You own jewelry made of different materials. You want to clean and care for it properly. But you have heard conflicting advice — use ultrasonic, never use ultrasonic, use toothpaste, never use toothpaste, silver dip is fine, silver dip destroys value. You need reliable guidance organized by material so you can match the care to the piece.
Most jewelry can be safely cleaned at home with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. The exceptions — pearls, opals, emeralds, costume jewelry, glued-in stones — are specific and predictable. Understanding what your piece is made of tells you what is safe. An informed owner can handle routine care. A jeweler is needed for deep cleaning, repair, and pieces with uncertain materials.
Take everything to a jeweler for professional cleaning. It is not worth the risk of doing it yourself.
Decisions this guide supports:
Clean or Leave It? — The decision before the method.Cleaning Methods Compared — Ultrasonic, steam, or hand — which is safest?Clean Before Selling? — When presentation matters.When to Repair — Recognize when damage needs attention.Antique Care Warning — When cleaning destroys value.Identify the metal and stones of each piece before choosing a cleaning method. For most pieces: warm water, mild dish soap, soft brush, thorough rinse, soft cloth dry. For pearls, opals, emeralds, and costume jewelry: dry soft cloth only — no water, no soap, no ultrasonic. When in doubt, clean less aggressively. You can always clean more later. You cannot undo damage.
For most pieces: warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, soak 10-15 minutes, gently brush with a very soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly with clean water, dry with a soft lint-free cloth. This method is safe for gold, platinum, silver, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. It is NOT safe for pearls, opals, emeralds, or costume jewelry.
Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for solid gold and platinum with securely set diamonds, sapphires, or rubies. They can damage: emeralds (internal fractures can shatter), opals (can crack), pearls (can dissolve), any stone with inclusions or fractures, pieces with loose settings, and costume jewelry. When in doubt, skip the ultrasonic.
Store pieces separately — each in its own compartment, pouch, or box. Hard stones scratch softer stones. Chains should be laid flat or hung to prevent tangling. Silver should be stored in anti-tarnish cloth or bags. Pearls need to breathe — never store in plastic. Keep pieces away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.
Once a year for pieces worn daily. Every 2-3 years for occasional pieces. Professional cleaning includes inspection of settings and prongs — which is as valuable as the cleaning itself. Between professional cleanings, gentle home care maintains the piece. More frequent professional cleaning is unnecessary and the repeated polishing can remove microscopic amounts of metal over time.
No. Toothpaste is abrasive. It will scratch metal surfaces — especially gold and silver. Over time, the microscratches accumulate and the piece loses its luster. The myth persists because toothpaste can temporarily make metal look shinier by abrading the surface layer — along with some of the metal. Use mild soap and water instead.
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove body oils and perfume. If deeper cleaning is needed, use a cloth barely dampened with water — never submerge pearls. The silk thread they are strung on can stretch and weaken when wet. Have pearls professionally restrung every 1-2 years if worn regularly. Never use ultrasonic, steam, or chemicals on pearls.
