How to Care for Your Jewellery

Jewellery Care

Your jewellery is made to be worn and enjoyed — not kept hidden away. With a little care, each piece will retain its character and finish for years to come.

At Roxwoods, every design is carefully considered in both material and construction. The following guidance answers the most common questions about how to look after your jewellery so it continues to feel as good as it looks.

Find out more about how Roxwoods jewellery is made

How should I care for my jewellery to keep it looking new?

A few simple habits make all the difference:

  • Put jewellery on last (after perfume and cosmetics) 
  • Remove before showering, swimming, or exercising 
  • Store pieces separately 
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight 

Can you wear jewellery every day?

Yes — but daily wear increases exposure to moisture, friction, and chemicals. Removing jewellery at the right moments will help preserve its finish.

Can water damage jewellery?

Water alone is not always the issue — it’s repeated exposure, especially with soaps, chlorine, and salt, that can dull surfaces over time.

What causes jewellery to tarnish?

Tarnishing is a natural reaction between metal and air, moisture, or skin oils — particularly with silver.

How do you prevent jewellery from tarnishing?

  • Store in a dry environment 
  • Keep pieces separate 
  • Wear regularly (this can actually help with silver) 
  • Avoid humidity and chemicals 

Gold Jewellery & Gold Vermeil Care

What is gold vermeil and how is it different from gold-plated jewellery?

Gold vermeil is an extra thick layer of gold over solid silver, offering durability and a richer and longer lasting finish than standard plating.

How should you care for gold vermeil jewellery?

  • Avoid water, perfume, and lotions 
  • Remove before showering or swimming 
  • Store separately to prevent wear 

Can gold vermeil get wet?

Occasional contact won’t immediately damage it, but repeated exposure will shorten its lifespan.

How long does gold vermeil last?

This depends on wear. With careful handling, it can last well, but the surface will naturally soften over time.

Does gold jewellery tarnish?

Solid gold does not tarnish easily, but it can lose its shine through everyday wear.

How do you clean gold jewellery safely?

Use a soft cloth and, if needed, mild soap with water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Silver & Fine Silver Jewellery Care

Why does silver jewellery tarnish?

Silver reacts with air and moisture, causing a darkened surface over time.

How do you clean tarnished silver jewellery?

  • Use a soft silver polishing cloth 
  • Avoid harsh dips or aggressive cleaning 

Does wearing silver jewellery prevent tarnish?

Yes — regular wear can help slow tarnishing by reducing surface exposure.

What is fine silver and does it tarnish?

Fine silver has a higher purity than sterling silver and is less prone to tarnish, but it is softer.

How should you care for fine silver jewellery?

  • Store carefully to avoid scratches 
  • Clean gently with a soft cloth 
Explore our Silver Statement Pieces

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Acrylic Jewellery Care

How do you clean acrylic jewellery?

Use a soft, lint-free cloth. A slightly damp cloth with some mild soap can be used if needed.

Can acrylic jewellery scratch easily?

Acrylic is durable but can develop fine surface scratches if not stored carefully.

Can acrylic jewellery get wet?

Yes, but it should not be soaked or exposed repeatedly to water.

Does acrylic fade in sunlight?

Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can affect its clarity and colour over time.

How do you keep acrylic jewellery shiny?

  • Store separately 
  • Avoid abrasive contact 
  • Clean gently and regularly 
View the Acrylic Halite Necklace Collection

3D Constructed Jewellery Care

Is 3D constructed jewellery durable?

Yes — but like all jewellery, it benefits from careful handling.

Can heat damage 3D constructed jewellery?

Yes, prolonged high heat exposure can affect structure and surface.

How should you store 3D constructed pieces?

Like all jewellery, 3D printed pieces benefit from a little care when not being worn.

  • Store separately in a pouch or box to protect the surfaces from fine scratches 
  • Keep it away from high heat. 

Gemstone Jewellery Care

Do gemstones need special care?

Yes — different stones have different hardness levels, but all require thoughtful handling.

Can gemstones get wet?

Some can tolerate water, but repeated exposure (especially with chemicals) should be avoided.

Can sunlight or heat damage gemstones?

Yes — certain stones may fade or become brittle over time.

How do you clean gemstone jewellery safely?

  • Use a soft cloth 
  • Avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners unless appropriate 

Can gemstones scratch or become loose?

Yes — especially if stored with harder materials or worn during physical activity.

Jewellery Storage: Best Practice

How should you store jewellery properly?

  • Keep pieces separate 
  • Use soft pouches or boxes 
  • Avoid humid environments like bathrooms

Should jewellery be stored in airtight containers?

This can help with tarnish prevention, particularly for silver.

How do you prevent necklaces from tangling?

Store flat or hang individually.

Cleaning Jewellery Safely

What is the safest way to clean jewellery at home?

A soft cloth is usually sufficient.

Can you use household cleaners on jewellery?

No — these can damage metals, acrylic, and gemstones.

How often should jewellery be cleaned?

Only when needed — over-cleaning can cause unnecessary wear.

A final note

Jewellery changes subtly as it is worn — this is part of its story. With thoughtful care, each piece will continue to reflect both its material and the way you wear it.

If you have any questions about a specific piece, you’re always welcome to get in touch.

Have a question? Get in touch