Winter is a season of celebration and style, with sparkling holiday lights and cozy outfits, but it can also pose challenges for your fine jewelry. Whether you’re wearing your favorite rings, bracelets, or necklaces for holiday parties or just enjoying your everyday pieces, the winter care is required to keep your jewelry in pristine condition. 

Below we share expert tips on how to properly care for your fine jewelry during winter, ensuring it stays as brilliant and beautiful as ever!

1. Keep Jewelry Away from Harsh Weather

The winter season brings colder temperatures, snow, and often icy conditions. When you’re out in the elements, avoid exposing your fine jewelry to extreme cold and moisture. Gold, silver, and platinum are all vulnerable to changes in temperature, and exposure to water or salt can cause tarnishing and wear over time. Always remove your jewelry before heading out in the snow or rain to protect it from the harsh conditions.

Tip: If you do get caught outside with your jewelry, wipe it down immediately with a soft, dry cloth to remove any moisture or salt residue.

2. Moisturizing and Hand Care

During the winter months, dry air and frequent hand washing can lead to dry skin, which may make your rings, bracelets, and other jewelry pieces feel tight or uncomfortable. Harsh weather conditions can cause your skin to crack, leading to an increased risk of snagging on your jewelry.

Tip: Make sure to apply moisturizer regularly to keep your skin hydrated and avoid discomfort. It’s also a good idea to take off rings when applying lotions or hand creams to avoid buildup on your jewelry.

3. Avoid Jewelry Contact with Harsh Chemicals

The winter season is also a time when people use a variety of chemicals, from hand sanitizers to cleaning products, which can damage your jewelry. Chlorine from hot tubs, swimming pools, or even household cleaners can cause discoloration, pitting, or erosion to your precious metals, and certain products can weaken the stones set in your rings and other pieces.

Tip: Avoid wearing your jewelry when using cleaning products, going for a swim, or applying hand sanitizer. Always take your jewelry off before using harsh chemicals.

4. Store Your Jewelry Properly

When you’re not wearing your fine jewelry, it’s essential to store it in a safe and secure place. The cold temperatures and dry air of winter can cause metal and gemstones to react differently than in warmer months, so be mindful of how you store your pieces.

Tip: Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place—preferably in a jewelry box with individual compartments to keep pieces from rubbing against each other. Use anti-tarnish pouches for silver and gold jewelry to prevent tarnishing, and keep pieces away from direct heat sources, like radiators or fireplaces.

5. Regular Cleaning and Inspection

Winter is a great time to check the condition of your fine jewelry. The colder months mean you’re wearing heavier clothing, which can cause your jewelry to be exposed to more dirt and grime than usual. It’s important to give your pieces a thorough cleaning and inspection to ensure they’re in top shape.

Tip: Use a gentle jewelry cleaner to clean your rings, necklaces, and bracelets at least once a month. If you’re unsure how to clean a specific piece, or if you notice loose stones or worn prongs, take your jewelry to a professional jeweler for a thorough checkup.

6. Protect Your Jewelry During Winter Activities

Winter activities, such as skiing, ice skating, and shoveling snow, require extra attention when wearing jewelry. It’s best to leave your jewelry at home when engaging in physical winter activities to avoid any risk of damage or loss.

Tip: If you’re planning on participating in an activity that might put your jewelry at risk, remove your pieces beforehand. Keep them in a safe place, such as a lockbox or a pouch in your bag, until you’re ready to wear them again.

Conclusion

Taking the extra steps to care for your fine jewelry during the winter months will help preserve its beauty and ensure it lasts for years to come. With proper cleaning, careful storage, and avoiding harsh conditions, your favorite pieces will shine throughout the colder season. 

If you need assistance with jewelry maintenance, cleaning, or repairs, don’t hesitate to visit us at D. Westphal Jewelers. Our expert team is here to help keep your jewelry in perfect condition no matter the season!