7 Jewellery Cleaning Tips That'll Make Your Jewellery Shine

Cleaning your jewellery is an essential element of looking after your collection and protecting it for the future. Get your jewellery sparkling clean and keep it shining for years to come with some tips from the experts.

How to clean your jewellery

We’ve had many questions over the years about cleaning jewellery and there are plenty of opinions out there. Some more helpful than others! Here are our pro-tips for getting the most shine out of your much loved pieces, now and for many years to come.

DIY jewellery cleaning

If you’re looking for an easy way to clean your jewellery there are loads of jewellery cleaning hacks on the internet. These range from using dish soap to baking soda and other household products to clean different types of jewellery.

But first, an important word of caution...

While cleaning jewellery using some of these ideas is possible, make sure you’re getting your advice from a reliable source. Check with your local jeweller if you're not sure. And remember that each kind of metal or stone needs to be treated differently, so don’t assume one method will suit everything.

Perhaps start by testing out any DIY methods on an inexpensive piece of jewellery before diving in with your most cherished items. And consider whether it’s worth taking your most precious pieces to a professional jeweller for your peace-of-mind. Especially if you have old, valuable or irreplaceable pieces.

How to clean gold jewellery

For everyday jewellery and lightly soiled gold items, often a quick clean in a gentle bath of washing-up liquid and warm water will be enough to lift light dirt.

Gold is soft, so be careful not to scrub your jewellery with anything abrasive that might scratch the surface. Keep the soap to a minimum, a drop or two is plenty. Then rinse in cold, clean water. Be careful to keep small pieces in a strainer while bathing and rinsing so they don’t get lost or go down the plughole!

For your more precious, valuable and antique pieces, consider calling in the professionals rather than risk causing any damage. Take them to a jeweller, or use a specially made cleaning solution or cloth. These are fairly inexpensive and usually also offer a degree of ongoing protection for your jewellery.

How to clean silver necklaces and other silver jewellery

There are a few DIY ways to remove silver tarnish, but they’re not recommended for repeated use. In other words, only use sparingly or in an emergency!

A soft cloth soaked in a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid will buff silver in a hurry. But this won’t give you any lasting protection.

For a safer method that you can use regularly, Connoisseurs make a Dazzle Drops silver jewellery formula allows you to dip-clean your silver jewellery. They also make an ultra soft silver jewellery polishing cloth. Both of these will leave your silver jewellery clean and sparkling, plus they offer some ongoing anti-tarnish protection.

But the best way to prevent silver from tarnishing is to wear it! And if you’re not wearing it every day, keep it safely snuggled in an anti-tarnishing bag.

Take care when cleaning pearls

Pearls are delicate and their strings can be easily damaged so take great care when cleaning. Never submerge or soak them in water. Instead some people recommend gently brushing each pearl with a small soft brush (like a makeup brush) using a gentle solution of water and mild shampoo. And then using a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Again however, if your pearls are antique or expensive, consider taking them to a professional jeweller for cleaning. Also, don’t forget to wipe them over with a soft cloth after each wearing to keep them fresh and remove any dirt, perfume or body oils.

Cleaning your gemstone jewellery

Most gemstones other than pearls are slightly more robust and can be cleaned using a mild soap and water dip, like your gold jewellery. Perhaps give them a gentle brush with a soft, child’s toothbrush to remove any stubborn dirt.

Each gemstone is different however, and some are softer and easier to damage than others. If you are in any doubt about doing this yourself, invest in a product you know is safe or take them to a jeweller. Especially if your pieces are antique or may have loose stones.

Connoisseurs Dazzle Drops Advanced Formula Cleansing Gel can be used to clean most gemstones. It also works well on gold, diamonds, platinum and semi-precious stones. But ask your jeweller for advice if you want any further reassurance on a particular piece.

Jewellery cleaning on the go

For those of you who travel a lot or like to keep their jewellery dazzling at all times, invest in one of Connoisseurs’ easy-to-use cleaning products. Their Jewellery Beauty Wipes, Diamond Dazzle Stiks or Ultrasoft Silver Jewellery Polishing Cloths all provide excellent cleaning and instant dazzle. Perfect dropping in your handbag or luggage if you’re jetting to-and-fro.

Protect your jewellery for the future

As well as cleaning your jewellery regularly, you can help to protect your jewellery from scratching and tarnishing by following a few simple rules.

Always remove your jewellery when using cleaning products or swimming. Especially rings and other items that might come into contact with harmful chemicals. Let your perfume, hand cream and moisturiser dry before putting your jewellery on. And get your most precious and valuable pieces regularly cleaned and checked by a jeweller so you know they are well-maintained.

A little care will keep your most treasured pieces in top condition and preserved for the future.