As women, we love our jewelry. We admire it. We wear it, and we always want it to look as terrific as the day we first bought it. Every type of jewelry, including gold and gemstones, needs to be cared for properly if it is to last a lifetime and sterling silver is no different. Also a precious metal, sterling silver is both durable and strong. When combined with the strength of cubic zirconia, jewelry lovers have one sparkling duo that is sure to last for years to come.

Tip # 1: Always put your jewelry on last.

When you're getting ready for work, school or just running daily errands, it's a good idea to put your jewelry on last. Why? Products such as perfume, hand lotion and even hair spray can cause residue to build up on your jewelry, especially rings, and can make it more challenging to clean. In addition, hand lotion can cause your gemstones to look cloudy, so make sure that it's dry before handling your jewelry and/or putting on your rings.

Tip # 2: Store your jewelry in small bags with a zip closure.

Sterling silver, over time, will tarnish. However, it's worth noting that gold can also become dull and require a quick polish, so the fact that sterling silver too will need polishing is no reason to shy away from it. One way to preserve the beauty of your sterling silver jewelry is by polishing it after each wear and placing it in a zip-loc jewelry bag. These small bags are available in all sizes, and can be found in 1" x 1" measurements and larger depending on your needs. When you're ready to enjoy your jewelry again, simply remove it from the bag and it's ready to wear.

Tip # 3: Keep your sterling silver and cubic zirconia jewelry out of direct light.

If possible, store your jewelry in the gift box that accompanied your purchase. You may be able to slow the tarnishing process by keeping your jewelry out of direct natural and/or indoor light.

Tip # 4: Separate your jewelry to prevent scratching.

If you own jewelry that features high polishing and/or bold designs with surfaces that would show scratches easily, store them separate from other pieces. For instance, earring posts and ring settings could create a problem for neighboring jewelry pieces if they were to be stored loosely in a jewelry box. Instead, store your jewelry in a zip-loc bag and in its original gift box as noted above. Not only is this method of storage ideal for preventing tarnish, but it will also help to prevent contact and unnecessary scratching from other pieces.

Tip # 5: Clean your jewelry with care.

When choosing a cleaner for your jewelry, make sure that it's specifically made for your type of metal and/or gemstones. For instance, some cleaners and polishing cloths are created for sterling silver and others for gold. In addition, some cleaners are not recommended for certain gemstones, so always make sure to read the directions completely before using any product on your jewelry. If in doubt, use only a combination of mild soap and water to keep your jewelry sparkling.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional advice on cleaning and/or caring for your jewelry.