How Do You Clean Jewellery?

By Nick Coutu

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Does Jewellery Lose Its Shine?
3. How Do You Clean Jewellery?
4. Quick Steps for Daily Maintenance
5. How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home
6. Maintaining the Brilliance of Gold
7. How to Clean Diamond Jewellery at Home
8. Essential Diamond Care
9. Additional Tips & Methods
10. Summary
    
11. FAQ

Introduction

Over time, you’ll notice your favourite rings, earrings, bracelets, or necklaces might look dull. From cherished heirlooms to modern engagement rings, every piece deserves proper care to maintain its sparkle. The question is: how do you clean jewellery to bring back that showroom sheen? 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through it: how do you clean jewellery? 

1. How to clean gold jewellery at home
2. How to clean diamond jewellery at home

You’ll learn everyday maintenance tips, expert methods, and the best practices for preserving the life and beauty of your valuables, and how to keep your pieces shining bright.. Because jewellery is more than a fashion statement—it’s a reflection of who you are and the moments you hold dear. Let’s dive right in.

Why Does Jewellery Lose Its Shine?

Before answering the question how do you clean jewellery, it’s important to know why it gets dirty in the first place. Natural oils, lotions, soaps, fingerprints, dirt, dust, even perfumes all contribute to the buildup of residue on metal surfaces and gemstones. Over time:

1. Diamonds can lose their brilliance due to a film of grease and dust.
2. Gold can appear dull from small scratches and accumulated debris.
3. Settings can trap dirt, making your piece look less vibrant.

If you wear your jewellery daily, you might be surprised by how quickly it loses its sparkle. Fortunately, some straightforward cleaning techniques can easily restore it.

How Do You Clean Jewellery?

How do you clean jewellery? The answer depends on the type of metal and gemstones you’re dealing with. Generally, a combination of gentle scrubbing, soaking, and rinsing can remove most grime. For a deeper clean that truly revives the shine, professional tools—like ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, and polishing lathes—are the gold standard.

At our boutique, we offer FREE cleaning services to our pieces so no one has to settle for lacklustre gold or diamonds. If we’re busy when you visit, you can use the time to explore the local wineries, as our shop is nestled in scenic wine country. If you prefer no wait time at all, simply book an appointment. We love to see our customers leave with jewellery that sparkles like new.

Quick Steps for Daily Maintenance

A simple routine can make a huge difference in preserving your jewellery’s lustre. Here are a few tips:

1. Remove Jewellery During Tasks: Before gardening, cleaning, or working out, slip off your rings or bracelets to avoid direct contact with dirt, chemicals, or impact.
2. Wipe After Every Wear: Use a soft microfibre cloth to gently remove fingerprints and oils.
3. Store Separately: Keep pieces in individual pouches or jewellery organizer compartments to avoid scratches and tangles.

These small habits can significantly extend the time between cleanings.

Gold ring example

How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home 

Wondering how to clean gold jewellery at home? Gold is relatively durable but still requires careful treatment to prevent scratches or chemical damage. Whether you own yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, the fundamental approach is the same—delicate yet effective.

Maintaining the Brilliance of Gold 

1. Soak in Windex: Create a solution of water and Windex. Swish it around for a solid 5 minutes.
2. Gentle Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpick to remove grime, focusing on intricate areas like prongs and clasps.
3. Rinse & Dry: Rinse under lukewarm running water and pat dry with a clean, soft microfibre cloth. 

These steps cover the basics of how to clean gold jewellery at home, ensuring you maintain its shine without risking any harm to the metal. But what if you have diamonds or other gemstones set in gold?

How to Clean Diamond Jewellery at Home

If you’ve ever wondered how to clean diamond jewellery at home, you’ll be happy to know that diamonds are strong but can still get dull from everyday buildup—like lotions, soaps, and other residues.

Essential Diamond Care (List)

1. Use a Glass Cleaner: Fill a small container with Windex or a similar glass cleaner. Place your diamond jewellery inside, close the lid, and shake gently for 5 minutes.
2. Scrub with a Soft Brush: A child’s toothbrush or any soft-bristled brush works best. Scrub around the setting carefully, removing trapped dirt.
3. Rinse & Dry: Rinse under lukewarm water, then dry with a microfibre cloth for a brilliant, streak-free finish. Avoid q-tips and paper towel as tiny fibres easily get caught in the claws and settings. 

These methods are perfect for everyday upkeep—but for tough grime or delicate stones, a professional ultrasonic bath and steamer can achieve next-level shine.

Diamond ring example

Additional Tips & Methods

Even if you clean your jewellery at home, you won’t always achieve the same results that powerful professional equipment can provide. Here are some additional insights:

• Polishing Lathe: Professional jewellers use a polishing lathe to remove micro-scratches and restore metals to their original sheen.
• Ultrasonic Cleaners: These devices use high-frequency sound waves to break up stubborn dirt. Be cautious: certain gemstones (like emeralds and pearls) can be damaged by ultrasonic vibrations.
• Steam Cleaning: A quick blast of steam removes residue and gives metals and diamonds a final, dazzling polish.

No matter how careful you are at home, your pieces will eventually accumulate enough grime to warrant a professional cleaning. Aim for every six months to maintain the maximum sparkle.

Linking to Other Helpful Guides

If you’re interested in more jewellery tips and tricks, check out my other blog posts:

1. 5 Tips for Preserving Your Wedding Ring
2. Best Metals for Custom Engagement Rings
3. Ultimate Guide to Diamond Cuts

These articles dive deeper into specific topics that will help you protect your most precious keepsakes.

Summary

So, how do you clean jewellery effectively? The key is a combination of consistent at-home maintenance and regular professional services. By knowing how to clean gold jewellery at home and how to clean diamond jewellery at home, you’ll ensure your treasured pieces maintain their luster and longevity. For stubborn dirt or intricate designs, a professional ultrasonic, steam, and polishing treatment is worth the investment—especially since we offer complimentary cleaning for our valued clients!

Book your professional jewellery cleaning at Lessard Coutu

Ready to see your favourite Lessard Coutu jewellery sparkle like new? Book your free cleaning appointment today or drop by our boutique for same-day service. If we’re busy, enjoy exploring a nearby winery in our beautiful region while you wait!

About the Author

Hello, I’m Nick Coutu, and I'm a second generation jeweller. My goal is to help everyone enjoy the full brilliance of their jewellery—whether it’s a sentimental heirloom or a brand-new piece. As a seasoned expert, I love sharing tips to answer questions like how do you clean jewellery, and I’m always ready to answer your questions to keep your collections looking their best.

FAQ

1. Is it safe to use household items like toothpaste for cleaning jewellery?
Generally, toothpaste is too abrasive for metals and softer gemstones. Stick to mild dish soap, glass cleaners (for diamonds), or specialized products.

2. How often should I clean my engagement ring?
We recommend a gentle at-home cleaning every two weeks and a professional cleaning at least every six months.

3. Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner for all gemstones?
Not all stones can withstand ultrasonic vibrations. Pearls, emeralds, opals, and porous gems may be damaged. Always check with a professional first.

4. Does swimming with my jewellery harm it?
Chlorine and saltwater can damage metals and loosen settings. It’s best to remove all jewellery before swimming.

5. What if I notice a loose stone?
Stop wearing the item and visit a jeweller immediately to secure the setting and prevent further damage.

In conclusion, knowing how to clean jewellery goes beyond simply scrubbing and rinsing—it’s about preserving a valuable piece of your life’s story. Follow these tips, maintain a regular cleaning schedule, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice when needed. Your gold and diamond jewellery can sparkle brilliantly for years with just a little consistent care and attention.