Jewelry gets dirty faster than most people realize. Lotion, soap, sunscreen, skin oils, and everyday grime build up behind stones and in the crevices of settings. The result is dull diamonds, dingy gold, and tarnished silver. The good news: most jewelry can be cleaned safely at home with simple supplies. The bad news: the wrong cleaning method can damage some pieces permanently.
This guide explains how to clean each type of jewelry safely, what to avoid, and when a professional cleaning is the better choice.
What You'll Need
- A small bowl of warm (not hot) water
- Mild, dye-free dish soap
- A soft toothbrush (an extra-soft baby toothbrush works well)
- A lint-free microfiber or jewelry cloth
- A soft towel to work over (and a sink stopper)
Always work over a towel or with the sink drain closed. Many lost stones and earrings have disappeared down a drain during home cleaning.
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
- Soak in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Gently brush with a soft toothbrush, paying attention to crevices.
- Rinse in clean warm water.
- Pat dry and buff with a soft cloth.
This works for yellow, white, and rose gold. Avoid abrasive powders or toothpaste, which can scratch gold.
How to Clean Diamond Jewelry
Diamonds attract oil and grease, which is why they get cloudy quickly.
- Soak in warm soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Brush gently, especially under the stone and around the prongs, where buildup hides.
- Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.
While cleaning, check that stones don't move and prongs aren't bent. If anything looks loose, stop wearing the piece and have it checked.
How to Clean Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to air and sulfur compounds.
- For light tarnish, use a silver polishing cloth.
- For heavier tarnish, wash with mild soap and water, dry thoroughly, then polish with a silver cloth.
- Avoid harsh dips on silver pieces with gemstones, oxidized (intentionally darkened) details, or pearls.
Store silver in anti-tarnish bags or lined boxes to slow tarnish.
How to Clean Pearls
Pearls are soft and sensitive.
- Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing.
- Lay flat to dry.
- Never soak pearls, use ultrasonic cleaners, or use chemical cleaners.
See our pearl care guidance.
How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry
Gemstones vary in hardness and sensitivity:
- Sapphires and rubies - durable; warm soapy water and a soft brush are fine.
- Emeralds - often treated with oils; avoid soaking, heat, and ultrasonic cleaners. Wipe gently.
- Opals - avoid soaking and chemicals; wipe with a damp cloth.
- Turquoise, coral, and other porous stones - wipe gently; avoid soaking and chemicals.
- Tanzanite - avoid ultrasonic cleaners and heat.
When in doubt, wipe gently and ask a jeweler.
How to Clean Watches
- Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- Use a soft brush on metal bracelets to remove buildup between links.
- Don't submerge a watch unless you know it's water resistant and the crown is closed.
- Leather straps should be kept dry.
What Not to Use on Jewelry
- Bleach and chlorine - can weaken and damage gold alloys.
- Toothpaste - abrasive; scratches metal.
- Baking soda pastes - abrasive on many surfaces.
- Vinegar or lemon juice - can damage pearls, porous stones, and some metals.
- Paper towels and tissues - can scratch fine finishes.
- Ultrasonic cleaners on fragile pieces - can loosen stones and damage soft or treated gems.
Are At-Home Ultrasonic Cleaners Safe?
Ultrasonic cleaners can be effective for solid gold and diamond jewelry in good condition. They can also shake loose stones that are already slightly loose, and they're unsafe for pearls, emeralds, opals, and many other gems. If you use one, inspect your jewelry first and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
How Often Should You Clean Jewelry?
- Daily-wear rings - a quick home cleaning every week or two keeps them bright.
- Earrings and necklaces - clean when they look dull.
- Pearls - wipe after each wear.
- Professional cleaning - periodically, and whenever something looks loose or damaged.
Why Professional Jewelry Cleaning Still Matters
Home cleaning maintains shine, but a professional cleaning offers more:
- Deep cleaning of hard-to-reach areas with professional equipment
- Steam cleaning where safe
- Inspection under magnification for loose stones, worn prongs, and weak clasps
- Polishing to remove surface scratches when requested
The inspection is the most valuable part. Catching a worn prong early can prevent a lost stone. Learn about our jewelry repair and maintenance.
Preventing Buildup
- Put jewelry on after lotion, sunscreen, perfume, and hairspray.
- Remove rings before cooking, cleaning, and gardening.
- Take off jewelry before swimming and hot tubs.
- Store pieces separately.
More ideas in our jewelry care tips.
Professional Jewelry Cleaning in Mesa
Brilliant Jewelry is a fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler at 1237 S Val Vista Dr Ste 204, Mesa, AZ 85204. Bring in your rings, necklaces, and watches for cleaning and an inspection, and we'll let you know if anything needs attention.
Book a jewelry cleaning and inspection or call or text (480) 331-8652.