How to Care for Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewellery

Handmade jewellery deserves thoughtful care. If you own a sterling silver ring, necklace or pair of earrings set with genuine gemstones, looking after the piece correctly can help preserve both the silver and the stone for years to come.

At Jody 925 Jewellery, I handcraft jewellery using 925 sterling silver and genuine gemstones, so I believe jewellery care should consider the whole piece rather than the silver alone.

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver, combined with other metals for additional strength. Over time, sterling silver can naturally tarnish as it reacts with substances in its environment.

Tarnishing does not mean your jewellery is poor quality or damaged. In many cases, the surface can be restored with gentle polishing.

Can You Clean Gemstone Jewellery With Silver Cleaner?

This is where you need to be careful.

A cleaning method suitable for plain sterling silver may not be suitable for every gemstone. Natural stones have different levels of hardness, porosity and sensitivity to chemicals.

For handmade gemstone jewellery, a soft jewellery polishing cloth is often a good starting point for cleaning the exposed silver. Avoid aggressively rubbing the gemstone or setting.

If you’re unsure about a particular stone, use a cleaning method specifically suitable for that gemstone rather than automatically using silver dip or strong chemical cleaners.

Should You Shower in Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewellery?

I recommend removing gemstone jewellery before showering.

Although sterling silver itself can tolerate occasional contact with water, soaps, shampoos and other products can leave residue on both the silver and gemstone.

Removing your jewellery also reduces unnecessary wear on delicate settings.

The same applies before swimming, cleaning or using household chemicals.

How Should You Store Gemstone Jewellery?

Store pieces separately where possible.

Keeping rings, necklaces and earrings piled together can cause scratching, particularly when harder gemstones come into contact with softer materials.

A jewellery box, pouch or separate compartment helps protect the surface of the silver and reduces tangling.

Before storing your jewellery, make sure it is clean and dry.

Genuine Gemstones Need Individual Care

One of the reasons I enjoy working with genuine gemstones is that every stone has its own character.

The Jody 925 Jewellery collection has included stones such as Australian opal, chrysoprase, aquamarine, garnet, citrine, moss agate, green amethyst, turquoise, kyanite and tourmaline.

But natural gemstones shouldn’t all be treated identically. Some tolerate everyday wear particularly well, while others benefit from gentler handling.

Understanding the gemstone in your jewellery is therefore an important part of caring for it.

Caring for Handmade Jewellery

Handmade jewellery is designed to be worn, but it isn’t indestructible.

Check your jewellery occasionally, particularly rings that receive more knocks during everyday activities. If a gemstone feels loose or a setting appears damaged, stop wearing the piece until it can be inspected.

A few simple habits—removing jewellery during strenuous activities, storing it carefully and cleaning it gently—can make a significant difference to its longevity.

Jewellery Made to Be Enjoyed

Caring for jewellery doesn’t mean being afraid to wear it.

At Jody 925 Jewellery, I create handmade sterling silver jewellery to be enjoyed. Thoughtful care simply helps protect the craftsmanship, precious metal and natural gemstones that make each piece special.

Explore the Jody 925 Jewellery collection to discover handmade sterling silver rings, earrings, necklaces and gemstone jewellery created individually at the jeweller’s bench.