How to Clean and Store Kids’ Jewellery So It Lasts for Years

Golden-finish jewellery loses its glow for one simple reason: the day’s sweat, lotion and perfume sit on the surface and slowly dull it. It is not a defect, it is just wear. The good news: the shine wipes back, and a five-minute routine keeps a child’s bracelet or pendant looking new for years.

The weekly wipe

After the piece comes off, run a soft cotton cloth over it. Ten seconds. This removes the day’s sweat and lotion before they can dull the finish. An old cotton t-shirt scrap works exactly as well as a branded polishing cloth.

The monthly clean

1. Wipe the piece with a barely damp, soft cloth, then immediately with a dry one.
2. Work a dry soft baby toothbrush gently into crevices and around charms.
3. Let it air out for a few minutes before it goes back in the pouch.

Skip soaking altogether. Golden-finish pieces and pearls do not like sitting in water, and they never need it.

Pearls need their own rule

Pearls are organic, so perfume, hairspray and sanitiser are their enemies. The old jeweller’s rule works: the pearl piece goes on last, after getting ready, and comes off first. Wipe pearls with a dry cloth only.

What never to use

Toothpaste, lemon-and-salt tricks, baking soda and hard brushes all scratch a golden finish. Chlorine is even harsher, which is why the swimming pool is the single worst place for jewellery. Make “jewellery off before swimming” the house rule, and keep it off in the bath too.

Storage is half the battle

Moisture and rubbing are what dull a stored piece. Store each piece in its own small zip pouch with the air pressed out, so it does not tangle or scratch. Keep pouches somewhere dry, not in the bathroom. A stick of blackboard chalk in the jewellery box absorbs moisture for close to nothing.

Do the wipe, the monthly once-over, and the pouch, and a good piece of children’s jewellery will outlast the wrist size, ready to be handed down to the next little one.