Caring for 14K Gold Jewelry
Solid 14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold and does not tarnish. However, oils from skin, lotion, and perfume can build up and dull the surface over time. A gentle clean every 2–4 weeks keeps your gold radiant.
- Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and 2–3 drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak your gold piece for 10–15 minutes to loosen built-up oils and residue.
- Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, paying attention to settings and the underside of stones.
- Rinse under clean lukewarm water, pat dry with a lint-free cloth, and let air-dry before storing.
Store gold pieces individually — gold is a soft metal (Mohs scale 2.5–3 for 14K alloys) and can scratch if pieces rub together. Use the NUVRELL cloth pouch or a separate compartment.
Shop Gold PiecesCaring for Sterling Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% alloy) naturally oxidizes when exposed to air, sulfur compounds in cosmetics, and humidity. This darkening is called tarnish — it is completely normal and reversible. Most silver can be restored in minutes.
- For light yellowing, use a silver polishing cloth with back-and-forth strokes — avoid circular motion to prevent micro-scratches.
- For heavier tarnish, mix warm water with a small amount of mild soap and use a soft toothbrush to work the solution gently across the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly under clean water — soap residue can attract more tarnish if left behind.
- Pat dry completely and store in an airtight anti-tarnish pouch away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for silver pieces with gemstones, as vibration can loosen settings. Avoid bleach, ammonia, and chlorine — these accelerate tarnish and can pit the surface.
Shop Silver PiecesCaring for Gold-Filled Jewelry
Gold-filled jewelry has a thick layer of solid gold (5% of total weight) bonded under heat and pressure to a brass or copper core. It is significantly more durable than gold plating and can last years with proper care. However, the bond can wear through if exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasives.
- Wipe pieces after each wear with a soft, dry polishing cloth to remove skin oils and sweat — this is the single most effective way to extend life.
- For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with a tiny amount of mild soap. Never soak gold-filled jewelry for extended periods.
- Rinse briefly under cool water and dry immediately — prolonged water exposure can reach the base metal at edges and clasps.
- Store separately in a soft pouch away from moisture. Avoid rubber bands, which contain sulfur that accelerates tarnish.
Remove gold-filled pieces before swimming, using cleaning products, or heavy exercise. Chlorine in pools and hot tubs is particularly damaging to the bond layer.
Shop Gold-FilledCaring for Gemstone Jewelry
Gemstones range widely in hardness and porosity. Diamonds (Mohs 10) can be cleaned aggressively; opals and pearls (Mohs 2.5–3.5) require the gentlest approach. When in doubt, use the mildest method.
- Identify your stone. Harder stones (sapphire, ruby, diamond, topaz) can tolerate mild soap and water. Softer or porous stones (opal, pearl, turquoise, emerald with fracture-filling) should only be wiped with a damp cloth.
- For hard stones: prepare warm water with a drop of mild soap. Use a soft toothbrush to clean around the setting and the stone surface. Avoid the prongs — cleaning solution that gets under a stone can loosen the setting over time.
- Rinse carefully and inspect settings. If any prong looks lifted or the stone moves, do not continue cleaning — take the piece to a jeweler.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth and store gemstone pieces individually. Hard stones can scratch softer metal and each other.
Schedule an annual check-up with a jeweler for any gemstone ring you wear daily. Prongs wear down over years of contact — a professional re-tipping every few years protects stones from falling loose.
Shop Gemstone JewelryGeneral Care Principles
- The "last on, first off" rule: put jewelry on after applying cosmetics, and remove before washing hands, showering, or sleeping.
- Separate storage prevents scratching. Use individual pouches or a lined jewelry box with compartments.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for pieces with porous stones, enamel, or glued elements.
- Check clasps, closures, and jump rings periodically — repair small issues before they become lost pieces.
- For heirloom or high-value pieces, professional cleaning once a year is worthwhile.
Questions about a specific piece? Contact us — we're glad to help.
Learn about our materials in depth › • Ring & necklace size guide ›