Jewelry Care 101 – How to Keep Your Favorite Pieces Looking Like New

Your jewelry tells a story — and like any great story, it deserves to shine.

Whether it’s your favorite lacrosse bracelet or a pendant you wear for every match, a little regular care keeps your jewelry looking brilliant season after season.

Most of our pieces at AthleticJewelry.com are made from sterling silver, chosen for its lasting beauty and timeless strength. And with just a few simple steps (plus a couple of natural tricks), you can protect your pieces without harsh chemicals or fussy routines.

Why Jewelry Care Matters

Let’s face it — athletic jewelry sees action. Sweat, sunscreen, air exposure, even the wrong storage — they all affect how your silver looks over time.

Caring for your jewelry doesn’t just protect your investment.
It honors the memories you’ve made with it — and keeps it ready for whatever moment comes next.

Basic Sterling Silver Jewelry Care Tips (Yes, These Work)

1. Remove before working out, swimming, or showering.
   Sweat and moisture speed up tarnish, especially with sterling silver. But if you want to sport your game day glam…
    
2. Wipe it down after wear.
   Use a soft, dry microfiber or jewelry cloth to remove oils and residue.
    
3. Store it smart.
   Keep pieces in a cool, dry spot — ideally in individual pouches or a lined box.
   Bonus: Include anti-tarnish strips for your silver.
    
4. Skip the harsh chemicals.
   Perfume, hairspray, chlorine, even lotion can react with silver and dull its shine.
   
   Even the best care won’t always keep your jewelry sparkling like new. Here’s some easy ways to regain that shine.

Natural & Sustainable Care Hacks

Want to clean your jewelry without harsh store-bought chemicals? These home remedies are gentle, effective, and great for sterling silver — especially when you want to keep things clean and green.
 

Method 1: Baking Soda + Water Paste

You’ll need:

• 2 tsp baking soda
   
• 1 tsp water

How to Use It:

1. Mix into a thick paste
    
2. Apply with a soft cloth or toothbrush
    
3. Gently rub in circles
    
4. Rinse and pat dry (don’t air dry)

✅ Great for light tarnish

Method 2: Aluminum Foil + Baking Soda + Hot Water

You’ll need:

• 1 glass bowl, lined with aluminum foil (shiny side up)
  
  1 tbsp baking soda
   
• 1 cup hot water
   

How to Use It:

1. Add baking soda and water to foil-lined bowl
    
2. Place jewelry inside, touching foil
    
3. Let sit 2–5 minutes
4. Rinse and pat dry

✅ Great for moderate tarnish

Method 3: Vinegar + Baking Soda Soak

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
   
• 2 tbsp baking soda
   

How to Use It:

1. Mix in a glass bowl (it will fizz)
    
2. Soak jewelry 2–3 hours
    
3. Rinse and dry thoroughly
    

 ✅ Great for heavy tarnish 

Please Note: We tried Method 2 on the tarnished necklace pictured at the top of the blog post, but much of the tarnish remained. We then used Method 3 and let it sit in the solution for 2 hours. The transformation was incredible. The clasp still needs a little work. As a follow-up we will try this method again. We should also mention that before trying these methods we tried a jewelry cleaner that had no effect on the piece whatsoever. 👍 for Method 3, which worked on our badly tarnished necklace here!

🚫 Avoid: using these methods on jewelry with glued-in stones or delicate finishes — stick with a soft cloth in those cases.

Final Jewelry Care Tip: Wear It Often!

Here’s something most people don’t know — sterling silver stays cleaner when it’s worn regularly. Natural skin oils actually help prevent tarnish. So don’t save your jewelry for special occasions — make it part of your everyday style.

Want More Tips?

Every piece in our Athletic Jewelry collection is designed to shine through real life — from daily routines to big wins.

For sport-specific care or sizing guides, check out:

• How to Find the Right Ring Size
• What to Wear on Game Day (That Shows Team Spirit)