How to care for gold jewellery in winter – a practical guide

Frost, snow, moisture, but also dry air in heated rooms can have a negative impact on appearance and durability of favourite accessories. Extreme atmospheric conditions can weaken delicate clasps, affect gloss of metals and take the gloss off surface of precious stones. Moreover, in winter we wear gloves, use protective creams, we stay in variable temperatures – all this affects the accessories. In this guide we will answer the questions: does cold weather damage gold jewellery and how to properly care for pearls and diamonds. Get familiar with winter jewellery care tips!

• Does cold weather damage gold jewellery?
• What are the effects of sudden temperature changes?
• Does winter affect diamonds?
• Practical tips: how to care for gold jewellery in winter?
• Caring for pearl jewellery in winter
• Jewellery services vs home remedies – what to choose?

Does cold weather damage gold jewellery?

Frost itself does not damage gold, but low temperatures in combination with moisture, road salt and sudden temperature changes can weaken its structure – especially in points of connections or on thin elements. In longer perspective, this can lead to cracks or loosening of stones embedded in rings or necklaces. Therefore, it is a good idea to take off jewellery before we go out to severe frost or to protect it against contact with adverse atmospheric conditions.

What are the effects of sudden temperature changes?

Although 14-karat gold is a strong alloy, it is worth remembering that its elements – especially thin clasps, stone settings or delicate connections – may be weakened by sudden temperature fluctuations. Cold air, and then quick heating in a room, create stresses that in the long run affect the structure of the metal. 

Therefore, in winter it is worth checking the condition of the jewellery regularly, especially if you wear your favourite gold jewellery with diamonds every day.

Does winter affect diamonds?

Although diamonds are one of the hardest natural minerals, there are not completely immune to the effects of winter weather. Dry air, Frost and sudden temperature changes may affect not so much the stone itself but its setting – metal elements may shrink or expand, which leads to loosening of the setting. In addition, in winter deposit from creams or polluted air accumulates more frequently on the diamond surface, which results in loss of gloss. Regular, delicate cleaning or annual checkup at the jeweller’s will help to maintain a flawless appearance of diamond and golds. It is worth taking care of this, especially in the case of jewellery worn every day, such as engagement rings or classic necklaces with diamond.

Practical tips: how to care for gold jewellery in winter?

Is it worth taking off rings before putting the gloves on? Definitely yes – gloves may catch on protruding elements of jewellery, which threatens to loosen them and even losing the stones. In addition, friction between fabric and metal may take the gloss off 14 karat gold jewellery over time or scratch the stones. It’s best to take off your rings before putting on your gloves – especially those that fit tightly to the hand or those made of wool.

Moreover, always after contact with moisture or snow, it is worth wiping jewellery with a soft microfiber cloth. This type of material does not scratch the surface of metals or stones and effectively removes dirt and deposits. Regular wiping when you get home will help keep your jewellery sparkling.

Caring for pearl jewellery in winter

In winter, pearls are particularly susceptible to drying out due to very dry air in heated rooms. Natural moisture which these organic gems absorb from their surroundings plays an important role in keeping their gloss. To avoid cracking and dulling of pearls, they should be stored in breathable packaging, such as material pouches made of cotton or silk. Avoid keeping pearl pendant necklace in tight plastic boxes or in direct vicinity of heat sources, such as radiators. It might also be a good idea to keep a small air humidifier or a damp cotton pad in the casket to maintain a minimum level of moisture around jewellery.

Also remember to wear a necklace with pearls from time to time – contact with natural moisture of skin helps them maintain their properties and beauty.

Jewellery services vs home remedies – what to choose?

Although regular care for jewellery in home conditions can bring great results, it is worth seeking help from a specialist in some cases. Gold jewellery with diamonds – especially worn every day, such as rings or subtle necklaces – it is worth cleaning every few weeks, especially in winter when deposit from creams, dirt and variable weather conditions affect their appearance. All that is needed is gentle cleaning with warm water and mild soap and a soft brush or a microfiber cloth, which does not scratch the surface.

However, if you notice that the stone has become loose, the metal has become dull despite care or jewellery has great sentimental or material value – it is worth using the professional services of a jeweller. Specialists have ultrasonic cleaners at their disposal, and they will additionally check the condition of the stone settings and they will take care of precise refreshing of every detail. This type of care is recommended at least once a year, and in the case of heavily used rings – even more frequently. This is how you can be sure that your jewellery will please the eye for many winters to come.

Winter jewellery care requires a little more attention, but it’s definitely worth it – appropriate actions allow you to keep not only the gloss, but also durability of favourite accessories for many seasons. Regardless of whether you wear delicate diamond rings, 14-karat gold chains or elegant necklaces with pearl pendants, in winter, it is worth remembering to clean them regularly, store them properly and to protect them against adverse atmospheric conditions. Thanks to this, your jewellery will not only look great every day, but it will also remain unchanged for longer.