How To Clean Your Jewellery

Know Your Materials First

Before you start cleaning, it’s crucial to understand what your jewellery is made from as each material has different needs:

• Gold & Platinum: Tough and generally tarnish-resistant

• Silver: Can darken over time, especially in damp conditions

• Gemstones :Some, like opals, emeralds, turquoise and pearls are soft or porous and need extra gentle care. Treated stones can also react badly to over-cleaning

• Costume Jewellery: These often have thin plating that can wear off if scrubbed too hard or too often

A Gentle Method for Most Jewellery

If your piece is made from gold or platinum and set with robust stones like diamonds, rubies, or sapphires, this simple method will usually do the trick:

You’ll need:

• A bowl of warm (not hot) water

• A dash of mild washing-up liquid

• A soft toothbrush

• A clean, lint-free or microfibre cloth

What to do:

1. Add a few drops of soap to the water and stir gently

2. Let the jewellery soak for around 10–15 minutes

3. Use the toothbrush to gently clean around and underneath settings

4. Rinse with fresh water (make sure the sink plug is in, just in case!)

5. Dry carefully using your cloth

   
   

Special Care for Pearls & Delicate Gemstones

Porous and soft stones, such as pearls, turquoise, opals and emeralds, should never be soaked or cleaned with harsh chemicals.

• Wipe gently with a damp cloth after wearing

• Lay flat to dry so the string doesn't stretch

• Never use an ultrasonic cleaner as it can crack or damage the surface

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• No toothpaste, it's too abrasive and can scratch surfaces

• No fizzy drinks, acids can eat away at metals and loosen settings

• No ultrasonics for older or delicate pieces, vibrations can damage stones or settings

• No bleach or general household cleaners, they can permanently harm metals and stones

When to Leave It to the Experts

Some items should really be cleaned by a professional. Consider professional help if:

• The piece is antique or significantly tarnished

• It contains fragile settings or high-value stones

• There are loose stones or visible damage

• It hasn’t been cleaned for a very long time

• You are unsure for any reason!

A jeweller can not only clean the piece safely but check the condition and security of the settings too helping to prevent loss or damage in the future.

Smart Storage Tips

• Keep pieces separate to avoid scratching

• Store jewellery away from bathrooms or damp areas

• Always apply products like perfume or hair spray before putting on jewellery

• As a rule of thumb: jewellery should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off

In Short

Keeping your jewellery clean doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right approach, you can safely maintain its shine at home. Just be sure to go gently, know your materials and when in doubt, consult a professional.