How to Clean Jewelry: Keep Your Pieces Sparkling Safely
Over time, even the most brilliant jewelry begins to lose its luster. Whether it’s a diamond engagement ring, a gold necklace, or a cherished gemstone bracelet, daily wear can cause buildup from skin oils, lotions, dust, and dirt. The good news? You don’t always need professional cleaning to restore your jewelry’s beauty.
At Vermont Gem Lab, we understand that well-cared-for jewelry lasts longer, looks better, and holds its sentimental value. As experts in fine custom jewelry, we’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to clean jewelry at home—safely and effectively—for all major types of metal and stones.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about keeping your favorite pieces radiant for years to come.
Why Cleaning Your Jewelry Matters
Cleaning isn’t just cosmetic—it’s essential for the longevity and integrity of your jewelry.
🧼 Regular Cleaning Helps:
- Maintain sparkle and brilliance
- Prevent scratches from hidden grit
- Protect gemstone settings
- Reduce bacterial buildup
- Preserve resale or heirloom value
By adopting a regular cleaning routine, you ensure your jewelry stays both beautiful and safe to wear.
What Jewelry Can You Clean at Home?
While many pieces can be safely cleaned at home, some require expert care.
✅ Safe to Clean at Home:
- Gold (14K, 18K, and 24K)
- Platinum
- Diamonds
- Hard gemstones (sapphires, rubies, spinel)
- Sterling silver (with caution)
⚠️ Professional Cleaning Recommended:
- Porous gems (opal, turquoise, pearls)
- Vintage or antique jewelry
- Jewelry with loose settings
- Intricate pave-set or micro-set pieces
If you're unsure whether your piece is safe to clean at home, reach out to us at Vermont Gem Lab—we’re happy to guide you.
What You’ll Need to Clean Jewelry at Home
Before you begin, gather these gentle cleaning supplies:
🧰 Basic Jewelry Cleaning Kit:
- Mild dish soap (like Dawn)
- Lukewarm water
- Soft toothbrush (baby toothbrush works best)
- Microfiber cloth or lint-free towel
- Small bowl
- Soft polishing cloth (for silver or gold)
Avoid household cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or toothpaste, which can damage delicate finishes and stones.
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
Gold is durable, but it can get dull from lotions, sweat, and skin oils.
Steps:
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
- Soak gold jewelry for 10–15 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse under lukewarm water.
- Pat dry with a microfiber cloth and let air dry fully.
💡 Pro Tip:
Polish with a gold-specific cloth to restore shine—but avoid over-polishing, especially for 18K gold.
How to Clean Diamond Jewelry
Diamonds may be the hardest gemstone—but they still need gentle care to maintain their fire and sparkle.
Steps:
- Create a warm soap solution (mild dish soap + water).
- Soak diamond jewelry for 20–30 minutes.
- Gently brush around the prongs and under the setting.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth.
✨ Extra Tip:
To restore brilliance between deep cleans, wipe diamonds with a clean alcohol wipe (avoid acetone).
How to Clean Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver tarnishes with time due to exposure to air, sulfur, and moisture.
Steps:
- Mix a mild soap solution with warm water.
- Gently scrub with a soft brush.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Buff with a silver polishing cloth.
❌ Avoid:
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda
- Harsh chemical dips (unless certified for silver)
💡 For heavy tarnish:
Use a silver cleaning paste designed for fine jewelry, or have it professionally cleaned.
How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry
Gemstones vary greatly in hardness and porosity. Use caution and avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners unless advised.
General Rule for Hard Gemstones (Sapphires, Rubies, Spinel):
- Mix mild soap with lukewarm water.
- Soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Gently brush and rinse.
- Pat dry with a clean cloth.
For Delicate or Porous Stones (Opal, Emerald, Pearl, Turquoise):
- Avoid soaking
- Use a damp cloth to gently wipe
- Never use ultrasonic or steam
- Let dry on a soft towel
Still unsure about your stone? Contact Vermont Gem Lab—our gemologists are happy to advise.
How Often Should You Clean Your Jewelry?
Your cleaning routine should depend on how often you wear each piece.
| Type of Jewelry | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Daily wear rings | Weekly or bi-weekly |
| Earrings & bracelets | Bi-weekly to monthly |
| Necklaces | Monthly |
| Special occasion | After each use |
| Silver jewelry | Monthly or when tarnished |
In addition to home care, have your fine jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected every 6–12 months to check for wear or loose stones.
Common Jewelry Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when cleaning your jewelry.
❌ Don’t:
- Use toothpaste (abrasive)
- Use boiling water (can crack gems)
- Use ultrasonic cleaners without knowing stone durability
- Soak porous or antique pieces
- Use bleach, ammonia, or acetone
If your jewelry includes mixed materials (e.g., diamond and pearl), treat it with the gentleness required by the most delicate component.
Should You Use a Jewelry Cleaning Machine?
Ultrasonic cleaners can be helpful but aren’t safe for all pieces.
✅ Good for:
- Solid gold
- Platinum
- Diamonds
- Sapphires, rubies
❌ Not safe for:
- Opals, emeralds, pearls, and turquoise
- Vintage/antique jewelry
- Jewelry with loose settings
Before using a machine, consult with a professional like the gemologists at Vermont Gem Lab.
What About Jewelry Insurance & Care Plans?
Cleaning is only one part of protecting your jewelry. If your pieces are valuable or sentimental, consider:
- Jewelry insurance
- Scheduled maintenance
- Annual professional inspections
These steps ensure your treasures stay secure, shining, and wearable for life.
Expert Jewelry Cleaning with Vermont Gem Lab
Sometimes, nothing beats a professional deep clean—especially for heirlooms or intricate designs.
At Vermont Gem Lab, we offer:
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaning (stone-safe)
- Professional polishing
- Prong and clasp inspection
- Gemstone tightening
- Antique jewelry preservation
We restore brilliance without risking your jewelry’s structural integrity. It’s all done in-house by expert jewelers and certified gemologists.
Final Thoughts: Care, Clean, Cherish
Jewelry is meant to be worn, celebrated, and enjoyed—but it needs a little love to stay beautiful. By following these cleaning methods and avoiding harsh chemicals, you’ll protect your investment and ensure every piece shines for years to come.
Whether it’s an engagement ring, a custom bracelet, or a gemstone necklace, cleaning your jewelry is an act of love and respect—for your style, your story, and your memories.
To browse our handcrafted fine jewelry and learn how we design heirlooms that last, please visit Vermont Gem Lab.
If you'd like to view examples of clean, well-loved jewelry from real clients, or get inspiration for your next custom piece, take a look at our Gallery.
Curious about how our design and care process works? Learn how we combine ethics, artistry, and gemology in every piece by exploring our custom design process.