Tips for Keeping Your Jewelry Clean
Jewelry is meant to shine, but daily wear can quickly dull that sparkle. Lotions, soaps, oils, and even sweat can leave residue that hides the brilliance of your favorite pieces.
Knowing how to clean jewelry at home keeps your rings, necklaces, and earrings looking as beautiful as the day you got them.
Below are practical steps and expert recommendations from Copeland Jewelers in Austin to help you safely clean gold, silver, and diamond jewelry and understand when professional care is best.
Why It’s Important to Keep Jewelry Clean
Each time you wear jewelry, it comes into contact with oils, lotions, and dust. Even gentle handwashing can leave behind particles that cling to gemstones and metal.
Diamond jewelry is especially prone to this because the carbon structure that gives diamonds their sparkle also attracts oil and dirt, making them lose brilliance over time.
Regular cleaning helps maintain shine and prevents buildup that can loosen stones or weaken clasps. A clean ring or bracelet not only looks better but also lasts longer.
A Note of Caution When Cleaning Jewelry at Home
Home cleaning can keep your jewelry looking beautiful between professional visits, but it’s important to proceed carefully. Not all materials respond the same way to household cleaning methods. Harsh chemicals, rough brushes, or even the wrong temperature of water can cause damage, loosen stones, or remove plating from delicate pieces.
Always confirm the care instructions for your specific metals and gemstones before cleaning. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a jeweler before using any cleaning solution.
Please note that Copeland Jewelers cannot be held responsible for damage caused by at-home cleaning or the use of non-professional cleaning methods. We recommend bringing your jewelry to our store for a safe, professional cleaning and inspection whenever possible.
How to Clean Jewelry at Home
You don’t need expensive equipment to keep your jewelry looking its best. Most pieces can be cleaned with mild products you already have at home.
Step 1: Make a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or hot water that might harm delicate stones.
Step 2: Soak the Jewelry
Let your jewelry sit in the soapy solution for 15–20 minutes. This loosens residue and grime from daily wear.
Step 3: Brush Gently
Use a soft toothbrush to clean around prongs, clasps, and underneath stones. Be gentle, especially with intricate settings or older pieces.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse thoroughly under warm water, and place a strainer or towel in the sink to avoid losing small items. Pat dry with a soft cloth or polishing cloth to bring back the shine.
Cleaning Specific Metals and Gemstones
Different materials require slightly different care methods.
Gold and Diamond Jewelry
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and a splash of household ammonia for a deeper clean. Soak for 10 minutes, brush lightly, and rinse. Avoid prolonged soaking for softer stones set in gold.
Silver Jewelry
To clean silver or sterling silver, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply gently with a cloth and rinse clean. A dedicated silver polishing cloth also works well to remove tarnish. Skip abrasive cleaners that can scratch the metal or wear down silver-plated pieces.
Gemstones and Porous Materials
Weekly Cleaning Routine
For jewelry you wear every day, a quick weekly cleaning keeps buildup under control. Soak pieces in soapy water overnight and rinse in the morning. Regular attention keeps metals bright and prevents discoloration.
Key takeaways:
- Clean frequently worn jewelry once per week.
- Use mild soap and lukewarm water only.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless recommended by your jeweler.
- Store each piece separately to prevent scratches.
When to Get Professional Jewelry Cleaning
Even if you know how to clean jewelry at home, some buildup requires professional tools and expertise. A jeweler can reach hidden areas, inspect settings, and restore your jewelry’s original finish safely.
At Copeland Jewelers in Austin, we perform on-site professional cleaning and inspection. You can stop by without an appointment and often have your pieces cleaned while you wait. Regular professional cleaning every six to twelve months keeps your jewelry secure and radiant.
How to Protect Jewelry Between Cleanings
- Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or exercising.
- Apply perfumes, hairspray, and lotions before putting on your jewelry.
- Check prongs and clasps regularly for looseness.
- Keep jewelry stored in lined boxes or pouches away from sunlight.
Good habits like these reduce the need for frequent deep cleaning and extend the life of your favorite pieces.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clean jewelry properly at home is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment. With just a few household items such as baking soda, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush, you can restore shine and keep your collection sparkling for years.
If your jewelry needs a professional deep clean or inspection, visit your nearest jeweler or Copeland Jewelers if you’re in Austin, Texas. Our experts will safely clean your pieces and ensure every setting is secure before you walk out the door.