Jewellery Care Guide

Jewellery benefits from careful handling, gentle cleaning and proper storage. A thoughtful approach helps preserve shine, protect settings and reduce unnecessary wear. This guide sets out general jewellery care advice for silver, gold, gemstone and pearl jewellery, including cautious guidance on what may be suitable for home care and when professional attention is the safer choice.

As a general rule, if you are in any doubt about a piece of jewellery, its materials, its finish or its condition, consult a professional jeweller before attempting to clean it. Unsuitable cleaning products or methods can do more harm than good, and in some cases may damage the jewellery or present a risk to the wearer.

Everyday Jewellery Care

Much of jewellery care is preventative. Fine jewellery should be removed before swimming, showering, exercise, heavy lifting, gardening, cleaning or using household chemicals. Perfume, hairspray, creams, lotions and cosmetics should be applied before putting jewellery on. Pieces should also be protected from knocks, abrasive surfaces, chlorine, salt water and extreme changes in temperature.

It is also worth checking jewellery regularly for signs of wear. Loose stones, worn claws, stretched links, weakened clasps and thinning shanks are all better addressed early than after damage or loss has occurred.

Safe Home Cleaning for Suitable Jewellery

Some jewellery can be cleaned at home with care, but only where the materials and condition make this appropriate. In general, the safest approach is to use the least aggressive method first.

• Use a soft, clean polishing cloth for light surface dullness and everyday maintenance.
• For suitable plain precious metal jewellery, use lukewarm water with a very small amount of mild soap, applied with a very soft brush or soft cloth.
• Rinse carefully in clean lukewarm water where appropriate.
• Dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.

 

Do not use abrasive cleaners, hard brushes, toothpaste, bleach, strong detergents, solvents or harsh household products on jewellery. These can scratch metal, strip finishes, loosen adhesives, damage gemstones or accelerate tarnish and wear.

When Not to Clean Jewellery at Home

Home cleaning is not suitable for every piece. If jewellery is antique, fragile, set with delicate gemstones, fitted with pearls, includes enamel, has an oxidised finish, contains glued elements, or shows signs of wear or damage, home cleaning may not be advisable.

If in doubt, consult a professional jeweller. This is especially important where a piece has sentimental value, significant age, multiple stones, soft materials or visible wear.

Sterling Silver Jewellery Care

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time. Tarnish can be encouraged by humidity, air exposure, sulphur, rubber, chlorine, cosmetics and household chemicals. Regular gentle wear may help slow heavy tarnish build-up, but silver still benefits from proper storage and occasional careful cleaning.

For light maintenance, a silver polishing cloth is often the safest first step. For suitable plain silver pieces, careful cleaning with mild soap and lukewarm water may be appropriate, followed by thorough drying. Silver dips and liquid cleaners should be used with caution and only where the piece, finish and construction make them suitable.

Oxidised silver, engraved silver, antique silver and silver jewellery set with delicate stones should not be treated aggressively. Over-cleaning can remove intended patina, soften detail and alter the character of the piece.

Gold and Platinum Jewellery Care

Gold and platinum can lose surface brightness through everyday wear, contact with cosmetics and general handling. For suitable pieces, gentle cleaning with lukewarm water, a small amount of mild soap and a very soft brush may help remove surface residue.

Jewellery with settings should always be handled carefully. Even where the metal itself is robust, stones, claws and settings may not be. Gold vermeil, plated jewellery and mixed-material pieces require additional caution, as vigorous cleaning can affect the finish.

Gemstone Jewellery Care

Gemstone jewellery should always be approached carefully. Not all stones respond well to the same cleaning methods. Some are harder and more durable than others, while some are more vulnerable to heat, impact, chemicals, abrasion or sudden temperature changes.

Jewellery set with emerald, opal, pearl, turquoise, coral, tanzanite, kunzite, peridot or enamelled surfaces should be treated with particular care. Ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning and strong chemical products are not suitable for many delicate stones and finishes.

Gemstones can also scratch one another, and some can wear away at precious metals if stored carelessly. Pieces should therefore be stored separately where possible.

Pearl Jewellery Care

Pearls are among the most delicate materials used in jewellery and should never be treated in the same way as harder gemstones. Perfume, cosmetics, perspiration, detergent and abrasive cleaning methods can all affect their surface.

Pearls should be wiped gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wear and stored separately. They should not be soaked, scrubbed or cleaned with harsh products. Pearl necklaces worn regularly may require professional restringing over time.

Jewellery Storage

Jewellery should be stored clean and dry in a lined box, pouch or compartmented case. Pieces are best stored separately to help prevent scratching, tangling and abrasion. Silver benefits from dry storage away from excess air and humidity. Pearls should not be stored in overly dry or airtight conditions for prolonged periods.

Chains should be fastened before storage where possible, and earrings, rings and delicate stone-set pieces should be kept where they will not rub against harder items.

Jewellery Care Products

For suitable pieces, careful home maintenance can help keep jewellery looking its best between professional checks. Roberts & Co offers selected jewellery care products for personal use, including polishing cloths and cleaning products intended for appropriate home care.

These products should always be used with care and only where suitable for the materials, finish and condition of the piece in question. Product instructions should be followed closely. If there is any uncertainty, professional advice should be sought before use.

When to Consult a Professional Jeweller

A professional jeweller should be consulted if a piece is antique, delicate, set with soft or porous gemstones, contains pearls, enamel or oxidised finishes, or shows any sign of wear or damage. Professional attention is also advisable if a stone feels loose, a clasp is no longer secure, a chain appears worn, or a ring setting has taken a knock.

If in doubt, do not experiment. Unsuitable cleaning products and home methods may damage jewellery, weaken settings or create a risk of loss or injury. A professional jeweller can assess the piece properly and recommend the safest course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all jewellery be cleaned at home?

No. Some jewellery can be cleaned carefully at home, but many pieces require a more cautious approach. Antique jewellery, pearls, enamel, oxidised silver, delicate gemstones and damaged pieces should not be cleaned aggressively at home.

Are jewellery cleaning dips safe?

Not for every piece. Dips and liquid cleaners may be suitable for some jewellery, but they can be too harsh for others, especially where finishes, stones or fragile settings are involved. Always check suitability first.

How often should jewellery be professionally checked?

This depends on wear, design and construction, but jewellery worn frequently benefits from periodic professional inspection, especially stone-set pieces and pearl strands.

What is the safest everyday jewellery care habit?

Removing jewellery before exposure to water, chemicals, impact and abrasive activity is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce avoidable wear.