Is your cherished jewelry ready to dazzle this holiday season? With six expert-approved cleaning methods, you can make every piece—from diamonds to pearls—shine brighter than ever.
Keeping your collection spotless isn’t just about looks; it’s about preserving memories and value. Here’s how to bring back the brilliance to your favorite accessories.
1. Gold Jewelry
Gold’s timeless appeal requires gentle care to maintain its luster. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water and soak your gold pieces for up to five minutes. Using a soft-bristled brush, gently clean any crevices or settings.
For enhanced results, try using seltzer water instead of plain water when cleaning pieces with precious stones – the carbonation helps loosen trapped debris.
Pro tip: Remove your gold jewelry before using household cleaners or swimming in chlorinated pools, as chemicals can damage or discolor the metal.
2. Silver Jewelry
Silver requires special attention to prevent tarnishing. To create an effective cleaning solution, combine equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
For heavily tarnished pieces, mix 4 oz of white vinegar with 1 oz of baking soda and let the jewelry soak in the foam for about an hour.
Pro tip: Store silver pieces in anti-tarnish bags or clothes to maintain their shine longer.
3. Diamond Jewelry
Diamonds may be the hardest natural material but need proper care to maintain sparkle. To clean diamond pieces, use warm water and mild dish soap with a soft brush.
Avoid touching diamonds frequently, as natural oils from fingers can dull their appearance.
Pro tip: Remove diamond jewelry before applying lotions, hairspray, or perfume, as these products can affect their brilliance.
4. Pearl Jewelry
Due to their delicate nature, pearls require extra gentle care. To clean them, use a new, clean makeup brush with warm water and mild shampoo.
Never soak pearl strands, as this can weaken the threading. After cleaning, lay them flat on a soft cloth to dry completely.
Pro tip: Wipe pearls with a damp cloth immediately after wearing them, as sweat can damage their surface.
5. Gemstone Jewelry
Different gemstones require specific care approaches. Most colored gems can be safely cleaned using warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush.
However, some treated gems may be sensitive to heat and certain cleaning solutions.
Pro tip: Have your gemstone jewelry professionally identified and appraised to determine the safest cleaning method for specific stones.
6. Delicate Jewelry
Gentleness is key when cleaning intricate or delicate pieces. Wash these items in warm, soapy water using a non-abrasive soft brush.
Pay special attention to small details and settings, but avoid applying too much pressure that could damage the piece.
Pro tip: Use a shaved matchstick or toothpick to remove accumulated dirt from hard-to-reach areas carefully.
Remember to rinse all jewelry thoroughly with water at a similar temperature to the cleaning solution to avoid temperature shock. Always dry your pieces with a lint-free cloth and ensure complete drying before storage.
Don’t Miss These:
Hummingbirds Aren’t Just After Nectar—Here’s What They Need
15 Survival Myths That Could Cost You Your Life
Say Goodbye to Leaf Scorch with These 10 Plant Care Tips
17 Plants That Add Beauty & Amazing Scents to Your Yard
DIY Mole Control: Does Dawn Dish Soap Really Work?
Sourdough Starter Basics: Steps to Kickstart Your Bread Journey
15 Ways to Repurpose Supplement & Pill Bottles for Everyday Use
Transform Your Shower Routine with DIY Aromatherapy Steamers
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.