Your Questions Answered: Keeping Jewelry Clean During COVID-19

We've been hearing some of the same questions from our customers over the past few months regarding how to best keep yourself (and your jewelry) safe from the coronavirus, and we're going to answer a few of those questions for you today!

What is the best way to make sure the virus isn't on my jewelry?

You've probably heard by now that washing your hands with soap and warm water is one of the best things you can do to lower your risk of getting the coronavirus. Believe it or not, the same guidance applies to your jewelry! We recommend washing your jewelry often with soap and warm water. This is the best way to remove any potential bacteria, viruses, or other germs from your jewelry.

It's important to note that you need to clean your jewelry separate from washing your hands - just washing your hands while wearing your rings won't remove bacteria. We've written up a detailed cleaning guide here - check it out!

Can I use hand sanitizer to clean my jewelry? 

Hand sanitizer is a great product for disinfecting your hands, but it is not a great product for your jewelry. It is safe to use in moderation, but using too much can result in a more dull finish on your rings, watches, and bracelets. What makes hand sanitizer such a great disinfectant for skin is actually what makes it a little risky for jewelry! Hand sanitizer is especially bad for jewelry with gemstones, specifically softer stones like pearls or opals.

If you're going to be out of the house for a long period of time and have to rely on hand sanitizer for hygiene, we'd recommend leaving your jewelry at home.

Should I stop wearing my jewelry?

That is entirely up to you! If you are self-isolating and are only taking necessary trips out of the house, it's probably safe for you to continue wearing your jewelry. If you work in a high-risk, high-contact environment, like a hospital or a grocery store, it may be best to stop wearing jewelry at work and instead only wear it at home.

If you do wear your jewelry out of the house, the most important thing is to develop a regular cleaning routine - maybe let your jewelry soak in a mix of soap and warm water while brushing your teeth each night!

What questions do you have? We'd love to hear from you. Write a comment below and we'll be happy to help you take care of your jewelry.