How to Clean and Maintain Your Jewelry

Expert tips to keep your jewelry looking beautiful

Daily Cleaning

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe your jewelry after each wear. This removes oils, dirt, and residue that can dull the shine.

Deep Cleaning

Soak jewelry in warm water with mild soap for 10-15 minutes. Use a soft brush to clean hard-to-reach areas, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Proper Storage

Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches. Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.

When to Remove

Remove jewelry before swimming, exercising, showering, or applying cosmetics. Chemicals and sweat can damage metals and gemstones over time.

Professional Care

Have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected once a year. Jewelers can check for loose stones and worn prongs.

Special Materials

Different materials require specific care. Pearls need gentle handling, silver may tarnish, and gold can scratch. Research your specific pieces.

Expert Tips

  • Always put jewelry on last when getting dressed to avoid contact with makeup and perfume
  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for delicate gemstones like emeralds, opals, and pearls
  • Use anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box to slow oxidation of silver pieces
  • Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive materials on your jewelry
  • Check clasps and settings regularly to prevent loss of valuable pieces

How to Clean and Maintain Your Jewelry

Keep your jewelry looking beautiful with proper care and maintenance. Here are answers to common questions.

Clean your jewelry regularly, ideally once a week for pieces you wear daily. For occasional pieces, clean them before and after wearing. This prevents buildup of oils, dirt, and cosmetics that can dull the shine.

Use a soft cloth and warm water with mild soap. For tarnished silver, use a silver polishing cloth or a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub in circular motions, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.

Soak gold jewelry in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 10-15 minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean crevices. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Store in a fabric-lined jewelry box to prevent scratches.

It depends on the material of your jewelry. While some pieces, such as solid gold or platinum, can withstand occasional contact with water, others especially gold-plated, vermeil, or gemstone jewelry are more delicate. Prolonged exposure to water, chlorine, or salt can cause fading or damage over time.

For the best care, always check the “Special Instructions” section on each product page. There, you’ll find detailed guidance specific to the materials used in your piece. When in doubt, it’s best to remove your jewelry before swimming, showering, or exercising to preserve its shine and longevity.

Store pieces separately in soft pouches or lined jewelry boxes to prevent scratching. Keep jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use anti-tarnish strips for silver pieces. Hang necklaces to prevent tangling.

Have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year. This is especially important for pieces with gemstones to check prong settings and prevent stone loss. Professional cleaning can restore shine and remove buildup that home cleaning can't address.