Proper care and cleaning are essential to maintaining the beauty, value, and longevity of your jewelry. Whether it's solid gold, sterling silver, plated pieces, or gemstone settings, every material has specific needs. This guide will help you understand how to protect your jewelry from tarnish, scratches, and everyday damage — and keep it shining like new.
Why to Care Jewelry
- Preserves shine and brilliance
- Prevents tarnish, oxidation, and dullness
- Extends the life of delicate metals and gemstones
- Protects from unnecessary wear and tear
General Jewelry Care Tips
- Remove jewelry during household chores or workouts.
Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, sweat, and abrasives. - Apply perfumes, lotions, and cosmetics before putting on jewelry.
These products can build up and dull metals and stones. - Avoid contact with water — especially hot tubs, pools, or salt water — which can accelerate tarnishing and damage.
- Store jewelry separately in soft pouches or boxes to avoid scratches, especially for softer metals or plated pieces.
How to Clean Jewelry by Material
Clean Gold (14K, 18K, Solid Gold) Jewelry
- Use a mild solution of warm water and dish soap.
- Soak for 10–15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Avoid abrasive pastes or acidic cleaners.
Clean 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry
- Polish with a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish.
- For deeper cleaning, use a silver-specific cleaner or a baking soda paste.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to air and moisture; store in anti-tarnish bags.
Clean Gold Plated / Silver Plated Jewelry
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after each use.
- Avoid any abrasive or chemical cleaners that may strip the plating.
- Keep away from perfumes, sprays, and lotions.
Clean Gemstone Jewelry (e.g., CZ, Amethyst, Sapphire) Jewelry
- Use lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap.
- Gently clean around the stone with a soft brush.
- Avoid soaking porous or soft stones (like pearls or opals).
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners for delicate or treated gems.
Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Rinse and dry completely to avoid water spots.
- For stubborn buildup, a paste of baking soda and water can be used sparingly.
Storage & Daily Maintenance
- Avoid tangled chains or scratched surfaces by storing jewelry separately.
- Keep your collection in a dry, cool environment away from sunlight and humidity.
- Use anti-tarnish strips or silica packets inside jewelry boxes to control moisture.
- Periodically inspect clasps, settings, and stones to catch issues early.
Professional Cleaning Tips
- For high-value or intricate jewelry, have it professionally cleaned once a year.
- ewelers can also check for loose stones, worn prongs, or weakened clasps.
- Avoid DIY polishing with tools unless specifically designed for your metal or stone.
FAQ — Jewelry Cleaning & Care
Q1: How often should I clean my jewelry?
A: Lightly worn items should be cleaned once a month; daily-wear items like rings may need weekly cleaning.
Q2: Can I clean jewelry with toothpaste or baking soda?
A: Toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch metals and stones. Baking soda should be used with caution and never on soft gems.
Q3: How do I prevent tarnish on silver jewelry?
A: Keep silver dry, store in airtight bags, and use anti-tarnish strips.
Q4: Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner at home?
A: Only for certain hard stones and metals (like diamonds or platinum). Avoid for soft, porous, or treated gemstones.