Many of the memory rings and memorial pendants created at Memory Within contain ashes, hair, fur or other deeply personal inclusions. These are sealed safely within the jewellery, but they do benefit from slightly different care than standard jewellery.
The advice below applies to all jewellery, with a few additional tips for caring for memorial jewellery containing ashes.
Jewellery is often far more than something decorative. Many pieces hold memories, mark milestones, or carry a story that is deeply personal to the wearer. Because of this, looking after your jewellery properly, matters. With the right care, even delicate pieces can be worn and enjoyed for many years.
I’m often asked how jewellery should be cleaned, stored, and maintained. There is a lot of advice online and some of it can actually cause more harm than good.
This guide brings together simple, sensible advice to help you keep your jewellery looking beautiful while avoiding some of the common mistakes that can damage it.
Preventing Jewellery Damage
Most jewellery damage happens during everyday life rather than from anything dramatic.
Small habits can make a big difference in protecting your pieces.
A few simple things I always recommend are:
• Remove jewellery before sleeping, showering or exercising
• Apply perfume, lotions and cosmetics before putting jewellery on
• Avoid contact with household cleaning products or chemicals
• Store jewellery safely and out of reach of small children
Chemicals, moisture and knocks are the three most common causes of damage. Being mindful of these will help prevent many issues before they start.
Checking Your Jewellery for Wear
Even well cared for jewellery will experience wear over time, especially pieces that are worn daily.
It’s a good idea to occasionally check your jewellery for early signs of damage.
Look for:
• Loose stones or worn claws in settings
• Clasps that are no longer closing securely
• Weak or stretched links in chains
• Earring backs that feel loose or bent
• Excess movement in hinged pieces
If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to stop wearing the piece and have it checked by a jeweller. Often a small repair caught early can prevent a much bigger problem later.
How to Store Your Jewellery Properly
Many of us are guilty of taking jewellery off at the end of the day and placing it on a bedside table or dresser.
While convenient, this can lead to scratches, tangling and tarnishing over time.
A few simple storage habits will help protect your jewellery.
Store pieces separately
Different metals can react with each other and chains can easily become tangled. Keeping pieces separated helps prevent both.
Protect delicate pieces
Fine chains, gemstone settings and soft gold jewellery can scratch easily. Wrapping them in a soft pouch or fabric keeps them protected.
Use a lined jewellery box
A good jewellery box with fabric compartments helps keep everything organised and reduces the risk of damage.
Keep chains from tangling
If you often struggle with knotted necklaces, hanging them on a necklace stand or separating them in individual compartments can make life much easier.
How to Prevent Jewellery Tarnishing
Silver jewellery naturally reacts with air and moisture over time, which causes tarnish. This is completely normal and can usually be removed quite easily.
However, there are ways to slow the process.
Before storing jewellery, make sure it is completely dry. Moisture accelerates tarnishing, especially with sterling silver.
Giving jewellery a quick polish with a soft jewellery cloth before putting it away will remove oils and residue from daily wear.
Humidity also plays a role. Storing jewellery somewhere dry and including a small silica gel packet in your jewellery box can help keep moisture levels down.
How to Clean Silver and Gold Jewellery
Cleaning jewellery at home can be very straightforward.
For most pieces, warm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid is perfectly sufficient.
Place the jewellery in the soapy water for a few minutes, then gently clean around settings and small details using a soft toothbrush.
Rinse thoroughly, dry with a soft cloth and finish with a jewellery polishing cloth to restore shine.
A specialist jewellery cloth is one of the safest ways to remove light tarnish from silver without damaging the metal.
If a piece is heavily soiled or has intricate settings that are difficult to reach, a professional clean from a jeweller is always a safe option.
Cleaning Gemstone Jewellery
Gemstones vary enormously in hardness and structure, so they do require a little extra care.
For most stones, gentle cleaning with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth is all that is needed.
Stronger chemical cleaners should only be used if they are specifically suitable for that particular gemstone.
If you are unsure, it’s always best to stick with the gentler option.
