Cleaning jewelry at home for a professional look without using harsh chemicals

by Nancy Plante March 27, 2017

Jewelry is supposed to sparkle and shine. We all want our earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings to attract attention. But it can easily lose that luster and appear dull and cloudy. Lotions, soap, and hairspray can build up over time. Even jewelry that has not been worn for a while needs a good polishing.

If you don’t have time to go to your local jewelry store to have them cleaned, there are several jewelry cleaning tips you can take advantage of at home. However, you will need to take caution when cleaning certain stones and pearls, due to their porous nature. If you follow the guidelines that professionals use, you should be assured that cleaning jewelry at home can be accomplished without harm.

Mild dish soap and water – This works for silver, gold, and most costume jewelry. For silver or gold that has become filmy or discolored, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dip a cloth into the mixture and rub the jewelry gently, then rinse with cool water and buff dry. For costume jewelry, simply dip a cloth into the bubbly solution and gently wipe gemstones, then wipe with a cloth moistened with water only.  Don’t immerse costume jewelry in water -- it may be made with glue that will dissolve when wet.

2. A soft cloth can remove body oils and smudges, and it’s a good idea to gently wipe any jewelry after you take it off.  Treated, 2-part flannel cloths are available; just follow the instructions to use the treated side to wipe first, then buff with the untreated side.  Wearing your silver jewelry frequently, and wiping it after wearing, will help keep it from tarnishing.

3. Storing your jewelry properly can cut down on the need for cleaning. Silver jewelry that is stored in zip-lock plastic bags between wearings will not tarnish.

4.  Gold jewelry that has been stored away for a long time will sometimes darken slightly. If this darkening doesn’t go away when you wash or buff it, bring it into your jeweler for polishing.

Other ways to care for your jewelry

Beyond just cleaning, there are lots of little tidbits we’ve picked up over the years about how to keep your jewelry clean and protect it from damage. For instance:

1. You should not wear jewelry in the ocean. Cold water can make them slip off your fingers or your hands.
2. It is much more secure to keep jewelry in a manager’s safe than in a room safe when staying at a hotel. Always do this if you have the option.
3. Do not wear gold rings or other gold jewelry in swimming pools. The chlorine can damage the alloys in the gold.

If you are still uncertain about how to take care of your jewelry, you may want to get jewelry advice from a professional. Some stones and settings may need specific care and you don’t want to take a chance on damaging them.

At Plante Jewelers, located in Swansea, MA, we are third-generation jewelers specializing in custom jewelry. You can have your jewelry cleaned and inspected while you browse unique collections. A semi-annual inspection and cleaning is recommended for your fine jewelry, also checking to see if gemstones are secure in their settings. Plante Jewelers services also include appraisal, repair, restyling, and engraving.

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Nancy Plante and her husband Pierre and son Marcel run Plante Jewelers in Swansea, Massachusetts. Plante Jewelers was founded in 1905 by Pierre’s grandfather, Arthur. Nancy, Pierre and Marcel have Bachelors in Fine Art degrees, with Pierre specializing in sculpture. Plante Jewelers specializes in custom jewelry design - both new pieces and restyling of family heirlooms - creating exactly what the customer wants.

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