I’ve been selling fashion and fine jewelry in some capacity for the last 7 or so years. First on the sales floor at Nordstrom, now with Nordstrom exclusive fine jeweler, Bony Levy and I have learned SO MUCH. Beyond learning about gemstones, diamond cuts and various setting techniques, I’ve learned that so many people get overwhelmed and never ask the most basic questions about their jewelry. They don’t know how to take care of it, or are shocked that they spent hundreds of dollars on jewelry that wasn’t *gasp* real. You can easily ruin the pieces you spent good money on if you aren’t aware of a few basics, so consider this your cheat-sheet!

The easiest, lowest effort way to keep your jewelry nicer, for longer is this simple step: Treat your jewelry like your shoes. Don’t wear your jewelry on your feet and walk around on it all day of course but put your jewelry on as one of the last parts of your daily routine. After your perfume has been set, and your lotions have dried, right before you’re heading out the door. Then, when you arrive home, make sure it’s one of the first things you take off (right after your shoes of course!)

Know the difference between fashion and fine

1. Fashion jewelry (or costume jewelry) is usually jewelry that’s been plated with gold or a gold-colored metal. Most fashion jewelry will have base metals like silver, brass or surgical steel. By nature, this jewelry will ALWAYS eventually tarnish, or lose its plating- even if you spent a lot of money on it. (Believe it or not, brands like Mejuri and Monica Vinader even fall into this category. Their pieces aren’t plated though, they’re vermeil. Vermeil is a French term which means that the piece has to have a sterling silver base metal, and the gold coating is bonded, so its much thicker than a plating. This can be a great alternative to spending a lot on fine jewelry, but will still eventually turn color if not properly taken care of.)
2. Fine jewelry has a genuine gold base metal. It might be white or rose gold color treated, but the idea is that this jewelry will not lose its color over time. This is the kind of jewelry that can occasionally be forgotten about when jumping in the pool or shower, so keep this in mind when selecting the type of jewelry you’d like to wear.

Fashion jewelry cleaning and storage

1. Cleaning: Most fashion jewelry is going to be completely averse to liquid cleaners of any kind because it will erode the plating. A simple silver polishing cloth will keep your items in good shape. Silver fashion jewelry is the only jewelry that will truly hold its color, but it does require periodic cleaning. If your silver jewelry has turned a muted purple shade, you can absolutely save it with some polish. In a pinch, a clear coat of nail polish can also help prevent some tarnish on a necklace or bracelet clasp that gets a high amount of usage.
2. Storage: Keep your jewelry in a dry and cool storage place, like a felt lined jewelry box or a jewelry pouch. Keep in mind, silver jewelry will tarnish when kept in storage for extended periods of time. Your natural body oils actually slow tarnish from appearing, so wear your silver more often! Pro-tip: to avoid necklaces tangling, use a straw! Thread one side of your necklace through and close the clasp on the outside of the straw. Use this to pack them for a trip so you don’t spend all your time detangling!

Fine jewelry storage and cleaning

1. Cleaning: Fine jewelry can withstand liquid cleaners, so a bit of dish soap and a tooth brush can go a long way. You can try a variety of home cleaners or DIY options. Most jewelers also offer a cleaning service while you shop, so consider bringing a piece or two to have professionally cleaned next time you are in the market for fine jewelry.
2. Storage: This one is pretty much the same as your fashion jewelry, keep in a felt lined jewelry box or pouch. And don’t be afraid to wear your beautiful pieces- they don’t belong in that box forever! Depending on the appraisal value of your fine jewelry, consider insuring your pieces.

If you ever find yourself in the jewelry store, lost and confused at what you’re looking at, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If nothing else, start with the fundamental “what is this made of?” Everything after that will guide your purchasing decision. Let me know in the comments if there’s any other burning jewelry questions you’ve wondered about! I’d love to see if I can tackle them.

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