How to Clean Jewelry [Perfect Tutorial]

By Alice Green Mar 17, 2022
How to Clean Jewelry [Perfect Tutorial]

Looking for ways for How to Clean Jewelry Like Pro? And make it shinier…

Many of us appreciate the extra gleam that jewelry provides, whether it's made of gold, silver, or platinum. Whether you choose show-stopping gems or simple metals, a powerful piece can really elevate an outfit, and if it was an investment and works well with your wardrobe, you'll be wearing it a lot. The main drawback is that it might lose its shine over time, and in the case of silver, tarnish. When it comes to putting on your jewelry for the day, a few things are more disheartening than discovering that one of your favorite pieces has lost its luster.

Fortunately, you don't always need to send your jewelry to a professional to clean it, even if the pieces in question are delicate or pricey. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of different cleaning procedures for various types of jewelry, so you can keep your valued assets looking as stunning as the day you received them. Continue reading to learn how to clean jewelry in a simple but efficient manner.

How to Clean Jewelry- Prior Care

Taking care of your jewelry is the greatest method to keep it gleaming. "When not in use, take it off when you get home and arrange each piece on a flat surface," Rachel Fix advises. You should also avoid showering with any piece, regardless of material, and try to stay away from lotions and scents, she advises. This will protect your jewelry's shape and integrity, preventing it from becoming dull and caked-on grime from soap and dirt, among other things. If you follow these instructions, you'll be able to keep your pieces in good condition for longer and make cleaning easier when it's essential.

How to Clean Jewelry- Silver

You'll discover plenty of hacks and promises for cleaning tarnish off silver jewelry if you conduct a fast Google search, but be cautious because some of these treatments may cause more harm than good. It's recommended to avoid items that include harsh chemicals or that are abrasive. "Use a fresh cleaning cloth and gently massage," Fix suggests. "Keep an eye on internet trends. The 'fun' manner isn't always the best for your jewelry."

Use products designed specifically for silver, such as Connoisseurs Silver Wipes, which can add luster while removing tarnish. You might also use a light microfiber cloth, such as Connoisseurs' jewelry polishing cloth, which is composed entirely of natural cotton. Both of these alternatives clean gently and leave a gleaming finish rather than scratches. You can also go old school and keep things very simple. "Your best friend is a soft toothbrush, mild dish soap, and warm water approach," Fix advises. If you're cleaning silver-plated jewelry, take extra precautions to avoid wearing away the finish.

Method using Mild Soap:

  • Warm water with a few drops of dish soap, such as Dawn liquid detergent.
  • Dip a delicate cloth into the soapy solution to clean it.
  • Rub your silver jewelry gently with a delicate cleaning cloth, then rinse with cool water, dry, and buff with another soft cleaning cloth.

How to Clean Jewelry- Gold

A classic appearance can be created with a lovely pair of hoop earrings or a set of bangles that can be worn practically everywhere. Surprisingly, keeping gold jewelry clean may be easier than keeping silver accessories clean. Dirt that has become lodged in the crevices of your bracelets, chains, and earrings can be removed using dish soap. To get rid of any persistent filth, use a baby toothbrush or a soft toothbrush.

Dry your items with a soft cloth, and if you're washing smaller items in the sink, close the drain or place a towel in the bottom. "If gold needs to be polished, don't DIY—take it to a professional jeweler," Fix advises if you've discovered your jewelry needs a refresh beyond washing off the grime.

How to Clean Jewelry- Costume Jewelry

Wipe any smudges or grime away with a cloth dipped in a sudsy solution of dish soap and water, wrung out well, then gently wiped. After that, rinse with plain water and a moist cloth. To prevent moisture from soaking into the setting, pat dries the pieces and lay them upside down. Because stones are frequently glued on rather than set, do not soak costume components in water because the glue may loosen and the "gems" may fall off.

How to Clean Jewelry With Gemstone

It's simple to restore the luster of precious and semi-precious stones set in gold, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. To clean gold, use the same steps as before, but instead of plain water, use a mixture of dish soap and seltzer water. Carbonation helped loosen soil and remove particles trapped in the settings and on the facets

Brush stones and settings with a soft toothbrush before rinsing them in clear water or placing them in a strainer and rinsing them under running water. Dry with a soft cloth and admire the gleam. Tuck a jewelry cleaning wand, such as those from Connoisseurs or Baublerella, in your purse to clean rings and other jewelry with set stones while on the move (or more conveniently at home). Simply twist the thin wand to release the cleaner, then scrub filth and grime away with the gentle brush tip. Rinse well and admire your diamonds' brilliance!

How to Clean Jewelry With Pearls

Pearls collect dust and dirt and quickly lose their shine due to their porous nature. You must clean them with care, whether they are real, cultured, or fake. The first rule is to never wet pearls because this might cause the string to weaken and break.

Start by laying the strand of pearls on a soft cloth to clean them. Using a clean, little cosmetics brush, dip it into a mixture of warm water and mild shampoo. Shake off any excess solution and go over each pearl on all sides. Rinse the pearls with a clean, well-wrung damp cloth to finish. Allow the strand to dry flat to avoid stretching the string. Turquoise and opals benefit from this no-soak treatment as well (which are also porous stones). To make cleaning strands of pearls easier and less tiresome, special pearl care cleaning kits, such as the one below from Town Talk, include tissue sachets of cleanser and a polishing cloth.

Best Jewelry Cleaner- Homemade

Dish Detergent & Warm Water

A few drops of Dawn dish detergent in warm, not hot, water makes the best homemade jewelry cleaning solution.

Allow the piece to soak for a few minutes, or longer if it's really filthy, before gently scrubbing with a new, baby-size, soft toothbrush. Place the object in a new container of lukewarm water to rinse.

Make sure the water isn't too hot or too cold, as some gemstones are sensitive to temperature variations.

You can use a paper towel or an ordinary cloth to dry the piece as long as you don't catch the prongs on the fibers.

Frequently Asked Questions