How to Clean Your Jewellery: A Complete Guide
Jewellery is designed to last a lifetime, but daily wear exposes it to lotions, soap, dust, and natural oils from your skin. Over time, even the most beautiful pieces can lose their sparkle. Fortunately, learning how to clean your jewellery properly can help maintain its beauty and extend its life.
Whether you own a treasured engagement ring, a family heirloom, or a favourite gold chain, regular care will keep your jewellery looking its best.
How to Clean Gold Jewellery
Gold jewellery is durable but should still be cleaned carefully.
What You’ll Need
- Warm water
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- Soft toothbrush
- Soft lint-free cloth
Step-by-Step
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap.
- Soak the jewellery for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Gently brush around the settings with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or hard brushes, as they may scratch the metal.
How to Clean Diamond Rings
Diamonds attract grease, making them appear dull over time.
To clean a diamond ring:
- Soak it in warm soapy water.
- Use a soft brush to clean behind the stone and around the setting.
- Rinse carefully.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth.
If your diamond appears loose, avoid cleaning it yourself and have it professionally inspected.
Can You Use Toothpaste to Clean Jewellery?
Many people believe toothpaste is a good jewellery cleaner, but this is actually a myth.
Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can scratch gold, silver, platinum, and softer gemstones. Professional jewellers do not recommend using toothpaste on fine jewellery.
Jewellery Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes:
Using Harsh Chemicals
Bleach and household cleaners can damage metals and gemstones.
Cleaning Over an Open Drain
Always use a bowl or plug the sink to prevent accidents.
Using Hard Brushes
Soft brushes are safer for delicate settings.
Ignoring Loose Stones
If a stone moves, stop wearing the piece until it has been professionally checked.
How Often Should You Clean Your Jewellery?
As a general guide:
- Engagement rings: Every two weeks
- Frequently worn jewellery: Once a month
- Special occasion jewellery: Before and after wearing
Professional cleaning and inspection should be done at least once a year.
When to Have Your Jewellery Professionally Cleaned
Home cleaning is excellent for maintenance, but professional cleaning offers a deeper restoration.
Professional jewellers can:
- Tighten loose settings
- Polish scratches
- Replace worn claws
- Inspect for damage
- Professionally refurbish older pieces
At Your Diamonds, we specialise in jewellery cleaning, refurbishment, repairs, and custom redesigns to keep your treasured pieces looking their best.
Knowing how to clean your jewellery is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment and preserve precious memories. Regular care keeps your gold and diamonds sparkling while helping you identify small issues before they become costly repairs.
If your jewellery needs more than a simple clean, the team at Your Diamonds is here to help with professional cleaning, repairs, refurbishment, and custom jewellery services in Pretoria.