How to Clean Jewelry at Home

Keeping your jewelry sparkling and radiant doesn’t always require a trip to the jeweler. With the right techniques, you can safely clean your pieces at home, restoring their brilliance and preserving their beauty. Whether it’s your everyday favorites or heirloom treasures, knowing how to care for each type of jewelry ensures longevity and lasting allure.

At Plateau Jewelers, we understand the importance of maintaining the elegance of your fine jewelry. Based in Sammamish, WA, we have decades of experience in jewelry care, design, and restoration. In this guide, we’ll share expert advice on cleaning your jewelry at home while also identifying when professional cleaning may be necessary.

How Often Should You Clean Your Jewelry?

  • Daily Wear Pieces – Rings, earrings, and necklaces worn daily should be cleaned weekly to remove dirt, oils, and lotions.

  • Occasional Jewelry – Pieces worn less frequently should be cleaned every few months or before a special occasion.

  • Fine Jewelry & Heirlooms – Vintage, antique, or delicate jewelry should be cleaned as needed using the gentlest methods.

  • Annual Deep Cleaning – All fine jewelry should be professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year to check for loose stones, worn prongs, or hidden damage.

Need a professional touch? Our team at Plateau Jewelers offers expert cleaning and inspection services to keep your jewelry in pristine condition.

Cleaning Diamond Jewelry

Diamonds may be the hardest gemstone, but they still require care to maintain their brilliance.

What You’ll Need:

  • Warm water

  • Mild dish soap

  • Soft toothbrush

  • Lint-free cloth

Steps:

  1. Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water.

  2. Soak the diamond jewelry for 15–20 minutes to loosen debris.

  3. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, paying close attention to the underside where dirt accumulates.

  4. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Pro Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine or bleach, as they can damage the metal setting.

How to Clean Gold Jewelry

Gold jewelry can lose its luster over time due to exposure to lotions, perfumes, and body oils.

What You’ll Need:

  • Mild dish soap

  • Warm water

  • Soft cloth

  • Soft-bristle toothbrush (for textured or intricate designs)

Steps:

  1. Mix dish soap and warm water in a bowl.

  2. Soak the gold jewelry for 10–15 minutes.

  3. Gently rub with a soft cloth or brush for deeper cleaning.

  4. Rinse and dry completely before storing.

Pro Tip: To restore shine, buff your gold jewelry with a jewelry polishing cloth.

How to Clean Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry tarnishes over time, but regular cleaning can keep it bright.

What You’ll Need:

  • Baking soda

  • Water

  • Soft cloth

Steps:

  1. Create a paste using three parts baking soda to one part water.

  2. Gently rub onto the silver using a soft cloth or sponge.

  3. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Pro Tip: Avoid silver dips or chemical cleaners, as they can remove tarnish that the designer included to highlight intricate details.

Cleaning Platinum Jewelry

Platinum is durable but can develop a slight patina over time.

What You’ll Need:

  • Mild dish soap

  • Warm water

  • Soft toothbrush

  • Lint-free cloth

Steps:

  1. Soak the platinum jewelry in soapy water for 15–20 minutes.

  2. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt.

  3. Rinse and dry with a clean cloth.

Pro Tip: Regular professional polishing at Plateau Jewelers can restore platinum’s mirror-like shine.

How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry

Different gemstones require different care methods.

  • Sapphires & Rubies – Clean like diamonds with mild soap and water.

  • Emeralds, Opals & Pearls – Use a damp cloth only; soaking can damage them.

  • Turquoise & Lapis Lazuli – Wipe gently with a soft cloth—never use soap or ultrasonic cleaners.

Pro Tip: Unsure how to clean a specific gemstone? Visit Plateau Jewelers for expert care and professional cleaning.

Common Jewelry Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using Harsh Chemicals – Bleach, ammonia, and strong acids can erode metals and weaken settings.

  • Scrubbing Too Hard – Over-brushing can loosen stones or scratch softer metals.

  • Ultrasonic Cleaners for All Jewelry – Some stones, like opals and emeralds, should never go in ultrasonic cleaners.

  • Skipping Routine Maintenance – Regular inspections at Plateau Jewelers help prevent loose stones or damaged prongs.

When to Visit a Jeweler for Professional Cleaning

Even with regular home cleaning, professional maintenance ensures your jewelry stays in peak condition.

  • Deep Cleaning & Polishing – Restore shine and remove stubborn buildup.

  • Stone Inspection & Tightening – Prevent loss of diamonds or gemstones.

  • Resizing & Repairs – Adjust fit and fix any worn prongs or settings.

Bring your jewelry to Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish, WA, for expert cleaning and maintenance.

Explore Custom Jewelry & Care Services at Plateau Jewelers

Keeping your jewelry clean ensures it remains as dazzling and elegant as the day you got it. Whether you need a simple cleaning routine or a professional deep clean, Plateau Jewelers offers expert services tailored to your needs.

  • Need a professional cleaning? Book an appointment

  • Looking for a custom piece? Explore our custom jewelry collection

Visit Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish, WA, for expert care and timeless jewelry that lasts a lifetime.

 

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