Most people assume jewellery is damaged by something dramatic – dropping a ring down a drain or catching a necklace on a door handle. In reality, jewellers often see the opposite. The biggest culprit is everyday life.
The little things can soon add up. A splash of bleach while cleaning the bathroom, carrying heavy shopping bags, digging over the garden or gripping gym equipment can all leave their mark. None of them is likely to ruin a ring overnight, but over months and years they can dull gemstones, scratch precious metals or loosen stone settings.
If you wear your jewellery every day, these are the habits worth thinking about.
What everyday things can damage jewellery?
Hand sanitiser and frequent hand washing
Few of us leave home without hand sanitiser these days, yet regular use can leave a residue on gemstones that gradually dulls their sparkle. Soap can also collect underneath settings where it isn't always visible. If your diamond looks lifeless, it may simply need a proper clean rather than professional polishing.
Read: Guide to cleaning jewellery & care.
Household cleaning products
Many cleaning products are tougher than people realise. Bleach and chlorine-based cleaners can affect some precious metals, while Pearls and Opals are particularly vulnerable to harsh chemicals. Taking your rings off before cleaning only takes a few seconds and could save an expensive repair.
Swimming pools and hot tubs
Ever noticed how a ring feels looser after swimming? Cold water makes fingers contract, making it much easier for jewellery to slip off unnoticed. Chlorinated water isn't ideal either, especially if jewellery is exposed to it regularly.
Gardening
There's hardly a worse place for a ring than a flower bed. Soil packs into settings, stones and tools scratch precious metals, and gloves have a habit of catching on claws.
Going to the gym
Gold is softer than many people expect. Grip a barbell or rowing handle often enough and repeated pressure can slowly alter the shape of a ring or weaken the claws holding a gemstone. Leaving valuable jewellery at home is usually the safest option.
Lotions, sunscreen and perfume
Hand cream, perfume and sunscreen can leave a film on jewellery and may not be suitable for some more delicate stones. This build-up can also make jewellery look dull over time. Putting your jewellery on after your skincare routine is a simple habit that can help keep it looking brighter.
Carrying heavy shopping bags
This catches many people by surprise. Thin carrier bag handles can put a surprising amount of pressure on a ring, particularly softer gold bands. It's another example of tiny amounts of wear building up over time.
DIY and home improvements
Whether you're decorating, putting together flat-pack furniture or repairing a fence, tools and jewellery rarely mix well. One slip with a screwdriver is enough to scratch a ring, while repeated knocks can loosen settings without you noticing.
Storing jewellery together
Open many jewellery boxes and you'll find chains, rings and earrings all jumbled together. Diamonds are hard enough to scratch other gemstones and precious metals, so storing pieces separately is well worth the effort. Our blog How should you store jewellery to prevent damage goes into this in more depth.
Ignoring loose settings
Jewellery usually gives a warning before a stone falls out. Perhaps it catches on a jumper, the stone moves slightly, or you hear a faint rattle. Those small signs are easy to dismiss, but they are often the difference between a simple repair and replacing a lost gemstone.
Does insurance cover accidental damage to jewellery?
It depends on the policy.
Some home insurance policies include limited cover for jewellery, often subject to single-item limits and exclusions, particularly when items are worn away from home.
At Assetsure, our specialist jewellery insurance can cover accidental loss and damage worldwide, subject to the policy terms and conditions. There is normally no excess to pay in the event of a successful claim and, because the jewellery is insured under a separate policy, a claim under your Assetsure jewellery policy won't form part of your home insurance claims history.
Before arranging insurance, always read the policy wording carefully to make sure the cover meets your individual needs – or please contact us for a no-obligation discussion on 0208 0033 190. You may be interested in: What chemicals and activities can damage your jewellery.
