Store jewelry in individual pouches or in separate compartments in the jewelry boxes, when possible, to prevent scratches or environmental damage. Keep away from harsh chemicals or activities that could dent or scratch it.

Frequent wearing of silver jewelry does prevent a lot of tarnish, but not all; silver must be cleaned occasionally. Many commercial polishes or polishing cloths are excellent; they work best when tarnish first appears and the tarnish layer is thinnest. Silver is considered the most reflective of precious metals, so keeping silver jewelry bright will allow you to show it off at its fullest beauty. Gold and platinum require less, but the occasional thorough cleaning is also a good idea.

Gold-plated or silver-plated jewelry can chip and does wear, so have it replated every few years to keep it looking its best. These soft metals do wear down and there's nothing that can prevent it. Even deep engraving or castings will look a bit weathered after a few decades.

Titanium, tungsten or stainless steel jewelry is best cleaned with a simple soak in warm, soapy water or detergent and wipe down with a soft cloth. Do not use any harsh abrasives on stainless; they can damage its natural protective oxide coat.

If the pieces are set with a gemstone or other adornments, always keep their needs and fragilities in mind when cleaning the setting.