Perfume, Lotion and Jewellery: What to Avoid

If a diamond looks dull, the most likely reason is not the stone. It is a film of the products we put on our skin and hair every day. Understanding what they do helps you keep your jewellery bright.

The golden rule: jewellery goes on last

Apply perfume, lotion, sunscreen and hairspray first. Let them dry. Then put your jewellery on. This one habit avoids most problems.

What each product does

• Lotions and creams: leave an oily film on metal and stones. Diamonds attract grease, and the film dulls their sparkle.
• Perfume: contains alcohol and oils. Spraying directly on jewellery can leave a residue and, over time, dull a finish.
• Hairspray: forms a sticky film that traps dirt, and can leave a dull coating.
• Sunscreen: often oily, with similar effects to lotion.
• Makeup and powder: can lodge in settings.
• Hand sanitiser: the alcohol can leave a film, and repeated use dulls finishes.

Chemicals that harm the metal

• Bleach and chlorine: can damage gold alloys and solder.
• Strong cleaners and solvents: can affect finishes and plating.
• Hair dye and colour treatments: can stain and affect metal.

Take jewellery off before using these. See jewellery and water: bathing, swimming and the gym.

Pearls and soft stones

Pearls and many coloured gemstones are especially sensitive to cosmetics, acids and alcohol. They should be put on last and wiped after wearing.

What about perfume on skin where jewellery sits?

Dab perfume on areas away from where pieces rest, such as the inner elbows or behind the knees, and not on the neck where a pendant will lie.

After wearing

Wipe each piece with a soft, clean cloth to remove oils and residue. This takes seconds. Then store it separately. See how to store diamond and gold jewellery.

If a film has built up

Clean the piece with warm water and mild soap. See how to clean diamond jewellery at home and how to clean gold jewellery at home. If the dullness remains, see why a diamond looks cloudy and how to fix it.

A routine for getting ready

1. Shower and dry.
2. Apply lotion and sunscreen.
3. Style hair and apply makeup.
4. Spray perfume and let it dry.
5. Put on jewellery.

Skin reactions

If your skin reacts to a piece, the cause may be the metal or a product trapped under it. See skin sensitivity and jewellery metals explained.

Common questions

Is it harmful to spray perfume on a diamond? It will not harm the diamond, but it leaves a film and can affect the metal.

Can I wear a ring while applying hand cream? It is better to take it off, or clean it afterwards.

What about hand sanitiser? Use it sparingly with rings, and wipe the ring afterwards.

Home remedies and quick fixes

If you notice a film building up between cleans, a damp, soft cloth wiped over the stone and metal will lift most of it. Avoid using tissue, which can leave fibres and scratch. Keep a small cloth in the pouch or box with the piece, so the wipe becomes part of putting it away.

Keep it bright

A few habits keep jewellery looking new. If you would like a professional clean, book an appointment, or browse our diamond earrings and pendants.