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What Should I Know About Cleaning Jewelry?

J. Harbin
J. Harbin

The most important things to know about cleaning jewelry are usually related to what sort of piece you’re cleaning, what tools you’ll need, and what you can do to protect against damage. Some of this is little more than common sense, but it also tends to require a bit of research and planning. Cleaning a diamond if often a bit different from polishing tarnished silver, for instance, and different chemicals and abrasives can be safe for one type of metal or stone but very damaging for another. Most experts recommend that you start off very simply, usually with a dry cloth or soft brush, then proceed to water and mild soap. Depending on what you’re working with some solvents and chemical cleaners can be used after this point, but it’s usually a good idea to start really slowly and be sure to give things a chance to dry completely before trying something new. Spending a little bit of time planning out your cleaning session and coming up with a strategy and an order for your approach is one of the best ways to be sure that you end up with jewelry that is both polished and undamaged.

Helpful Tools

Dish soap can be used to clean jewelry.
Dish soap can be used to clean jewelry.

Getting your tools together is a good place to start. Some items that may be helpful include mild dish soap, a clean toothbrush, a soft dry cloth, and a lint-free cloth like microfiber. Some experts also recommend a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner, but a lot of this depends on what exactly you’re working with. This sort of product can be purchased from many jewelers as well as some drug stores.

A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be used to clean some types of jewelry.
A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be used to clean some types of jewelry.

In almost all cases you’ll want to start just by washing, drying, and buffing your piece with clear water and clean cloths or brushes, so having these tools readily available will make things easier. The gentler the touch the better so as to protect the surface from scratches or other pressure marks.

Thinking About Chemicals

It is important not to subject jewelry to unnecessary chemicals or abrasive substances, particularly not before you’ve tried less intensive options. Some home remedy experts recommend using toothpaste or certain baking soda solutions for cleaning jewelry, particularly metal, but this isn’t usually something that professionals say is a good idea. The chemicals in these and other at-home products can cause surface-level damage like fine scratches. These aren’t always visible, at least not always immediately, though they can wear the piece down over time. A non-chemical way of cleaning jewelry is simply with a polishing or silver cloth. This method does take a little more time and effort but in most cases your jewelry will stay brighter for a longer period of time.

Protect and Inspect

Some people use baking soda as a mild abrasive to clean jewelry.
Some people use baking soda as a mild abrasive to clean jewelry.

Before you get started, it’s usually also a good idea to look over your jewelry to make sure that all clasps and prongs are secure. If you notice any cracks or weak spots, you’ll want to use extra caution, since these could be weakened even further if you use much pressure in the course of your cleaning. Composite pieces — which include basically any sort of jewelry made up of more than just one substance — may require extra care, too. If you’re worried about damaging a stone or particular setting, covering it with a cloth or loose plastic while you clean the rest can sometimes help.

Know Your Stone

Pearls should be carefully cleaned with a damp, soft cloth.
Pearls should be carefully cleaned with a damp, soft cloth.

Different stones have different needs and tolerances, and knowing what you’re dealing with before you get started can save a lot of headache later on. For instance, it’s not recommended to ever put porous stones such as pearls, turquoise or gemstones in a jewelry cleaning solution, even one described as “mild” or “nonabrasive.” These stones may soak up the solution, which could corrupt them from the inside. Instead, rub the jewelry with a damp soft cloth.

A baking soda solution can be used for cleaning.
A baking soda solution can be used for cleaning.

Diamonds can also present some special concerns. When cleaning these stones, it is usually recommended that you first dip the diamond in vodka or rubbing alcohol to dissolve the grease that has built up over time, though just a few minutes is usually all that you need. Diamonds are notoriously durable, but they can be scratched or dulled with misuse. When in doubt, have these stones professionally cleaned.

Considerations for Metal

Some jewelry cleaners operate using ultrasound.
Some jewelry cleaners operate using ultrasound.

Knowing a little bit about your metal and its characteristics can also improve your results. When cleaning silver, the best method is usually to cover the piece with a professional non-abrasive silver jewelry cleaner. Experts usually advise clients to work the polish into the metal with a soft cloth and buff out the stains, then wipe off any excess with a lint-free cloth until it is shiny. The more you wear silver jewelry, the longer it maintains its luster. When it’s not being worn, it can be stored in a plastic bag to slow down oxidation, the reaction with atmospheric oxygen that causes tarnishing.

First try a dry cloth or soft brush to clean diamonds, before moving on to water and mild soap.
First try a dry cloth or soft brush to clean diamonds, before moving on to water and mild soap.

Gold usually requires a slightly milder and gentler approach due to its malleability. Professional jewelers often recommend soaking the jewelry in two cups (about 0.47 liters) of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. After 15 minutes, rinse the jewelry in warm running water and buff dry with a lint-free cloth until it is shiny. It’s really important not to use harsh abrasives on this sort of metal to prevent scratching.

Diamonds are generally durable but can become dull or scratched.
Diamonds are generally durable but can become dull or scratched.

When cleaning jewelry made of copper, a solution of lime or lemon juice with a dash of salt will often restore it to its original state. Afterward, it’s a good idea to rinse off the jewelry and dry it well with a soft cloth. Copper jewelry may also be buffed with a polishing cloth to produce a shiny finish.

Discussion Comments

anon990043

I strongly agree to the point that one must be well aware about their stone before using any of the cleaning techniques. This is because all cleaning methods don’t work for every stone, each gemstone has something unique about it and therefore its cleaning method also differs from the rest.

Rundocuri

I use a cloth that is specifically made for silver to clean and buff my sterling silver jewelry Talentryto. It always brings out the shine in my pieces, and even removes tarnish.

Talentryto

Because some jewelry is delicate and should not be cleaned with chemicals or ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machines, I think all jewelry lovers should invest in quality jewelry cleaning cloths. Most jewelry stores sell these, and there is often a variety available depending on what type of jewelry you want to clean.

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    • Dish soap can be used to clean jewelry.
      By: Africa Studio
      Dish soap can be used to clean jewelry.
    • A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be used to clean some types of jewelry.
      By: Gordana Sermek
      A bottle of rubbing alcohol, which can be used to clean some types of jewelry.
    • Some people use baking soda as a mild abrasive to clean jewelry.
      By: Vidady
      Some people use baking soda as a mild abrasive to clean jewelry.
    • Pearls should be carefully cleaned with a damp, soft cloth.
      By: teena137
      Pearls should be carefully cleaned with a damp, soft cloth.
    • A baking soda solution can be used for cleaning.
      By: Sea Wave
      A baking soda solution can be used for cleaning.
    • Some jewelry cleaners operate using ultrasound.
      By: Coprid
      Some jewelry cleaners operate using ultrasound.
    • First try a dry cloth or soft brush to clean diamonds, before moving on to water and mild soap.
      By: alarsonphoto
      First try a dry cloth or soft brush to clean diamonds, before moving on to water and mild soap.
    • Diamonds are generally durable but can become dull or scratched.
      By: stockelements
      Diamonds are generally durable but can become dull or scratched.