What’s Normal Wear and Tear for Jewelry — and What’s Not

Jewelry isn’t meant to sit in a glass box; it’s meant to be worn. Whether it’s your engagement ring and wedding band, the chain and pendant you wear daily, or the diamond stud earrings you save for special occasions, your favorite pieces will naturally experience some wear and tear.

But how much wear and tear is normal? And what kind of issues should you be concerned about? We'll go into this in depth, so you know when it’s time to take your jewelry in to be examined by a jeweler.

The Harsh Reality 

If you’re like most people and keep your jewelry on throughout the day, it’s exposed to everything you do—washing your hands, applying lotion, hitting the gym, running errands, or cooking dinner. Over time, this can cause metal to wear down, prongs to bend, clasps to thin, and stones to lose their sparkle. These are all normal signs of wear for well-loved jewelry.

That said, there are some things that rise beyond normal wear and can be considered damage. How are you to know the difference? Read on.

Normal Wear and Tear 

Let’s start with what’s considered normal—the changes you may notice in your jewelry over time with regular wear. 

1. Metal Patina and Minor Scratches

Over time, one of the most common things people notice about their jewelry is a change in the appearance of the metal. Gold, silver, and platinum will all develop scratches and a little bit of dullness with use. In the jewelry industry, this is referred to as a patina, and many people actually love the slightly matte look it gives to a piece of jewelry.  

Rings and bracelets are most prone to patina because they are constantly being rubbed up against different surfaces. This is entirely normal and expected with jewelry that is worn often. If you prefer a shiny finish, you can certainly have your jewelry polished–preferably by a skilled jeweler.

2. Fading of Rhodium Plating (White Gold)

If you own white gold jewelry, you probably know that it has a natural yellowish tint, which is why it’s typically plated with rhodium to achieve its bright white finish. Over time, this plating can wear off—how quickly depends on your skin chemistry and the thickness of the plating—and will eventually need to be reapplied. It’s not a very expensive task and most people need to re-plate their white gold every 12 to 18 months with daily wear. This is normal wear and tear for white gold. 

3. Loosening of Clasps and Hinges

Jewelry with moving parts, such as clasps or hinges, tends to wear out faster than pieces without them. Over time, these components can become thin, stiff, or even stop opening and closing properly. This too is normal and can be addressed by a jeweler. Clasps can be replaced and hinges can be repaired. If you notice any of these issues with your jewelry, it’s best not to wear it until you can have it fixed. Such issues could result in you losing your favorite piece. 

4. Dulling of Gemstones 

If you notice that your diamonds or colored gemstones aren’t quite as sparkly as they once were, this is also due to normal wear and tear. These stones are being exposed to all types of lotions, soaps, and other chemicals. As the residue builds up on a stone, it can appear less vibrant. This can often be fixed by a quick home clean with warm water, a mild soap, and a toothbrush. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, most jewelers can perform an ultrasonic and steam clean while you wait. For delicate stones like opal or pearl, it’s best to leave cleaning to professionals to avoid the risk of damage.

What’s Not Normal 

Now that you have a good understanding of what to expect when it comes to normal jewelry wear, we can talk about what’s not normal. Here's what to look for so you know it's time to take your jewelry in for repair. 

1. Bent Bands

Unless a ring was intentionally designed with an unusual shape, it should maintain its round form regardless of how many years it’s been worn. If your ring is starting to change shape and become oval or flattened, it was likely damaged, accidentally knocked, or squeezed. This type of damage can lead to cracks in the ring and put stress on the stone settings, which may loosen prongs and increase the risk of losing a stone. If you notice this with any of your rings, please stop wearing them until you can take them in for repair. 

2. Loose or Missing Stones

Noticing a missing stone in your ring can be alarming—and it’s a clear sign of damage, not normal wear. A stone can fall out for several reasons, most often from the ring being struck hard or a prong snagging on something and breaking. We recommend getting your daily wear rings evaluated every 6 months to catch any thin prongs or loose stones before they get lost. Prongs can be rebuilt and tightened. If lost, stones can also be replaced. 

3. Cracks in Metal

As mentioned earlier, scratches are a normal part of jewelry wear, but visible cracks in the metal are not. Cracks usually indicate the piece has been subjected to stress—such as being knocked, dropped, or squeezed too hard. A crack can jeopardize the integrity of the jewelry and really needs to be addressed as soon as possible by a jeweler. 

Risky Jewelry Habits

There are many habits that are risky and can lead to jewelry damage. Here’s a quick list of what to avoid:

• Wearing rings to the gym

• Sleeping in jewelry

• Wearing jewelry in pools or hot tubs

• Showering in jewelry 

• Cleaning or doing yard work in jewelry 

How to Extend the Life of Your Jewelry

There are also some simple ways to keep your jewelry safe and minimize the chance of serious damage. These are our top recommendations:

• Schedule regular cleanings and checkups

• Store pieces properly

• Be smart about when you wear it

Final Thoughts

Jewelry is made to be worn, but it can definitely be damaged if not handled carefully. Normal wear and tear is expected with jewelry, but it’s important to recognize the difference between everyday signs of use and actual damage. If you spot a red flag, don’t panic—most issues can be repaired by a reputable jeweler. With proper care and attention, your jewelry can last for many years, and if you’re ever unsure, your local jeweler is the best resource for guidance.