Jewelry has long been celebrated as one of the most transformative elements of fashion.
The late style icon Iris Apfel once famously said, “Jewelry is the most transformative thing you can wear.”
From an ornate, gemstone-studded brooch to simple everyday gold hoops, from sentimental heirloom necklaces to playful ‘MOM’-emblazoned rings—every piece deserves to shine at its brightest.
Learning how to clean jewelry properly isn’t just a task; it’s part of taking care of your investments, your memories, and your style expressions.
Whether you’re polishing up an engagement ring or giving your everyday earrings a refresh, maintaining your jewelry the right way ensures they stay dazzling for decades.
Here, experts walk us through how to clean jewelry safely at home and when you might want to leave it to the professionals.
First Things First: Know Your Jewelry’s Material
Before diving into any cleaning method, it’s essential to know exactly what material you’re working with. Is it solid gold or gold-plated? Sterling silver or standard silver? Brass, stainless steel, enamel, resin, gemstones, or pearls?
Each type of material requires different care. For instance, solid gold is durable and tarnish-resistant, while gold-plated items are more delicate and prone to chipping.
Silver needs special attention to prevent tarnish, and natural gems and pearls can be very sensitive to chemicals and heat.
If you’re ever uncertain, check the manufacturer’s instructions; many popular brands like Pandora, Mejuri, and Tiffany & Co. offer specific cleaning guidelines for their pieces.
Expert Tip:
When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of gentle cleaning methods to avoid causing irreversible damage.
Why Does Jewelry Get Dirty?
Understanding what makes jewelry lose its sparkle helps in preventing damage in the first place.
Here are some common culprits:
- Body products: Lotions, perfumes, SPF, and oils can leave a cloudy film.
- Environmental factors: Dust, pollution, and dirt from everyday wear.
- Activities: Swimming (chlorine!), gardening, even exercising can expose jewelry to harsh elements.
- Natural body oils: These accumulate over time, dulling shine.
This is why many experts recommend putting on jewelry after applying lotions, perfume, or makeup.
As Emily Nunns, founder of the British jewelry brand Ballinger, says:
“Always put jewelry on after body products. It will make it much easier to clean later and prevent build-up.”
How Often Should You Clean Jewelry?
“Little and often” is the motto.
If you wear certain pieces daily, it’s advisable to wipe them down two to three times a week with a soft cloth to remove oils and grime. Then, aim for a deeper clean once a month.
A monthly cleaning ritual keeps your jewelry not only looking its best but also prevents buildup from becoming stubborn.
Items You Need:
- A soft microfiber cloth
- Mild dish soap (without bleach or strong fragrances)
- A baby toothbrush (super soft bristles)
- Warm (not hot) water
Important:
Stay away from alcohol-based cleaners unless specified safe for the specific material, as alcohol can dry out and even crack some gemstones.
How to Clean Different Types of Jewelry
Let’s break down expert-approved cleaning methods by material:
1. How to Clean Gold and Gold-Plated Jewelry
Solid Gold:
Solid gold jewelry is relatively low-maintenance. It doesn’t tarnish, but it can still gather dirt.
Cleaning Method:
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into warm water.
- Soak your gold jewelry for a few minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean small crevices.
- Rinse under clean warm water.
- Dry thoroughly and buff with a microfiber cloth.
Gold-Plated Jewelry:
Gold-plated items require extra care since the outer gold layer is delicate and can wear off with aggressive scrubbing.
Important Tips for Gold-Plated:
- No long soaks.
- Use a damp cloth dipped in soapy water to gently wipe.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning and overcleaning.
Expert Note: “Use the softest toothbrush possible—a baby toothbrush works best,” says Nunns. “And dry jewelry thoroughly to avoid water stains.”
2. How to Clean Silver and Sterling Silver Jewelry
Silver is stunning when polished, but unfortunately, it’s prone to tarnishing, especially when exposed to air, humidity, and sunlight.
Cleaning Method:
- Soak silver jewelry in warm, soapy water.
- Gently brush with a soft toothbrush.
- Dry and polish with a microfiber cloth.
For Heavy Tarnish:
- Use a specialized silver polish like Goddard’s Silver Foam.
- Alternatively, make a gentle paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
- Rub gently with a cloth and rinse thoroughly.
Storage Tip:
- Store silver in an anti-tarnish cloth pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent oxidation.
Clare Ngai-Howard, founder of Bonbonwhims, warns:
“Baking soda can be too abrasive sometimes. I prefer using a polishing cloth for sterling silver.”
3. How to Clean Fashion and Costume Jewelry
Fashion jewelry is usually made from less expensive metals like brass, copper, or aluminum. They often use adhesives to set stones, which can be dissolved or damaged by soaking.
Cleaning Method:
- Dip a microfiber cloth into warm, soapy water.
- Gently wipe jewelry without soaking it.
- Wipe again with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue.
- Pat dry and air dry with a towel.
Extra Caution:
Avoid soaking fashion jewelry. Water can loosen glue settings and damage surface coatings.
4. How to Clean Jewelry with Gemstones and Pearls
Gemstones and pearls require delicate care.
Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry:
- Soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes.
- Gently brush dirt, especially behind settings, with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse carefully and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Pearls and Porous Stones (like Opals and Turquoise):
- No soap or chemicals!
- Simply wipe pearls with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water.
- Dry thoroughly.
Important:
“Even slightly warm water can damage pearls. Never soak them,” emphasizes Nunns.
Antique pieces from the Georgian or early Victorian eras require special handling, too.
“Water can seep into closed-back mountings and dull the appearance of old stones,” warns Elizabeth Doyle of antique specialists Doyle & Doyle.
How to Store Jewelry Properly
Proper storage is just as vital as cleaning. Storing your jewelry the wrong way can cause scratches, tarnishing, and even breakage.
Storage Rules:
- Keep each piece separate to avoid tangling and scratching.
- Use lined jewelry boxes, soft pouches, or fabric-lined drawers.
- Keep jewelry cool and dry—avoid humid bathrooms!
- Store pearls flat rather than hanging them to prevent the silk thread from stretching.
Andraya Kenon, founder of Celeste Starre, reminds us:
“Store your pieces separately and out of sunlight if you want them to gleam for a lifetime.”
When Should You Use Professional Jewelry Cleaning Services?
Sometimes, DIY methods just aren’t enough—or aren’t safe.
Here are times to seek professional help:
- If you own antique or heirloom pieces
- If the jewelry features delicate settings or closed-back mountings
- If gemstones are extremely valuable or porous
- If your jewelry needs replating (for example, a faded gold-plated piece)
Many jewelers offer professional ultrasonic cleaning services, polishing, and inspection for structural integrity, especially useful for engagement rings and daily-wear jewelry.
Pro Tip: Have valuable rings checked professionally once a year to ensure stones are secure.
The Art of Jewelry Care
Jewelry carries emotional and monetary value. From celebrating milestones to capturing memories, our jewelry deserves thoughtful, gentle care.
With just a bit of regular maintenance—gentle cleaning, careful storage, and proper handling—your jewelry will continue to sparkle for years and even generations to come.
As Emily Nunns beautifully puts it:
“Jewelry is meant to last a lifetime—and with a little care, it truly can.”