Caring for Resin Jewellery
Many pieces of memorial jewellery incorporate resin to protect and seal ashes, hair or other inclusions within the design.
Resin is durable but it does require slightly different care.
The safest way to clean resin jewellery is simply to polish it gently with a soft cloth.
To help protect the finish:
• Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions and household chemicals
• Remove jewellery before showering, bathing or swimming
• Avoid prolonged exposure to very high or very low temperatures
With careful wear, resin jewellery can remain clear and beautiful for many years.
Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Some cleaning methods shared online can actually damage jewellery over time.
It’s best to avoid:
Toothpaste - Although often suggested as a cleaning method, toothpaste is abrasive and can gradually scratch metal surfaces.
Lemon juice - The acidity can damage both metals and certain gemstones.
Harsh chemical dips - These can weaken settings, damage finishes and affect certain stones.
Gentle cleaning methods are almost always the safest option.
How to Care for Memorial Jewellery Containing Ashes
Memorial jewellery is designed to hold something deeply meaningful. Ashes, hair, fur or other inclusions are carefully sealed inside the jewellery so they can be kept close and protected.
With proper care, these pieces can last for many years.
Because memorial jewellery sometimes includes resin or sealed chambers, there are a few additional things to keep in mind.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or jewellery dips, as these can damage both resin and certain finishes.
Ultrasonic cleaners should also be avoided for memorial jewellery, as the vibration may affect delicate settings.
The safest way to clean memorial jewellery is simple.
Use a soft cloth to polish the metal areas and gently remove any surface marks. If the piece contains resin, avoid scrubbing this area and simply polish lightly.
It is also best to remove memorial jewellery before swimming, showering or using cleaning products. While the jewellery is sealed, prolonged exposure to moisture or chemicals may affect the finish over time.
At Memory Within, every memorial piece is carefully sealed and created to be worn and treasured. With thoughtful care, these pieces can continue to hold their memories safely for many years.
Insuring Your Jewellery
For valuable or sentimental pieces, jewellery insurance can provide important peace of mind.
Insurance can protect against loss, theft or accidental damage, particularly for jewellery that is worn frequently.
It’s something many people overlook until after something happens.
A Final Thought .....
Jewellery often holds memories that cannot be replaced. Taking a little time to care for it properly ensures those pieces can be worn and enjoyed for many years.
Simple habits such as careful storage, gentle cleaning and regular checks for wear make all the difference.
And if you are ever unsure about a particular piece, a trusted jeweller will always be happy to help.
Common Questions About Memorial Jewellery Care
Can ashes jewellery get wet?
Memorial jewellery should not be submerged in water for long periods. Occasional splashes are unlikely to cause harm, but showering, swimming or hot baths may gradually affect the finish over time.
Will ashes jewellery tarnish?
The metal of memorial jewellery can tarnish over time, particularly sterling silver. This is completely normal and can easily be removed with a jewellery polishing cloth.
Can memorial jewellery be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided for jewellery containing resin or sealed inclusions, as the vibration may damage the piece.
Can resin memorial jewellery scratch?
Resin is durable if the correct type of resin is used, but as in any precious gems, it can scratch if it comes into contact with rough surfaces. Try to remove your jewellery before activities such as gardening, DIY work, or gym workouts to keep the surface looking its best. We provide a cleaning and refinishing service for Memory Within memorial jewellery on request.
Can memorial jewellery be repaired if it gets damaged?
In many cases, yes. If your jewellery becomes damaged, it may be possible for a jeweller to repair the metal components. Because memorial jewellery contains precious inclusions, it is always best to contact the original maker first for advice. Due to differences in techniques and quality of material used, we unfortunately no longer offer a repair service for memorial jewellery commissioned elsewhere. Resin is not heat tolerant and many jewellers are wary of attempting to resize rings containing resin inclusions. If your Memory Within ring needs resized, please contact us and we will arrange to have your ring resized in our studio.
How long will memorial jewellery last?
With proper care, well made memorial jewellery can last for many years and often becomes a piece that is passed down through families.
Simple habits like removing jewellery during heavy work and cleaning it gently will help preserve it for the future.