Sparkle Again: Your Expert Guide to Cleaning Jewelry at Home

There’s nothing quite like the moment your jewelry catches the light, scattering brilliant sparks of light with every move. But over time, lotions, oils, dust, and daily wear can leave your favorite pieces looking a little...dull.

The good news? You don’t need a professional appointment to restore that show-stopping shine. With a few simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can safely clean your jewelry at home.

First Things First: A Word of Caution

Before we dive in, remember: not all jewelry is created equal. Always consider the gemstones and metals you’re working with.

• Porous Gemstones like pearls, opals, turquoise, and coral are delicate. They should never be submerged in water or cleaning solutions. A soft, damp cloth is all they need.

• Soft Gemstones like emeralds, tanzanite, and moonstone can be easily damaged. Check our specific care guides for these pieces or bring them to us for a professional clean.

• Always secure your sink drain! This is the #1 rule. Place a towel over the drain or use a small bowl to avoid any heartbreaking accidents.

The Universal Cleaner: Warm Water, Mild Soap, & a Soft Brush

This is the safest, most effective method for cleaning classic jewelry like gold, platinum, diamond, moissanite, sapphire, and ruby.

You'll need:

• A small bowl

• Warm water (not hot)

• A few drops of mild, ammonia-free dish soap (like Dawn)

• A soft-bristled toothbrush (ideally a baby toothbrush) or a dedicated jewelry cleaning brush

• A soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber is perfect)

The Steps:

1. Fill the bowl: Combine the warm water and dish soap.

2. Soak: Place your jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. This will loosen the grime and oils.

3. Gently scrub: After soaking, take your soft brush and gently scrub the jewelry, paying special attention to the back of the piece and underneath the gemstones where dirt loves to hide.

4. Rinse: Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under lukewarm running water. Ensure the drain is secured!

5. Dry: Pat the piece completely dry with your soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure no moisture is left trapped under the settings.

Quick Tips for Specific Metals

• Sterling Silver: Silver tarnishes when exposed to air. To keep it bright, dry it thoroughly after cleaning. For light tarnish, use a dedicated silver polishing cloth. Avoid tissue paper, as it can cause scratches.

• Gold & Platinum: The soap-and-water method is perfect. For a quick refresh, you can wipe them down with a dedicated jewelry polishing cloth.

What About Ultrasonic Cleaners?

Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to clean jewelry. While they can be fantastic for sturdy pieces like diamond tennis bracelets or plain gold bands, they are not safe for all jewelry.

Never use an ultrasonic cleaner for:

• Jewelry with porous or soft gemstones (pearls, opals, emeralds, etc.)

• Pieces with fracture-filled diamonds or treated stones

• Jewelry that is loose or has damaged prongs (the vibrations can shake stones loose!)

When in doubt, leave it out. The soap-and-water method is always safer.

Your jewelry is an investment in beauty and memory. A little simple care will ensure it continues to tell your story—and sparkle brilliantly while doing it.

Have questions about a specific piece? Send us a message! We’re always happy to help you keep your collection shining.

With love,

Luminacraft