Jewelry holds a special place in our hearts, whether it’s adorned with precious gemstones and metals or is a more budget-friendly piece. Keeping your jewelry in top condition requires proper cleaning and storage techniques. This guide covers how to clean various types of jewelry, including gold, silver, stainless steel, gemstones, pearls, and costume pieces.
How to Clean Silver Jewelry and Remove Tarnish
Silver jewelry can easily regain its shine with a simple homemade paste. Mix water and baking soda to form a paste, apply it with a soft cloth, and gently rub in circular motions to remove tarnish. For heavier tarnish, non-gel toothpaste works wonders. Rinse with water and dry immediately.
Cleaning Gold and Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold jewelry is known for its resistance to tarnishing, making it easy to clean with warm, soapy water. For gold-plated pieces, extra care is needed to prevent damage to the thin gold coating. Soak in warm soapy water, scrub gently with a toothbrush, and buff dry with a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry
Stainless steel, a durable and cost-effective metal, is easily cleaned with a soak in warm soapy water, a rinse, and a quick buff with a microfiber cloth. For heavily soiled jewelry, use a baking soda paste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Cleaning Pearl Jewelry
Pearls require gentle cleaning to maintain their luster. Wipe each pearl with a soapy solution, avoiding saturation of the thread for necklaces or bracelets. Rinse and air-dry flat on a clean towel.
Cleaning Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry
Diamonds and hard gemstones can be soaked in warm, soapy water and brushed with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid harsh cleaners like ammonia and chlorine bleach.
How to Clean Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry can be wiped with a soft cloth for a quick clean. For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with a mild dishwashing liquid solution. Air-dry the piece.
7 Best Tips to Keep Jewelry Clean
- Clean jewelry promptly when it starts to look dull.
- Avoid wearing jewelry in the shower, overnight, or in chlorinated water.
- Store jewelry in soft cloth bags to prevent scratches and dust.
- Put on jewelry last after applying makeup and hair products.
- Remove jewelry when applying hand lotion and allow it to dry.
- Wipe away body soil and smudges before storing jewelry.
- Have valuable and sentimental jewelry professionally cleaned and checked yearly.