Forget the TikTok Hacks — Here's How the Experts Say to Clean Your Jewelry

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Whether they're treasured heirlooms, anniversary gifts, or just the perfect finishing touches to your favorite outfit, your jewelry pieces require some maintenence to keep them looking their shiny, beautiful best. Knowing how to clean jewelry requires only a few minutes and some basic household supplies, but it'll make a world of difference. Just note that when dealing with fragile vintage jewelry or unknown stones and metals, it’s best to take them to a professional jeweler for cleaning.

We asked the experts how to clean jewelry of various materials, so you can get your precious metals and gemstones gleaming once again. Aunt Mary’s pearls will have never looked better!

How to Clean Silver Jewelry

You've probably noticed the smudged or tarnished look that silver takes on over time. This is because silver oxidizes, or turns black, with exposure to air. When you're not wearing it, you can keep your silver jewelry looking bright by storing it in an airtight container away from light.

“Ziplock baggies and fiber-lined pouches are great to keep your silver jewelry bright between wears,” says Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for Jewelers of America.

You can also help maintain its sparkle by wearing your silver jewelry frequently.

“Your skin oils will naturally help keep the silver bright,” says MK Byrne, the owner of the Seattle-based jewelry store Begin.

Do This:

“When cleaning jewelry at home, use warm water with a little dish soap. Ask your jeweler if they have a polishing cloth specifically designed for silver to wipe down your jewelry after you wear it,” says Gizzi.

To keep tarnish at bay, Byrne recommends using a silver polish formulated for jewelry, such as Wright’s Silver Cleaner and Polish Cream.

Don’t Do That:

Avoid the urge to try buzzy DIY cleaning techniques seen on social media, as they can cause permanent damage to silver jewelry. Gizzi advises against using toothpaste, baking soda, or anything abrasive. Toothpaste can also contain bleaching agents that are not safe for metals.

How to Clean Gold Jewelry

Preventative care is key when keeping your gold jewelry looking its best.

“Always put your jewelry on last, being sure to avoid spraying perfumes and lotions directly onto your gold jewelry, as it can make the jewelry appear dull,” says Gizzi. Also, be sure to remove your jewelry before using household cleaners or swimming in chlorinated water.

Do This:

Solid gold jewelry does not tarnish and only needs to be cleaned with mild dish soap and warm water when debris builds up, according to Byrne. For intricate pieces, a soft-bristled toothbrush can help get into the nooks and crannies.

If you own any jewelry cleaning products, make sure they are safe to use on all types of gold. And even if you stick to a meticulous cleaning regimen at home, you should still visit your local jeweler annually to have any prongs and clasps checked.

Don’t Do That:

Gold-filled pieces, consisting of a thick layer of 14-karat gold over brass, can be cleaned in the same way as solid gold, according to Byrne. Just do it with a light hand and don’t scrub or use anything abrasive that could damage the top layer.

“Gold-plated or vermeil pieces should be very gently cleaned with a very mild soap, and a polishing cloth should not be used,” she says. With plated jewelry, gold is very thinly painted over a base metal and will wear off if too much abrasion is applied.

How to Clean Pearls

For cleaning pearl jewelry, it's important to be extra careful and follow the “last on, first off” rule.

“Apply cosmetics, hair sprays, and perfume before putting on any pearl jewelry. When you remove the jewelry, wipe it carefully with a soft cloth to remove any traces of these substances,” says Gizzi.

You'll also want to be careful about how you store your pearls. “Do not toss your cultured pearl jewelry carelessly into a purse, bag, or jewel box. A pearl's surface is soft and can be scratched by hard metal edges or by the harder gemstones of other jewelry pieces. Place cultured pearls in a chamois bag or wrap them in tissue when putting them away,” Gizzi advises.

Do This:

You can wipe down your pearl jewelry with a solution of mild dish soap and water. Unlike cleaning other jewelry, you do not want to fully submerge your pearls in the solution. These substances can damage your pearls. If your pearls have turned yellow, consult with a jeweler, says Gizzi, who adds, “Natural and cultured pearls are susceptible to changes if they are exposed to different chemicals and oils.”

You should also bring your pearls to your jeweler once a year to have the silk thread checked.

Don’t Do That:

Do not clean cultured pearls with any chemicals, abrasives, or solvents, says Gizzi. After cleaning, don’t hang pearl strands up to dry, as that could stretch the threads.

How to Clean Gemstones

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning gemstones at home, says Gizzi, because they can have very different compositions. Some gemstones, like diamonds, sapphires, and blue topaz are nonporous and easier to maintain.

“Once you know your gemstone is nonporous, a solution of warm water and dish soap will help to break down the oils and lotions that transfer to jewelry with wear. A soft toothbrush will further enhance the ability for the sparkle to return to the stones,” says Gizzi.

Some gemstones, like turquoise, opal, amber, and emeralds are soft and porous and require special care and attention. Byrne explains that gemstones come from deep under the earth, where they are kept constantly slightly wet and away from air exposure. When we mine and cut them, they can dry out and lose their flash. “A bit of baby oil will bring out the brilliance of many harder stones.”

“Opals, however, should be kept out of water and never exposed to creams or chemicals,” Byrne says. They are made from silica (the same substance that comes in packages when they’re shipped to absorb moisture) and will dull over time if exposed to water.

How to Clean Costume Jewelry

When it comes to fashion jewelry made from brass or copper, Byrne recommends wearing your pieces and appreciating the patina they acquire over time. “It’s a coloration that can only be achieved with time and wear, so I like to leave these metals looking as they are.”

If you prefer brightening up your costume jewelry, Byrne advises soaking your pieces in ketchup (yep, the tomatoes and vinegar have the right PH to reverse tarnishing) to restore their luster.

How to Store Your Jewelry

While you may be tempted to stash your go-to rings and studs in a trinket dish or display your pendant necklaces artfully atop your dressing table, getting a jewelry box with compartments offers a much better way to protect your treasures from dust, sunlight, moisture, and scratches.

A travel jewelry case is also a must if you're frequently on the go. But even with careful storage, it’s natural for gold, silver, and costume jewelry to become dull or tarnished over time.

3-Layer Jewelry Box with Glass Lid

Roll-Up Jewelry Organizer

Foldable Hanging Jewelry Organizer

Custom Leather Jewelry Box

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