Jewelry Care 101: How to Clean and Protect Your Fine Jewelry

Fine jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, not tucked away in a box. But everyday life, lotions, handwashing, workouts, even household chores, can dull the sparkle of your favorite pieces over time.

The good news? With a few simple habits and the right cleaning methods, you can keep your jewelry looking its best between professional visits. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to clean your jewelry at home, what not to do, and when it’s time to visit a professional jeweler for a deeper clean or inspection.

Why Jewelry Care Matters

Every piece of fine jewelry is a small piece of engineering. Prongs, bezels, and channels hold gemstones securely in place; precious metals are polished to a beautiful shine but can still scratch and wear over time.

Regular care helps to:

Maintain brilliance and sparkle
Prevent damage from buildup and chemicals
Catch loose stones or worn prongs before something is lost
Extend the life of heirloom and everyday pieces

Think of jewelry care the same way you’d think of servicing a car: a little maintenance now can prevent big repairs later.

Simple Daily Habits to Protect Your Jewelry

A few mindful habits can dramatically extend the life of your jewelry:

Remove jewelry before working out or doing chores.
Sweat, impact, and harsh cleaning products are tough on metal and gemstones.
Avoid lotions, perfumes, and hairspray directly on your jewelry.
Apply these products first, let them dry, and then put your pieces on. This helps prevent buildup that can cloud stones.
Take rings off before bed.
This reduces accidental snagging and bending of prongs while you sleep.
Store pieces separately.
Keep jewelry in a soft pouch or lined box, ideally with compartments, so pieces don’t scratch each other.
Travel with a jewelry case.
Tossing pieces loose into a bag is a recipe for tangling, scratching, and lost stones.

These small steps alone can make a big difference in how your jewelry looks and wears over time.

How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home

Before you start, it’s important to know what you’re cleaning. Not all gemstones and metals can be treated the same way.

Safe At-Home Cleaning for Most Diamond, Gold & Platinum Jewelry

For most diamond jewelry and plain gold or platinum pieces (without delicate or porous stones), a gentle at-home routine works well:

Prepare a solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm (not hot) water in a small bowl.
Soak your jewelry: Let the piece sit for about 10–15 minutes to loosen oils and dirt.
Gently brush: Use a very soft toothbrush to gently clean around and under the stones, paying special attention to the back where buildup collects.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse under lukewarm running water over a bowl or strainer (never over an open drain).
Dry with a soft cloth: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and let the piece air-dry fully before wearing or storing.

This method is great for diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond studs, and most solid metal pieces.

Extra Care for Gemstones, Pearls & Delicate Pieces

Some gemstones are more delicate and require special care:

Pearls: Pearls are organic and porous. Avoid soaking them. Wipe gently with a barely damp, soft cloth after wearing. Let pearl strands dry flat before storing so the silk doesn’t stretch.
Opals, Emeralds, Turquoise & Other Soft or Treated Stones. Avoid hot water, steam, and harsh chemicals. Skip ultrasonic or steam cleaners at home—these can crack or loosen stones. Use a soft, damp cloth and light soap solution only if recommended by a jeweler.
Vintage or Heirloom Pieces. Older jewelry can have worn prongs, fragile settings, or previous repairs. When in doubt, avoid DIY cleaning and bring it in for a professional evaluation.

If you’re ever unsure what a piece contains (or if there are hidden fractures or treatments), err on the side of caution and let a professional handle the cleaning.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Jewelry

Some “home remedies” that circulate online can do more harm than good. We recommend avoiding:

Harsh chemicals: Bleach, chlorine, and strong household cleaners can damage metals and weaken settings.
Toothpaste or baking soda scrubs: These are abrasive and can scratch metal and softer gemstones.
Boiling water: Sudden temperature changes can cause stones to crack or loosen.
Ultrasonic cleaners without guidance: While effective for certain pieces, they can shake loose stones or damage delicate and treated gems if used incorrectly.

If a method sounds too harsh for something as precious as your jewelry, it probably is.

When It’s Time for Professional Cleaning & Inspection

Even with great at-home habits, fine jewelry benefits from regular professional care. We generally recommend a check-in at least once a year, or sooner if you notice any of the following:

Your ring catches on clothing or hair (a sign of a lifted or worn prong)
Stones look crooked, loose, or move when you touch them
The metal looks deeply scratched, thinned, or out of shape
White gold has yellowed and lost its bright finish
A clasp feels insecure or a chain has weak links
You’ve worn a piece daily for years without an inspection

Professional Jewelry Care at Charles Koll

At Charles Koll, we design and craft jewelry meant to last for generations, and that includes helping you care for it along the way.

In our on-site workshop, our team can:

Professionally clean and polish your everyday and heirloom pieces
Inspect settings to help prevent stone loss before it happens
Perform repairs and ring resizing so your jewelry fits comfortably and securely
Refresh worn pieces with refinishing, re-tipping prongs, and rhodium plating for white gold

If you’re not sure whether your jewelry needs attention, bring it in anyway, we’re always happy to take a look and give you honest guidance.

Ready to Give Your Jewelry a Little TLC?

Whether it’s an engagement ring you never take off, a bracelet you inherited, or earrings you wear every day, a bit of care goes a long way.

If you’re in the San Diego area, we’d love to help you keep your favorite pieces shining. Visit our showroom or schedule a time to have your jewelry cleaned and inspected by the Charles Koll team.