Caring for Fine Jewelry
Keep Your Treasures Beautiful
Taking care of your jewelry keeps it sparkling and lets you enjoy it for years to come. With a few simple habits, you can protect your favorite rings, necklaces, and bracelets from damage, dullness, or loss. For details about caring for specific types, check out our guides on diamond cleaning and gemstone cleaning.
How to Clean Fine Jewelry
- Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap.
- Let your jewelry soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Gently brush each piece with a soft toothbrush, especially around prongs and settings.
- Rinse well with clean water to remove all soap.
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and let your jewelry air dry before storing.
Pro Tip
Pearls and softer gemstones need special care. Never soak them, just wipe gently with a damp cloth. If your jewelry includes different stones or metals, always follow the cleaning instructions for the most delicate material. Have questions? Contact us for personalized advice.
Storage and Daily Care
Store jewelry separately in a soft pouch or lined box, and remove it before swimming, cleaning, or exercising. Put on lotions, perfumes, and hair products before your jewelry to help avoid residue buildup. For more information on storage and precious metals, visit our Precious Metals guide.
Fine Jewelry Care: Do’s
- Store each piece in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box.
- Remove jewelry before swimming, cleaning, exercising, or gardening.
- Get your jewelry inspected and professionally cleaned at least once a year—consider making an appointment for a checkup.
- Check for loose stones, prongs, or clasps regularly.
Fine Jewelry Care: Don'ts
- Use harsh chemicals, bleach, or toothpaste to clean jewelry.
- Expose jewelry to high heat, humidity, or direct sunlight for long periods.
- Wear jewelry while applying lotions, perfumes, or hair products.
- Store jewelry in humid bathrooms or in direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I clean my fine jewelry?
- Daily-wear pieces (like wedding rings and everyday earrings) can be cleaned weekly, while occasional-wear jewelry needs cleaning only monthly. For hard-to-clean pieces, schedule a professional cleaning.
- How often should I have my jewelry professionally inspected?
- Bring your most-worn items in for an inspection once or twice a year to catch loose stones or worn prongs early. Make an appointment for a free inspection.
- What’s the safest way to clean antique or fragile jewelry?
- Use only lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Don’t submerge antique or delicate pieces. When in doubt, contact us or bring them in for help.
- Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner?
- Some jewelry is safe for ultrasonic cleaning, but never use it for pearls, softer gems, or glued settings. Learn more in our diamond cleaning guide.
- How should I store silver jewelry to prevent tarnishing?
- Keep silver in anti-tarnish bags or wrap it in a soft cloth. Store in a cool, dry spot, away from sunlight and humidity. For storage tips on colored stones, visit our Gemstone Cleaning page.
- What if my jewelry gets exposed to chemicals?
- Rinse it right away with clean water and dry thoroughly. Some chemicals, such as chlorine, ammonia, or acetone, can permanently harm finishes, so inspect your jewelry as soon as possible. If you’re unsure, contact us for advice.
- Should I take off my rings before bed or showering?
- It’s best to remove rings and other jewelry before sleeping, showering, or bathing to prevent damage and keep pieces secure.