At Home Jewelry Cleaning & Care Tips
Air pollution, dirt, and daily wear can dull the surface of your jewelry and cloud the brilliance of gemstones. Regular cleaning and proper care are essential to maintain the shine and beauty of your pieces. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to clean various types of jewelry at home, ensuring they remain in pristine condition. By following these guidelines, you can keep your jewelry looking beautiful and well-maintained for years to come.
Gold & Platinum Jewelry
Gold and platinum jewelry can be easily cleaned at home using a simple mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Soak the pieces for about 5-10 minutes to loosen dirt and grime, then gently scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying special attention to intricate details and settings. Rinse the jewelry under warm running water to remove any soap residue and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Regular cleaning will keep your gold and platinum jewelry looking its best.
Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry can tarnish over time, but regular cleaning can keep it looking shiny and new. Create a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and soak the silver jewelry for about 5-10 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, especially in crevices where tarnish may build up. Rinse under warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. For a final touch, use a silver polishing cloth to remove any remaining tarnish and restore shine. For heavily tarnished pieces, a silver cleaning solution or professional cleaning may be necessary.
Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry
Diamonds and gemstones can lose their brilliance if not properly cleaned. To clean them, mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and soak the jewelry for 5-10 minutes. Gently scrub the gem and its setting with a soft toothbrush, paying special attention to the prongs and underside of the stone. Rinse the jewelry under warm running water and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the gem and its setting.
Alternative Metal Jewelry
Alternative metals, such as meteorite, tantalum, forged carbon, titanium, and tungsten, each have unique care requirements. Meteorite jewelry should be kept dry and occasionally oiled to prevent rust. Tantalum can be cleaned with mild soap and water, then dried thoroughly. Forged carbon and titanium can be cleaned similarly with mild soap, water, and a soft brush. Tungsten is known for its hardness and can be cleaned with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water.
Hardwood Designs
Wood inlays are protected from water and wear with a resin layer, which seals the wood from moisture. However, it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to water and chemicals, and these designs should be removed during harsh activities or in environments that would be potentially damaging to the wood. The delicate nature of natural wood means taking extra care in choosing when to wear your wood pieces to protect them well. To clean, they can be polished to return the hardwood to its original beauty.
Professional Cleaning
Consider professional cleaning for valuable or heavily tarnished pieces, or if the jewelry has intricate settings that are difficult to clean at home. An annual professional cleaning is sufficient for most pieces, though twice a year is recommended for heavily worn jewelry such as engagement rings.
If you own a Brilliant Earth ring, you can get complimentary ring cleanings from one of our jewelry experts at any of our showrooms. We also offer cleaner pens to help you maintain your jewelry between professional cleanings. Our cleaner pens are provided with select purchases and are gentle enough to use on any of your jewelry pieces. The pens are filled with a mild solution and have a brush tip for reaching hard-to-clean places.
Jewelry Insurance
We recommend fine jewelry be covered by a comprehensive insurance policy to provide protection in the event of loss, theft, or damage. Jewelry can be insured through a standalone policy from companies like Lavalier or added to existing homeowner's or renter's insurance.
Jewelry Care Tips
- Store Properly: Keep jewelry in a cool, dry place, preferably in a jewelry box with separate compartments to avoid scratches.
- Insure Valuables: Consider insuring valuable jewelry to protect against loss, theft, or damage. Keep an inventory with photos and appraisals.
- Remove During Activities: Take off jewelry during activities that could expose it to chemicals, abrasives, or impact, such as swimming, cleaning, or exercising.
- Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaning at Home: Ultrasonic cleaners can damage delicate jewelry and loosen stones. It’s best to leave ultrasonic cleaning to professionals.
- Select Metals Wisely: Different metals require varying levels of care. Consider your lifestyle and maintenance preferences when choosing jewelry. Durable metals such as platinum are great for those with active lifestyles.
- Check Settings Regularly: Inspect your jewelry regularly for loose stones or damaged settings and get them repaired promptly.
- Keep Away from Chemicals: Avoid exposing jewelry to household chemicals, perfumes, and lotions, as they can cause damage and discoloration.
- Polish Softly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to polish jewelry and maintain its shine.
- Clean Regularly: Make a habit of cleaning your jewelry regularly to prevent dirt buildup and tarnish.
- Handle with Care: Always handle jewelry gently, especially pieces with delicate gemstones or intricate designs.
Jewelry Cleaning & Care FAQ
How do you clean tarnished jewelry?
To clean tarnished jewelry, use a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and rinse thoroughly. For stubborn tarnish, a commercial jewelry cleaner or professional cleaning may be necessary.
How often should you clean jewelry?
Clean jewelry regularly at home to maintain its appearance. An annual professional cleaning is sufficient for most pieces, though twice a year is recommended for heavily worn jewelry such as engagement rings.
Can you sleep in jewelry?
It's best to remove jewelry before sleeping to prevent damage or tangling. Sleeping in jewelry can cause it to wear out more quickly and increase the risk of breakage.
Can you use baking soda to clean jewelry at home?
Baking soda can be abrasive and is not recommended for cleaning jewelry with delicate settings or soft gemstones. Instead, use mild dish soap and water for a gentler clean.
Can you use dish soap to clean jewelry at home?
Yes, mild dish soap is effective for cleaning most types of jewelry. Mix with warm water, soak the jewelry, and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
What should you not clean jewelry with?
Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or ultrasonic cleaners on delicate jewelry. These can damage the metal and gemstones. Stick to mild dish soap and water for most cleaning needs.
How do you remove scratches from jewelry?
For minor scratches on metal jewelry, use a jewelry polishing cloth designed for the specific metal. For more significant scratches, consider professional polishing or repair services.
How can I prevent my jewelry from tarnishing?
To prevent tarnishing, store jewelry in anti-tarnish pouches or cloths and keep it in a dry, cool environment. Regular cleaning and avoiding exposure to chemicals can also help.
Can I use commercial jewelry cleaners on all types of jewelry?
Commercial jewelry cleaners can be effective but make sure they are suitable for the specific type of metal and gemstones in your jewelry. Always read the labels and instructions before use.
