How to Clean Your Jewelry & Ensure It Stays Sparkling

Your jewelry isn’t just something pretty to wear—it reflects who you are! Whether it’s a special family piece or something you bought recently, taking care of it is important. 

From diamonds to costume jewelry, here are some tips to make sure your precious jewelry stays sparkling. 

How to Clean Diamonds

Cleaning diamonds at home is a simple process that requires only a few supplies and steps:

Supplies

• A small bowl
• Warm water
• Mild dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals or detergents)
• Soft-bristled toothbrush (an old, unused toothbrush works well)
• Lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth or jewelry polishing cloth)

Steps

1. Prepare the cleaning solution: Fill the bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Soak the diamond: Submerge the diamond jewelry in the soapy water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt or grime.
3. Scrub gently: Using the soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the diamond and its setting. Pay attention to the back of the diamond, as this is where dirt tends to accumulate.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the diamond under warm running water to remove any soap residue.
5. Dry and polish: Pat the diamond dry with a lint-free cloth. You can also use the cloth to gently polish the diamond and restore its shine.

Additional Tips

• Clean your diamond jewelry regularly to keep it sparkling.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the diamond or its setting.
• If your diamond jewelry has intricate settings or delicate gemstones, consider taking it to a professional jeweler for cleaning.
• You can also purchase a commercial jewelry cleaning solution, but be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for diamonds.

How to Clean Gold Jewelry

Cleaning gold jewelry at home is easy and requires only a few household items. Here’s how:

Supplies

• Bowl
• Warm water
• Mild dish soap (avoid harsh chemicals or detergents)
• Ammonia (optional, for tougher grime)
• Soft cloth (microfiber or jewelry polishing cloth)

Steps

1. Create a Cleaning Solution: Fill the bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. For heavily tarnished gold, add a teaspoon of ammonia.
2. Soak the Jewelry: Submerge your gold jewelry in the solution and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt or grime.
3. Gently Scrub: Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the jewelry, paying attention to crevices and engravings. Avoid using a toothbrush, as bristles can scratch the gold.
4. Rinse: Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under warm running water to remove any soap or ammonia residue.
5. Dry and Polish: Gently pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth, then buff it to a shine with a jewelry polishing cloth.

Additional Tips

• Clean your gold jewelry regularly to prevent tarnish buildup.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the gold.
• If your gold jewelry has gemstones, consult a professional jeweler for cleaning, as some gemstones require special care.
• Store your gold jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to minimize tarnishing.

How to Clean Pearls

Cleaning pearls requires a gentle approach to preserve their delicate luster. Here’s how:

Supplies

• Two soft, lint-free cloths (microfiber or chamois cloth)
• Mild soap (baby shampoo or a specialized pearl cleaner)
• Distilled water (tap water can contain minerals that can damage pearls)
• Bowl

Steps

1. Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild soap with lukewarm distilled water in a bowl. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the pearls’ nacre.
2. Dampen Cloth: Dip one of the soft cloths into the soapy water and wring it out until it’s damp but not dripping.
3. Wipe Pearls Gently: Gently wipe each pearl individually with the damp cloth. Use a circular motion and avoid rubbing too hard, as this can scratch the surface.
4. Rinse: Wet the second cloth with clean distilled water and wring it out. Gently wipe each pearl again to remove any soap residue.
5. Air Dry: Lay the pearls on a clean, dry cloth and allow them to air dry completely before wearing or storing. Avoid using a hairdryer or direct sunlight, as this can damage the pearls.

Additional Tips

• Clean your pearls after each wearing to remove any body oils or perfumes that can dull their luster.
• Never soak pearls in water, as this can weaken the silk thread they are often strung on.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasives, or ultrasonic cleaners on pearls.
• If your pearls have stubborn stains or yellowing, consult a professional jeweler for cleaning.

How to Clean Silver Jewelry

Cleaning silver jewelry requires a different approach compared to other gemstones due to its tendency to tarnish. Here’s a safe and effective method:

Supplies

• Aluminum foil
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Boiling water
• Bowl (heat-resistant)
• Soft cloth (microfiber or jewelry polishing cloth)

Steps

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Line the bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Add 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon salt to the bowl.
2. Add Boiling Water: Pour boiling water into the bowl, enough to cover the jewelry. The water will react with the aluminum foil, creating a chemical reaction that helps remove tarnish from the silver.
3. Submerge the Jewelry: Place your silver jewelry in the bowl, making sure it’s in contact with the aluminum foil. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
4. Observe the Reaction: You’ll notice the tarnish transferring from the silver to the aluminum foil. The water may turn slightly cloudy or yellowish.
5. Rinse and Dry: After soaking, carefully remove the jewelry from the bowl and rinse it thoroughly under warm running water. Gently dry the jewelry with a soft cloth, buffing it to a shine.

Additional Tips

• This method is best for cleaning sterling silver jewelry. Avoid using it on silver-plated items, as it can damage the plating.
• For heavily tarnished silver, you may need to repeat the process or soak it for a longer duration.
• If your silver jewelry has intricate designs or gemstones, be extra gentle during cleaning to avoid damaging them.
• To prevent tarnish, store your silver jewelry in an airtight container or anti-tarnish bags.

How to Clean Costume Jewelry

Cleaning costume jewelry requires a gentle touch to avoid damaging the delicate materials and finishes. Here’s a simple and effective method:

Supplies

• Mild dish soap (or baby shampoo)
• Warm water
• Soft toothbrush (old or unused)
• Soft cloth (microfiber or jewelry polishing cloth)
• Cotton swabs

Steps

1. Prepare Soapy Water: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or baby shampoo. Swirl the water gently to create a soapy solution.
2. Dip and Scrub: Dip the toothbrush into the soapy water and gently scrub the jewelry, paying attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas. For delicate pieces, use a cotton swab dipped in soapy water.
3. Rinse: Rinse the jewelry under cool running water to remove any soap residue. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the jewelry.
4. Dry: Pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can scratch the surface. You can also air dry the jewelry on a clean towel.
5. Polish (Optional): If the jewelry is dull, you can gently polish it with a soft cloth. Avoid using commercial jewelry cleaners, as they can be too harsh for costume jewelry.

Additional Tips

• Clean costume jewelry regularly to prevent tarnishing and maintain its shine.
• Avoid soaking costume jewelry in water, as this can damage the glue that holds the pieces together.
• If your costume jewelry has gemstones or other embellishments, be extra gentle during cleaning to avoid damaging them.
• Store costume jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.

A regular cleaning routine, using the appropriate techniques and tools, will help to remove dirt, grime, and tarnish and prevent damage to your jewelry. Always handle your jewelry with care, and when in doubt, consult with a professional jeweler to ensure that you are using the best practices for maintaining your precious stones and metals.

Nancy Maffia

Author & Editor | + posts

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.

• Nancy Maffia

  https://thenatureofhome.com/author/nancy-maffia/

  Why Your Cat Won’t Stop Meowing—and How to Fix It
• Nancy Maffia

  https://thenatureofhome.com/author/nancy-maffia/

  Craft Your Signature Scent with a DIY Essential Oil Perfume
• Nancy Maffia

  https://thenatureofhome.com/author/nancy-maffia/

  You’re Probably Burning Candles Wrong—Here’s How to Fix It
• Nancy Maffia

  https://thenatureofhome.com/author/nancy-maffia/

  Say Goodbye to Bad Smells with These 15 Natural Hacks