How to Clean and Care for Your Jewelry

Your jewelry is an investment—whether it’s a family heirloom, an engagement ring, or a favorite pair of earrings. Proper cleaning and care can keep your pieces sparkling for years (or even generations!). In this guide, we’ll cover professional cleaning methods, storage tips, and maintenance tricks for different types of jewelry.

1. General Jewelry Care Tips
Before diving into specific cleaning methods, follow these universal rules to protect your jewelry:

✅ Remove jewelry before:

Showering, swimming (chlorine damages metals!)

Applying lotion, perfume, or hairspray

Working out (sweat and friction can harm gems)

✅ Store properly:

Use a soft-lined jewelry box or individual pouches

Keep chains untangled by hanging or laying flat

Store diamonds separately to prevent scratches

✅ Regular maintenance:

Check prongs and clasps every 6 months

Get professional cleanings once a year

2. How to Clean Different Types of Jewelry
💍 Diamond Jewelry
Best for: Engagement rings, diamond earrings, tennis bracelets.
What to use:

Mild dish soap + warm water

Soft toothbrush (baby toothbrushes work great!)

Ammonia solution (1 part ammonia + 6 parts water for deep cleaning)

Steps:

Soak for 15-20 minutes.

Gently scrub with a toothbrush (focus on the back of stones where dirt hides).

Rinse under warm water.

Dry with a lint-free cloth.

🚫 Avoid: Bleach, harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners if the diamond has fractures.

🌊 Pearl Jewelry
Best for: Pearl necklaces, earrings, vintage pieces.
What to use:

Damp microfiber cloth

Mild soap (if needed)

Steps:

Wipe gently with a damp cloth.

Let air dry completely before storing.

🚫 Avoid: Submerging in water (weakens the silk thread), harsh cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners.

🌟 Gold Jewelry (Solid & Plated)
Best for: Chains, rings, bracelets.
What to use:

Warm water + mild soap

Baking soda paste (for tarnish on solid gold)

Steps:

Soak for 10 minutes.

Scrub gently with a soft brush.

Rinse and dry.

🚫 Avoid: Abrasive materials (can scratch gold plating).

⚪ Silver Jewelry
Best for: Sterling silver rings, bracelets, necklaces.
What to use:

Silver polishing cloth

Baking soda + aluminum foil hack (for tarnish)

Steps:

Line a bowl with aluminum foil.

Add 1 tbsp baking soda + 1 cup boiling water.

Soak jewelry for 5-10 seconds, then rinse.

🚫 Avoid: Over-polishing (can wear down silver).

💎 Gemstone Jewelry (Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, etc.)
Best for: Colored stone rings, pendants.
What to use:

Mild soap + water (for most gems)

Soft cloth

🚫 Be careful with:

Emeralds (porous—avoid water & ultrasonic)

Opals (can crack if dried too quickly)

Turquoise (sensitive to chemicals)

3. DIY Jewelry Cleaning Solutions
✨ Sparkle Solution for Diamonds & Gold
1 cup warm water

1 tsp mild dish soap

1 tsp ammonia (optional for extra shine)

🛡️ Anti-Tarnish Dip for Silver
1 cup hot water

1 tbsp baking soda

1 tbsp salt

Piece of aluminum foil

4. When to Take Jewelry to a Professional
Even with proper care, some issues require expert help:
🔧 Loose stones (don’t risk losing them!)
🔧 Broken clasps or prongs
🔧 Severe tarnish or scratches
🔧 Pearl re-stringing (every few years)

5. Storing Jewelry the Right Way
Anti-tarnish strips – Keep in your jewelry box.

Silica gel packets – Prevent moisture damage.

Separate compartments – Prevent scratches.