · Settings · Joints · Strings · Components
Based on the assessment, we can advise whether the jewellery requires professional cleaning, maintenance, repair, restringing, restoration or simply regular care.
A professional assessment does not automatically mean that repair is required.
A Simple Rule to Remember
Wear it thoughtfully.
Keep it away from unnecessary chemicals.
Store it carefully.
Clean it appropriately.
And address small problems before they become bigger ones.
Your jewellery may eventually become more than something you wear.
It may become something you pass on.
Care for it accordingly.