Spring Clean: Guide to Jewellery Care
Caring for your jewellery is one of the best investments you can make as an owner. It keeps pieces looking their best, extends their lifespan and preserves their value. In this guide, we explain how to clean, maintain and store your jewellery so it stays as good as new.
Jewellery cleaning tips
Daily wear takes its toll on your jewellery's sparkle. Rings in particular accumulate natural skin oils, soap residue, cosmetics and everyday grime on stones and metal, leaving them looking dull.
How often should I clean my jewellery?
Pieces worn every day should be cleaned at home at least every one to two weeks, particularly diamond jewellery, where regular cleaning is essential to maintain brilliance. Regardless of how often you clean at home, every piece of fine jewellery should also have a professional clean at least once a year. At Shining Diamonds, we have the tools to reach areas a brush cannot, and we'll check the condition of prongs, clasps and settings at the same time.
How to clean jewellery?
The first step, regardless of metal type, is to soak the piece in warm (not hot) soapy water. Use a mild soap such as washing-up liquid, abrasive cleaners can scratch metal and damage stones, while strong detergents can strip the protective coating from treated gemstones.
Avoid soaking porous stones such as opals and pearls, as they absorb water. Instead, wipe them with a damp cloth and dry them immediately.
Next, use a soft-bristled brush (either a purpose-built jewellery brush or a soft toothbrush) to gently scrub around the settings. When cleaning diamond jewellery, pay particular attention to the back and underside of the stone, as this is where most brilliance is lost.
Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove soap and loosened dirt. If using a sink, put the plug in first - the last thing you want is to lose a piece down the drain!
Rather than air drying, which can leave water spots, pat the jewellery dry with a lint-free cloth. Metal-specific polishing cloths or a microfibre cloth are ideal for maintaining shine.
Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner on my jewellery?
We advise caution when using ultrasonic cleaners, particularly on jewellery containing gemstones, as some treated stones can crack under the vibrations. Our team will be happy to advise whether ultrasonic cleaning is safe for any piece purchased from us.
Can I clean my jewellery with toothpaste?
No. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch softer metals and damage the surface of certain gemstones. Avoid it entirely.
How to store jewellery
Tangled chains, lost earring backs, and accidental damage can often be prevented with proper storage, yet it remains one of the most overlooked aspects of jewellery care.
A lined jewellery box is the best option for most people. It protects pieces from dust, light and humidity, keeping them in better condition for longer. Placing a small silica gel sachet inside offers additional protection against moisture, which can accelerate tarnishing. For this reason, avoid storing jewellery in the bathroom.
Keep different metals in separate soft pouches or wrapped in tissue paper to prevent them from rubbing against one another and causing scratches.
How to stop necklaces from getting tangled
Always store necklaces either hanging from a stand or hook, or laid flat with the clasp fastened. Leaving them loose invites knots that can cause permanent damage. The exception is pearls, which should always be stored flat, hanging them causes the thread to stretch and weaken over time.
Jewellery maintenance
Regular maintenance helps your jewellery hold its value and prevents long-term damage, so pieces can last for generations.
A few simple everyday habits make a big difference. Remove jewellery before swimming or exercising. Chlorine, bleach and even sweat can weaken gold alloys and scratch platinum. Hand cream, perfume and hairspray can also damage gemstones, so always put your jewellery on last when getting ready.
If you have white gold, rhodium plating every one to two years will maintain its bright white appearance. Platinum develops a natural sheen called patina over time; if you prefer to keep it highly polished, an annual re-polish will restore its shine.
When handling rings, hold them by the band rather than the stone - this keeps the stone cleaner and reduces wear on the setting. Check prongs regularly for signs of wear.
How can Shining Diamonds help?
Here at Shining Diamonds, our helpful team will advise you on all the aftercare you need when you make your purchase. We also offer plating, resizing and a full MOT of your jewellery to keep it in tip-top condition. Ready to start shopping for your next piece? Book an appointment for tailored advice.
