How Do You Clean Jewelry: An Easy-To-Follow Guide
Jewelry is meant to shine, but let’s be honest — most of us don’t realize how dull our pieces have gotten until we hold them up to something brand new. That gold bracelet that used to gleam? Now it looks a little… tired. The diamond ring that caught the light just right? Cloudy. And don’t even start on silver jewelry — tarnish seems to creep up overnight.
We’ve all been there. No one buys a beautiful piece of jewelry thinking about how to clean it, but over time, oils, perfumes, and even the air start working against it. The good news? Bringing back that original sparkle is easier than you think — if you know what you’re doing.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about keeping your jewelry looking as stunning as the day you got it.
Why You Should Clean Jewelry
Jewelry is constantly exposed to body oils, lotion, soap, perfume, sweat, and dust — and over time, these build up, making metals dull and gemstones cloudy. If jewelry isn’t cleaned regularly, it doesn’t just lose its shine — it can also weaken settings, trap bacteria, and wear down the metal itself.
Here’s why regular cleaning matters:
1. Keeps Gold and Silver Looking Luxurious
Gold jewelry (whether solid gold or gold-plated jewelry) loses its glow when covered in oils and residue.
Sterling silver and other silver pieces tarnish quickly when exposed to air and moisture.
A diamond ring won’t sparkle if dirt and product buildup block light from passing through the stone.
2. Protects Gemstones and Settings
Dirt buildup in prongs and crevices makes stones more likely to loosen or fall out.
Soft stones (like opals and turquoise) can absorb moisture and become damaged if not properly dried.
Hard gemstones, like diamonds and sapphires, lose their brilliance when coated in grime.
3. Prevents Bacteria Buildup
Rings and earrings — especially pieces worn daily — trap bacteria and sweat, which can cause skin irritation.
Dirt and oils that collect on jewelry can make sensitive skin break out or react to metals.
4. Extends the Life of Your Jewelry
Regular cleaning with a soft toothbrush, warm water, and a few drops of dish soap removes buildup before it becomes a problem.
For silver jewelry, using a lint-free cloth or polishing cloth prevents tarnish from settling in.
A DIY method with baking soda, hot water, and aluminum foil can clean silver jewelry and remove tarnish without causing damage.
5. Helps Avoid Expensive Repairs
Tarnish left for too long can permanently damage silver jewelry.
Water trapped under stones can cause moisture damage to soft stones and plated jewelry.
A professional jeweler can restore gold jewelry, clean gemstones safely, and check for loose settings before stones fall out.
How To Clean Different Kinds of Jewelry
Not all jewelry is created equal, and trust us — learning that the hard way is not fun.
Jewelry with Gemstones
If your jewelry has diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, the good news is they’re pretty tough. They can handle a deeper clean to get rid of built-up grime.
Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
Let the jewelry soak for about 5 minutes.
Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub around the settings and under the stones.
Rinse with cool water and buff dry with a lint-free cloth.
For softer stones like opals, emeralds, or turquoise, skip the scrubbing and just wipe them down with a microfiber cloth dampened with soapy water.
Jewelry with Pearls
Pearls are beautiful but ridiculously delicate. They absorb oils and perfume, and over time, that can leave them looking dull and lifeless.
Wipe After Each Wear: Gently wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils, perspiration, and dirt. This prevents buildup and preserves their shine.
Never soak pearls. Instead, dampen a soft cloth with mild shampoo and warm water, then carefully wipe each pearl.
Lay them flat to air dry — never hang them, or the silk thread holding them together can stretch.
Store them in a fabric-lined jewelry box, separate from other pieces to prevent scratching.
If the pearls are in a dry environment, you can apply a little bit of olive oil to a white cotton cloth and wipe the pearls with it once or twice a year. Some believe olive oil helps maintain moisture in pearls, preventing them from drying out.
Tarnished Jewelry (Silver and Gold-Plated Pieces)
There’s nothing worse than pulling out a favourite silver piece and realizing it’s turned an unflattering shade of grey. Tarnish happens when silver reacts with air, but luckily, it’s reversible. Follow these steps to clean tarnished jewelry:
Line a small bowl with aluminum foil and add baking soda with hot water.
Drop in your silver jewelry and let it sit for a few minutes. The tarnish will literally lift away.
Rinse with cool water and buff dry with a polishing cloth.
For gold-plated jewelry, the key is not to over-clean — too much rubbing can wear away the plating. Stick to a soft cloth to wipe off oils and fingerprints.
Costume Jewelry
We love costume jewelry, but let’s be real — it doesn’t always age well. Since these pieces usually have glued-in stones and plated finishes, they need extra care.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away dirt and dust.
If needed, dip a cotton swab in dish liquid and warm water to clean detailed areas.
Dry immediately with a soft cloth — never let it sit wet, or the plating can wear off.
How To Clean Jewelry Using Different Cleaners
Hot Water
For gold jewelry and hard gemstones, a soak in hot water can loosen dirt and grime. But avoid this for anything with pearls, opals, or glue-set stones — the heat can cause damage.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is magic when it comes to cleaning silver jewelry.
Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently rub it onto tarnished areas.
Rinse and buff dry with a lint-free cloth.
Dish Soap
This is the safest all-purpose method for cleaning gold, silver, and gemstone jewelry.
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and soak the jewelry for a few minutes.
Gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse, and air dry flat.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste works for silver, but it’s risky — too abrasive for gold or soft gemstones. If using, pick a non-gel formula, rub gently, and rinse thoroughly.
How Often You Should Clean Jewelry
Everyday pieces (diamond rings, wedding bands, bracelets): Once a week
Gold and silver worn often: Every 2–4 weeks
Costume jewelry: Wipe after each wear
Pearls and delicate stones: Every few months
Tips for Cleaning Jewelry
What You Should Do
Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth after each use to keep pieces looking fresh.
Store jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and tarnish.
Buff dry after cleaning to avoid water spots.
What To Avoid
Vinegar, lemon juice, and harsh chemicals — they strip metal finishes and can damage gemstones
Rubbing alcohol — weakens adhesives in costume jewelry
Hot tubs and pools — chlorine destroys gold plating and weakens stone settings
Tips for Keeping Your Jewelry Clean
Remove jewelry before showering or swimming to prevent buildup and tarnish.
Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight — some gemstones fade over time.
Give pieces a quick wipe before putting them away to keep them looking pristine.
When To Have Professional Jewelry Cleaning
Sometimes, no amount of home cleaning will bring jewelry back to its original brilliance. That’s when it’s time to take it to a professional jeweler.
Jewelers use ultrasonic machines, steam cleaners, and professional polishing to restore jewelry to its best condition. If a diamond ring still looks cloudy after cleaning, or if settings seem loose, a jeweler can assess and restore it properly.
Jewelry that benefits from professional cleaning:
Diamond rings — to remove built-up oils and residue
Platinum & white gold pieces — to restore their bright finish
Antique jewelry — delicate settings need expert handling
Conclusion
Jewelry is meant to last a lifetime, but only if it’s taken care of. Whether it’s a solid gold bracelet, sterling silver necklace, or costume pieces, the right cleaning method will keep it looking flawless.
For timeless pieces that deserve expert care, explore Arte Oro — where craftsmanship meets luxury.