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Winter-Proofing Your Jewelry: 8 Tips for Keeping Your Winter Jewelry in Top Shape

Written by Anna Currell
January 19, 2023

Winter can be tough on your jewelry. The cold temperatures, dry air, and harsh weather conditions all take a toll on your most precious pieces. But with a little bit of care, it isn’t hard to keep your jewelry looking beautiful and staying durable all winter long. Here are some tips for caring for your winter jewelry during the cold season:

#1: Keep Your Jewelry Dry

One of the most important ways to care for your winter jewelry is to keep it dry. Water has a tendency to damage many types of jewelry, so it's important to remove your jewelry before hot-tubbing, showering, swimming, or doing any other activities that involve water. If you do get your jewelry wet, just be sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing it.

#2: Store Your Jewelry Properly

Proper storage is crucial for keeping your jewelry in good condition during the winter. Avoid storing your jewelry in damp or humid areas like bathrooms or window sills, as this can cause damage over time. Instead, store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, like a drawer in your bedroom or inside a cozy closet. Consider using a jewelry box or pouch lined with felt or velvet for an extra layer of protection against the elements.

jewelry-storage

#3: Clean Your Jewelry Often

Gentle jewelry cleaning will help keep your jewelry looking its best during the winter. Use preventative measures to keep your pieces clean between visits to the jeweler for a little extra love. Here’s what we recommend:

  • At home jewelry care: For the best winter jewelry maintenance, be sure to give your jewelry a quick wipedown with a soft cloth after wearing it. This prevents cold weather residues like lotions and soaps from building up and damaging your jewelry. 
  • Take it to your jeweler: For delicate pieces and jewelry you wear every day, we recommend getting professional cleaning services every six months. Be sure to make one of those visits in the winter to ensure your jewelry is in its best condition all year ‘round.

cleaning-diamond-ring-with-cloth

#4: Avoid Exposing Your Jewelry to Harsh Chemicals

Be sure to take off your jewelry before using any kind of cleaning solution. Many household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your jewelry’s metals, stones, and other materials. Avoid wearing your jewelry while using bleach, chlorine, or even all purpose cleaners, as they can ultimately harm your pieces.

#5: Wear Your Jewelry with Care

While it may be tempting to wear your favorite pieces every day during the winter, it's important to be mindful of how you wear your jewelry. It’s a good idea to avoid wearing jewelry while doing activities that could damage it, such as winter sports like skiing and ice skating. Also, be mindful of how you put on and take off your jewelry; pulling or tugging too hard can cause damage over time. Be careful with zippers, hats, and scarves when you’re bundling up and especially when you’re taking your layers off to avoid snags, loose stones, damaged prongs, and more.

#6: Keep Your Jewelry Away from Extreme Temperature Changes

Putting cold metal against your skin doesn’t feel amazing, but jewelry can also be damaged by extreme temperature changes. It’s best to keep your jewelry away from fireplaces, stoves, and other sources of heat. Similarly, avoid storing your jewelry in a place where it might be exposed to freezing temperatures — don’t leave your jewelry locked in your car while you’re on the slopes, for example.

winter-jewelry-near-fire

#7: Take Extra Care with Delicate Pieces

Delicate pieces of jewelry, like pearls, may require extra care during the winter. To protect these pieces, be sure to store them in a soft pouch or a separate compartment in your jewelry box to avoid scratching against other jewelry pieces. 

#8: Take Your Winter Jewelry to the Pros for Extra Support

If winter does get the best of your jewelry, don’t fret. An expert jeweler can take care of your pieces and get them looking good as new. Here are some repairs that can help your jewelry weather the winter months:

  • Gemstone polishing: Even if you’re wearing gloves while you build a snowman, the moisture can still seep through to your hands and dull your jewelry. If you forgot to take off your rings while building Frosty, a jeweler will be able to polish them to a shine again. 
  • Prong retipping: When you’re wearing cozy knits and woolen layers, it’s more likely that a prong from your ring or necklace will get caught on a stray thread. If your prongs see any damage, take your jewelry to an expert so they can re-tip your prongs.
  • Ring resizing: It’s common for our fingers to change sizes in different temperatures and in different seasons. If your rings aren’t seeming to fit like they used to, send them in for a quick resizing (either up or down).
  • Watch overhaul service: When the cold weather gets into your watch and stops it from keeping time accurately, it’s a good idea to take it in to a professional. They can tend to both the aesthetics and the mechanics to make sure your watch is running smoothly and looking its best. 


By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your jewelry in great condition throughout the entire winter season. And if you need any cleanings, repairs, or adjustments, don’t hesitate to send in your jewelry to our team of expert jewelers at Quick Jewelry Repairs; we’ll be happy to help you get through the winter in style!

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