Good jewelry should look as good in a year as it does the day it arrives. Most of that comes down to a few easy habits. Here's how to take care of each type of metal, plus the mistakes that wear jewelry down fastest.

First, know what your piece is made of

Different metals need different care. Check the product page if you're not sure.

• Stainless steel: most Rynor necklaces, rings and bracelets. Very durable and highly resistant to tarnish and rust.
• Plated or gold-tone finishes: a thin colored layer over a base metal, like our gold-tone pieces and the brass Bozhi Watch Rings. The finish can wear over time with friction and chemicals.
• 925 sterling silver: pieces like the Rope Chain Necklace and Bali Bracelet. Real silver naturally darkens over time from contact with air and moisture, but it polishes right back.

The 5 habits that matter most

1. Last on, first off. Put jewelry on after lotion, cologne, sunscreen and hair products. Take it off before anything else at the end of the day.
2. Take it off before water. Pools (chlorine), the ocean (salt) and hot tubs are the fastest way to dull a finish. Showering in it adds up too.
3. Take it off for the gym. Sweat, friction and heavy weights scratch and wear down finishes.
4. Dry it right away. If your jewelry gets wet, wipe it with a soft cloth instead of letting it air dry.
5. Store it separately. Keep each piece in its own pouch so chains don't tangle and metals don't scratch each other. Every Rynor piece comes with a jewelry pouch for exactly this.

How to clean stainless steel

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Soak for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, getting into the links.
3. Rinse with clean water and dry completely with a soft cloth.

That's it. Stainless steel is low maintenance, so a quick clean every few weeks keeps it looking new.

How to care for plated and gold-tone pieces

• Clean only with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth.
• Skip harsh cleaners, polishing pastes and scrubbing, which can strip the finish.
• Keep them extra dry. Plated pieces are the ones most likely to fade if they're worn in water or stored somewhere humid.

How to clean sterling silver

• Light tarnish: rub it with a silver polishing cloth. Most darkening wipes right off.
• Heavier tarnish: wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush, dry fully, then polish with the cloth.
• Store it airtight: a small zip-top bag or pouch slows tarnish a lot. An anti-tarnish strip in the bag helps even more.

Fun fact: wearing sterling silver regularly actually helps keep it bright, since gentle friction against skin and clothes polishes it.

Quick care cheat sheet

Take care of your pieces and they'll take care of your fits. Shop Rynor jewelry