How to Properly Care for Fashion Jewelry to Make It Last Longer

(A Guide You Can Share with Your Customers)

Fashion jewelry is designed to be fun, affordable, and stylish—but unlike fine jewelry, it needs a little extra care to stay beautiful over time. Whether it’s gold-plated brass or stainless steel, how your customers treat their jewelry makes all the difference in how long it will last.

As a boutique owner, helping your clients understand how to care for their pieces can reduce returns, increase satisfaction, and build trust in your brand. Here’s a simple guide you can share with your staff and customers alike.

💦 1. Keep Jewelry Dry

Moisture is the #1 enemy of fashion jewelry—especially gold-plated pieces. Water, sweat, and humidity can cause tarnishing, fading, or even green discoloration on the skin.

What to tell your customers:

“Always remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, or working out. Store it somewhere dry and avoid getting it wet.”

🧴 2. Avoid Contact with Chemicals

Perfume, lotion, hairspray, sunscreen, and even hand sanitizer can break down the plating or cause metal reactions.

Pro tip:

“Jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.”

🛍️ 3. Store It Properly

Tossing jewelry into a drawer or leaving it on the bathroom counter can shorten its lifespan. Encourage your customers to store their pieces individually to prevent scratching and tarnishing.

Best practice:

• Use small zip bags or soft pouches

• Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight

• Avoid storing in the bathroom

✨ 4. Clean It Gently

If a piece needs a refresh, don’t scrub or soak it. Instead:

• Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth (like a glasses cloth)

• Avoid jewelry cleaners unless they’re specifically designed for fashion jewelry

🔁 5. Rotate Often

Fashion jewelry isn’t designed to be worn every single day for years. It’s best treated like clothing—rotated and styled based on mood or occasion.

Let your customers know:

“Think of your fashion jewelry like your favorite shoes—amazing for many wears, but not every day for five years straight.”

🧡 BONUS: Care Cards Build Trust

Want fewer complaints and happier customers? Include a care card with each purchase or post a sign near your display. A simple reminder helps set expectations and shows that your boutique truly cares about product quality.

At Renaissance Inc., we’re proud to offer stylish, high-quality pieces at accessible prices—but we also know that proper care is key. If you’d like ready-to-print care cards or display signage, we’re happy to send you branded versions you can use in-store.

Let’s help your customers love their jewelry—longer!