How to Clean and Restore Your Jewellery

No matter how careful you are, the likelihood is that you’ll see a bit of tarnish and scuffing on well-worn items due to the impacts of everyday wear. Here we’ll share some tips on how to clean gold, silver and gemstone jewellery, including information on jewellery care and storage.

TIPS FOR JEWELLERY CARE

We are often asked ‘what jewellery needs cleaning’, and the answer is simple - even though jewellery is relatively hardy, all metals and gemstones need regular cleaning to keep them looking their brilliant best. However, some metals such as platinum are tougher than others, so whilst they will still need a clean to remove residue, they’ll be unlikely to scuff or show signs of wear. Another factor to bear in mind is that different metals and stones need to be looked after in slightly different ways, which you can find out more about below. However, products like jewellery wipes are a convenient way to give quick cleans and can be used on all jewellery and watches.

Before cleaning your jewellery, it’s best to check the cleaning guidance that came with your product, as instructions can vary. If your product didn’t come with any cleaning guidance, or it’s been misplaced, our experts are always happy to offer advice. It’s also best to check the settings and claws for any sign of damage. If you do notice anything that looks loose and you’d like to discuss repairs, book an appointment for our jewellery repair service at your nearest Ernest Jones store. When cleaning small delicate pieces of jewellery that contain diamonds, gemstones or parts that could be dislodged, it’s best to wash and soak them in a bowl. Or, if you must clean them over a sink, always put the plug in first just in case any stones do become loose.

How To Clean Silver Jewellery

Sterling silver will naturally tarnish which will make it appear darker.

Tarnish is the result of the chemical reaction when silver reacts to sulphur in the surrounding atmosphere, and the process is accelerated by direct sunlight, moisture or high humidity.

Whilst it can affect the look of your silver jewellery, the tarnish itself doesn’t cause any damage to the underlying silver.

You can help reduce the build-up of tarnish by keeping your silver jewellery in an airtight container and storing it in a cool spot, out of direct sunlight.

Regularly wearing your silver jewellery will also help to prevent tarnish from forming in the first place, so go ahead and show it off as often as you can!

If you’re wondering how to clean silver jewellery, there are several methods that are widely used. The first is a specially formulated silver cleaning cloth, which is readily available and can be used to remove tarnish and to restore your silver. Alternatively, you can also use a number of household products for a deep clean. However, when cleaning silver jewellery, be sure to avoid using any abrasive products that could scratch the surface of the metal. A simple and safe method is to use washing up liquid and warm water and to soak the jewellery for around 10 minutes. Then, gently clean it using a soft cloth or a cotton bud before rinsing in clean water and carefully drying with a lint-free cloth. Another option is to mix white vinegar with an equal quantity of warm water to create an effective cleaning solution. Or, for quite heavily tarnished jewellery, you can combine 120ml of white vinegar with around 30g of baking soda. This lively mixture will quickly create a foam into which your jewellery can soak for an hour or so, before being thoroughly rinsed and dried.

How To Clean Gold Jewellery

All gold needs to be cleaned regularly, but how your gold jewellery will age will depend on the purity of the gold, which is measured in carats.

If a piece of jewellery is 24ct, it means it is pure gold and therefore not mixed with any other metals.

Due to its purity, it won’t tarnish over time, but the higher the purity, the softer the metal, so it will be more susceptible to marks and scratches.

On the other hand, 18ct and 9ct are mixed with other metals which means they are more durable, but also more likely to tarnish.

Cleaning gold jewellery is very straightforward, and you can use the same process whether you’re cleaning yellow, white or rose gold. However, you must bear in mind that gold is quite soft, so take care when cleaning and avoid using abrasive products. As with silver, a combination of washing up liquid, warm water and a soft cloth will gently clean the jewellery. Once clean, thoroughly rinse before drying with a lint-free cloth. Or, for more stubborn tarnishes, use a very soft brush, such as a baby’s toothbrush, to help you clean any hard to reach nooks and crannies.

How To Clean Diamond Jewellery

Diamonds are known for being one of the hardest natural materials, but when it comes to keeping them clean and sparkling, it pays to be careful when handling them.

Grease and dust are the two most likely culprits for dulling the appearance of diamonds, but a quick wipe with a damp cloth will help to prevent the accumulation of everyday dirt and grease.

It’s also best to avoid touching your diamonds, as much of the grease actually comes from the natural oil in our fingers, so the less you touch them, the longer they’ll stay sparkling.

To keep your diamonds in good condition, it’s good practice to remove any diamond jewellery before using chemical products such as household cleaners, as they can be damaging.

Other everyday products such as hairspray, perfume and lotions can also affect the appearance of diamonds, so it’s a good idea to avoid contact if you can, or to take your jewellery off before use.

If you are wondering how to clean a diamond ring or another piece of diamond jewellery, then warm water, washing up liquid, a soft brush and a light touch are all that’s needed. The soft brush is particularly useful for cleaning diamond rings as it can gently reach into less accessible places where dirt and grease are likely to build-up. Once the jewellery is clean, just dry with a lint-free cloth. When cleaning diamonds and other gemstones, never use abrasive products or boiling water, as they could cause damage.

How To Clean Delicate Jewellery

When it comes to rings, earrings and necklaces, as with most other pieces of jewellery, the more delicate the piece, the more gentle you should be when cleaning it.

However, as long as you’re mindful to be gentle, you’ll find that most delicate jewellery can be cleaned in warm, soapy water, with a non-abrasive soft brush, before being rinsed thoroughly and dried with a lint-free cloth.

However, pearl jewellery needs to be treated very carefully and is best cleaned with just a damp cotton cloth, or if the pearls have become quite yellowed, you can add a small amount of mild soap to lukewarm water. Do not use a vinegar solution as the acid can damage the surface of the pearl, and don’t leave them soaking in water for any length of time as the silk thread could become weakened. After cleaning, let them dry naturally by laying them out on a towel. The good news is that regularly wearing your pearls is an ideal way to keep them in good shape, as exposure to oils from our bodies helps them hydrate and maintain their natural lustre.

HOW TO STORE YOUR JEWELLERY

By storing your jewellery correctly, you can help reduce the amount of tarnish or muting of colour and sparkle. A jewellery box is ideal for most pieces, as it will protect from dust as well as keeping them dry and out of direct sunlight. However, be careful not to overcrowd the box and ensure that the jewellery isn’t touching, as precious metals, gemstones and even diamonds can be scratched. If you have enough space, storing your most precious jewellery in its original box is a good option.

SPECIALIST JEWELLERY CLEANING AT ERNEST JONES

When it comes to cleaning jewellery, little and often is the best policy, so try and get into the habit of gently wiping pieces at the end of the day. However, if you have an extra special piece, or your jewellery needs some additional TLC, take advantage of the complimentary cleaning service we offer on items you’ve purchased from us. Our in-store experts will be happy to inspect the item, offer advice and then we’ll do our best to restore your jewellery to being as bright and exquisite as it was the day you bought it. All you need to do is book an in-store appointment and bring along your proof of purchase.