Jewelry is beautiful, meaningful — and it deserves care. Whether it’s gold, silver, diamonds, or delicate pieces like pearls, keeping your jewelry clean helps it shine and last longer. Here’s an easy guide on how to clean different types of jewelry safely at home.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry
Gold comes in different purities, like 24ct, 18ct, or 9ct. The higher the carat, the purer (and softer) the gold. While 24ct gold doesn’t tarnish, it can scratch easily. Lower carats, like 18ct or 9ct, are stronger because they’re mixed with other metals — but they can tarnish over time.
To clean gold jewelry
- Mix a little washing-up liquid with warm water.
- Soak the jewelry for a few minutes.
- Gently clean with a soft cloth or a soft brush (like a baby toothbrush).
- Rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid
Harsh or abrasive products — gold is a soft metal and needs gentle care
Cleaning Diamond Jewelry
Diamonds are very hard, but they still need careful cleaning to stay sparkly. Dirt, oil, and dust can make them look dull — and even the oil from your fingers can affect their shine.
To clean diamond jewelry
Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush.
Gently scrub, especially in small crevices where grease builds up.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid
Harsh chemicals like household cleaners
Products like hairspray, perfume, and lotion (they can leave a residue)
Tip
Try not to touch your diamonds too often — this helps keep them cleaner for longer.
Cleaning Silver Jewelry
Silver naturally tarnishes over time due to a reaction with sulphur in the air. This makes it look darker, but the silver itself isn’t damaged.
To clean silver jewelry
Soak in warm soapy water.
Gently clean with a soft cloth or non-abrasive brush.
Rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth.
To prevent tarnish
Store silver in airtight containers, away from sunlight and humidity.
Wear it often — surprisingly, regular use helps slow down tarnishing.
Cleaning Delicate and Pearl Jewelry
Delicate jewelry needs extra care. Most can still be cleaned using:
Warm water with a bit of mild soap. A soft, non-abrasive brush.
A gentle rinse and air-dry on a soft towel.
Pearls need even gentler treatment: Wipe with a damp cotton cloth
If needed, use lukewarm water with a very small amount of mild soap
Never soak them in water — it can weaken the silk thread. Let them dry naturally on a towel. Avoid vinegar or acids — they damage the pearl surface.
Tip: Wearing your pearls helps them stay hydrated and shiny, thanks to natural oils from your skin.
How to Store Jewelry?
Proper storage helps your jewelry stay clean and untarnished. Here are a few tips:
- Use a jewelry box that keeps pieces separate and protected from dust, moisture, and sunlight.
- Don’t let pieces touch each other — metals and stones can scratch.
- If possible, store each piece in its original box.