From precious heirlooms to costume pieces, keep everything in good shape with these simple steps.

It’s a good idea to wash your hands before putting on earrings or cleaning them.

Most metal, plastic, and hard gemstones can be safely cleaned with a warm soapy solution.

cleaning-earrings-GettyImages-1340367481

Photo:Kwangmoozaa/Getty Images

On the other hand, soft gemstones, like pearls and opals, should never be soaked in water.

Tips to Keep Your Earrings Looking Great