Buying jewelry is not just for pleasure. A piece of jewelry is an investment and, therefore, it must be cared for so that its beauty and value will not diminish. This means that there are instances when jewelry should never be worn. For example, jewelry must be taken off when cleaning the house, especially when abrasive and strong chemicals are utilized. The surfaces of the jewelry will most likely be scratched or corroded when exposed to chemicals. This also applies to beauty products such as cleansing creams and lotions. Other chemicals, such as hairspray and perfume should also be away from jewelry.

For some types of jewelry and gemstones, water can have a damaging effect. Thus, it is a sensible idea to remove jewelry when taking a bath, swimming in the beach or in the pool, or even walking under the rain. All these precautions are needed to keep the jewelry intact. These precautions cannot, however, keep the jewelry clean and shining. The owner of jewelry must take the time and effort to regularly clean his or her treasures. Some very expensive pieces of jewelry need the professional cleaning skills of a jeweler but most fine jewelry can be happy with this basic cleaning method.

The basic method of cleaning jewelry involves four simple steps. First, the jewelry must be wiped with soft cloth that has been soaked in a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Using harsh detergents and stain removers is not advisable for fine jewelry. Second, the jewelry must be rinsed, using warm water again. But the jewelry must not be soaked in water. Some types of jewelry, such as those made of silver and gold may tarnish because of water. Third, the jewelry must be polished with soft cloth. Using brushes or any bristled tool is no way to treat fine jewelry. And fourth, the jewelry must be thoroughly dried before it gets stored away in a pouch or box.

For some types of jewelry and gemstones, there are unique approaches to cleaning. For example, lapis lazuli must be cleaned with a mixture of cold water with a small portion of mild soap. The other gemstones that do not react well with hot water are emeralds, jade, marcasite, and turquoise. Jewelry made of jade, as well as pearls, should only be wiped with soft moist cloth. They should be rubbed gently. Emeralds and opals, on the other hand, can withstand a few minutes of soaking in cold water.

A piece of jewelry which has diamonds will involve a different approach. Diamonds, despite their strength, can easily lose their shine and brilliance because they attract grease and dust. The oils that are naturally released by the skin can be deposited on the diamond, making the jewelry's luster dissipate. To prevent this, it must be regularly cleaned, such as once every week. A quick cleaning of the diamond can be done by using a toothbrush with gentle bristles. The toothbrush must be first soaked in a cleaner fluid for diamond. This fluid is usually ammonia-based. For stubborn dirt, the diamond can be soaked overnight in such fluid. But other types of cleaning liquids, such as those that contain chlorine and abrasives, should not be used on diamond.

And finally, the brushing and the soaking of the diamond jewelry may not be a good idea if the diamond is in a setting. The cleaning fluid and the bristles of the toothbrush may weaken the jeweler's cement that holds the diamond. If in a setting, the diamond jewelry may need a professional jeweler.