7 Essential Jewelry Tools Every Enthusiast Should Have At Home

It’s easy to keep your precious pieces clean, organized, and untangled if you have the right equipment on hand. Investing in just a few specific jewelry tools can help you take care of your collection and even learn more about each piece you own. If you’re ready to step up your at-home jewelry care game, these seven jewelry tools deserve a spot in your armoire.

#1: Soft-Bristled Brush

A soft-bristled jewelry brush is key for keeping your pieces sparkling. Look for a brush made specifically for jewelry cleaning, with tightly packed bristles that won’t scratch delicate materials like gold and gemstones. The bristles should also be small enough to get into crevices and in between settings and stones. 

Use your jewelry brush to gently scrub away dirt, oils, lotions, and other grime that builds up from everyday wear. Apply a small amount of mild soap and water first to help loosen the accumulated layer and lift residue from the surface. Pay special attention to the underside of rings, bracelet links, and other areas that rarely get cleaned. Lightly brush your jewelry in between professional cleanings so you can keep it looking its absolute best.

#2: Polishing Cloth 

While a jewelry brush targets dirt and grease, a polishing cloth gently buffs away tarnish and oxidation to restore shine. Polishing cloths are made of special fabrics that get metals gleaming without being too abrasive or scratching the surface of your jewelry; most use soft, lint-free materials like microfiber, flannel, or treated cotton. While it might be tempting to use an old t-shirt or dish towel, a specially designed polishing cloth is much safer for your jewelry. Simply rub down your jewelry to refresh the finish when you’re done wearing it at the end of the day. Replace the cloth with a fresh one once it starts to look dirty.

#3: Jewelry Box

An organized jewelry box is the best way to keep your collection tidy and untangled. Look for one with a range of compartments and drawers for different jewelry types. Ring rolls or cushioned slots help prevent delicate bands and settings from getting damaged. Specialized hooks, loops, or holes help keep earrings, bracelets, and long necklaces securely in place. A few other smart features to look for include a mirror inside the lid, felt or velvet linings to protect shiny metal finishes, and a lock and key for security.

Consider your collection when choosing your jewelry box. Do you change the jewelry you wear daily or just for special occasions? How much space does your existing collection require? Are you looking to store jewelry on a dresser or inside a closet? Addressing these questions will help you select the right storage solution.

#4: Jewelry Loupe 

Jewelry loupes are essentially mini magnifying glasses for inspecting jewelry design details more closely. They typically range between 5x and 30x magnification. These portable tools are extremely useful for getting a closer look at diamonds, gemstones, and other fine features of your jewelry. If you’re interested in putting your precious pieces under a microscope or want to make sure something is in excellent condition before you buy it, loupes can give you a much more accurate view. 

#5: Ultrasonic Cleaner

While jewelry brushes are great for quick cleanups, an ultrasonic cleaner can get deeper when your pieces are truly filthy or tarnished. Ultrasonic cleaners use a combination of sound waves and liquid submersion to get dirt out of the hardest-to-reach crevices in your jewelry. 

Ultrasonic cleaning works especially well for jewelry with lots of texture, nooks and crannies, or moving parts. You might use an ultrasonic cleaner on your hinged bangles, woven chains, and multi-stone rings, for example. Most machines include cleaning baskets to keep pieces safe and stop them from bumping around during the wash cycle.

Be sure to use a cleaner formulated for your jewelry type so you don’t damage stones or etch metals. Ultrasonic cleaning is powerful and there are certain types of jewelry that you should keep away from these machines. Pearls, for example, are too delicate for ultrasonic cleaning. Be sure to follow all of your machine’s directions closely and do your own research.

#6: Jewelry Scale

If you’re interested in selling your jewelry, a jewelry scale might come in handy. These small digital scales will measure the accurate weight of fine jewelry, and are helpful for understanding more about your diamond, pearl, and other gemstone pieces where carat weight is an important factor of value. If you’re selling your jewelry to a pawn shop or a potential buyer, they’ll likely want to know the weight of the metals and gemstones to get a better understanding of its value. Jewelry scale measurements can help you come to an agreement about a reasonable price. 

#7: Tweezers 

From handling tiny earrings to securing loose gems for repair, a good pair of tweezers is a  must-have for jewelry enthusiasts. Sharp, slanted tweezer tips give you a controlled grip on small items, and can help you untangle knots in chains. Tweezers can also help you pinch together a loose jump ring, so that your pendant stays securely on your chain necklace, for example. Always grasp gems, pearls, and other fragile materials gently to avoid damaging them. It’s a good idea to store your tweezers with the covers on the tips to keep them sharp and prevent any accidental scratching or slicing.

Upgrade Your Jewelry Care

Caring for your jewelry collection properly will help your cherished pieces last a lifetime. Investing in the right tools allows you to clean, inspect, organize, and keep your jewelry collection safe with no extra headache. For any issue that you can’t fix at home, like clasp replacement, ring resizing, or gold-plating, turn to Quick Jewelry Repairs. Our trusted team will get your favorite pieces looking good as new in no time.