Before you start
- Mild washing-up liquid
- A bowl of warm water
- A soft toothbrush
- Lint-free or microfibre cloths
- A silver polishing cloth (for silver)
Method 1 Clean gold, platinum and hard gemstones
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Step 1: Make a gentle solution
Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid.
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Step 2: Soak
Soak gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires and rubies for 15–20 minutes to loosen dirt, lotion and soap build-up.
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Step 3: Brush gently
Use a soft toothbrush to clean around the stone settings and the back of the stone, where dirt dulls the sparkle.
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Step 4: Rinse and dry
Rinse in a bowl of clean water (not over an open drain) and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Method 2 Clean silver and remove tarnish
Don’t use toothpaste or baking soda scrubs on silver; they are abrasive and leave fine scratches.
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Step 1: Wash first
Clean silver in warm soapy water as above to remove dirt, then dry.
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Step 2: Polish with a silver cloth
Rub gently with a silver polishing cloth in straight, back-and-forth motions, using a clean part of the cloth as it darkens.
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Step 3: Use silver polish for heavy tarnish
For heavier tarnish, use a silver polish made for jewellery, following the instructions. Avoid getting it on gemstones.
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Step 4: Leave oxidised details
Some silver designs are darkened on purpose in the grooves. Polish only the raised areas.
Method 3 Clean delicate and porous stones
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Step 1: Know the delicate ones
Pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise, coral, amber and lapis are soft or porous and can be damaged by soaking, heat and chemicals.
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Step 2: Wipe only
Wipe them with a soft cloth dampened with plain water, then let them dry flat.
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Step 3: Care for pearls
Wipe pearls after each wear. Never hang a pearl necklace to dry, as it stretches the silk thread. Have pearls restrung every few years if worn often.
Method 4 Clean costume and plated jewellery
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Step 1: Wipe gently
Use a cloth dampened with a little soapy water, then a dry cloth. Many stones in costume jewellery are glued in, and soaking dissolves the glue.
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Step 2: Don’t scrub plating
Gold-plated and silver-plated pieces have a thin layer that wears off with polishing. Use only a soft cloth.
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Step 3: Dry immediately
Moisture causes rust and discolouration on base metals.
Method 5 Store and protect your jewellery
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Step 1: Store separately
Keep pieces in separate pouches or compartments so harder stones like diamonds don’t scratch softer metals and gems.
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Step 2: Keep it dry
Store away from bathrooms. Anti-tarnish strips or a bag of silica gel help silver stay bright.
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Step 3: Put it on last, take it off first
Put jewellery on after perfume, hairspray and lotion, and remove it before swimming, cleaning, exercise and sleep.
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Step 4: Check settings
Every few months, check that stones don’t move in their settings. A jeweller can tighten prongs before you lose a stone.
Troubleshooting
My ring still looks cloudy
Lotion and soap build up behind the stone. Soak a little longer and brush the back of the setting.
My silver turns black quickly
Humidity and sulphur in the air cause tarnish. Wear silver often (skin oils help), and store it in an airtight bag with an anti-tarnish strip.
My skin turns green under a ring
This is a harmless reaction between copper in the metal and sweat. Keep the ring clean and dry, or coat the inside with clear nail varnish.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my jewellery?
Wipe everyday pieces weekly and give them a deeper clean every month or two.
Can I clean jewellery with vinegar?
It’s best avoided. Acids can damage pearls, porous stones and some metals.
Are ultrasonic cleaners safe?
For solid gold or platinum with diamonds, usually yes. Not for pearls, opals, emeralds, treated or glued stones.
Summary
Soak gold, platinum and hard stones in warm water with mild washing-up liquid, brush gently and dry. Polish silver with a silver cloth, wipe pearls and porous stones with a damp cloth only, and never soak costume jewellery. Store pieces separately and dry, and put jewellery on after cosmetics.
