Jewellery experts reveal six common mistakes which could ruin your jewellery

Credit: 18ct Rose Gold Mina Black Enamel Diamond Ring

Jewellery, though considered one of the most prized possessions with significant sentimental value, is often overlooked when it comes to proper care and maintenance.

With the rise of TikTok cleaning hacks like baking soda, salt and vinegar, many of us are falling for the uninformed methods that often do more harm than good for our precious pieces.

In light of this, jewellery experts at LibertyLondon.com have revealed the 6 most common mistakes people might be guilty of when caring for their jewellery.

1. Spraying products directly: Perfumes, beauty products, and lotions can dull, tarnish and deteriorate metals and gemstones, so be sure to make jewellery a finishing touch.
2. Wearing jewellery when swimming or household cleaning: Chlorine, bleach and even laundry detergents can discolour and disintegrate metals and gemstones, so remove all jewellery before engaging in these activities.
3. Wearing jewellery during hands-on activities: Precious metals like gold and silver are relatively soft and susceptible to damage, so take off your jewellery – especially rings – before cooking, gardening, working out or doing anything that might scratch, knock or break your jewellery.
4. Wearing jewellery to bed: It's easy to snag bracelets, tangle chains and bang watches (usually on the side table) while sleeping. Prevent any jewellery-related bumps in the night by removing them before bed.
5. Storing jewellery in extreme environments: From direct sunlight to high humidity, jewellery dislikes extreme conditions, so keep all unworn jewellery in a dark and dry location.
6. Following dangerous TikTok "hacks": Each metal or gemstone requires different cleaning methods, so it's important to follow expert advice rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all TikTok cleaning hack.

"Jewellery, especially plated pieces and those encrusted with organic gemstones do not react well when wet, spritzed with perfume or put into contact with chemicals, so while it can be tempting to quickly pop in the shower with your favourite chain still clasped around your neck and easy to forget about your rings when you've got metres of surfaces to bleach, always make the effort to first remove all jewellery beforehand. If you do, expect your pieces to remain shiny, strong and have a longer lifespan" - the experts at Liberty added.

For more information, check out the expert-approved guide to jewellery care here: libertylondon.com/uk/features/fashion/jewellery-care-guide