How to Look After and Clean Your Jewellery
By Lisa Millwood — Expert Gemmologist & Jewellery Valuer, Australia
Like all beautiful things in life, your jewellery deserves care and respect. Whether it’s a precious heirloom, an antique ring, or a contemporary piece, taking a little extra time to care for your collection will ensure it lasts for generations.
Here’s my expert guide to keeping your jewellery looking its best — and the common mistakes to avoid.
Things to Avoid
🚫 Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Never wear your jewellery while using cleaning products, especially those with bleach, ammonia, or abrasives. These can corrode metal and damage gemstones. If you're doing chores and prefer to keep your rings on, pop on a pair of rubber gloves to protect them.
🌱 No Gardening in Jewellery
Gardening is surprisingly dangerous for jewellery! Prongs can catch on roots, gemstones can get scratched, and you may not notice a stone falling out in the soil until it’s too late.
✈️ Think Twice About Travelling with Treasures
While it's tempting to pack your favourite jewellery for holidays, it's best to leave your most valuable pieces at home. Luggage theft, misplacement in hotel rooms, or accidental loss on the beach are risks not worth taking.
🌊 Keep Rings Off at the Beach
Cool water causes fingers to shrink — and many rings are lost to the sea this way. Salty water can also dull certain metals and stones. Avoid giving pirates more treasure to find!
Jewellery Care Tips: Do’s
✅ Handle With Care
Even the hardest gemstones and metals can be scratched, chipped or cracked if dropped or knocked. Always handle your pieces gently.
✅ Store Properly
Keep your jewellery in a soft, fabric-lined box or pouch to avoid scratches. Store each piece separately, especially if they contain diamonds or delicate gems.
✅ Put Jewellery on Last
Perfumes, lotions and hairspray can dull or damage jewellery. Always apply products first and put your jewellery on last.
✅ Polish Regularly
Use a clean, soft cloth (even an old t-shirt works well) to gently buff your pieces and maintain their shine.
✅ Professional Cleaning
If your jewellery has lost its sparkle, take it to a trusted jeweller. A professional polish and ultrasonic clean can bring even the dullest pieces back to life.
Cleaning by Material
Platinum
Care Level: Durable but still prone to scratches
Cleaning: Use mild soapy water (a few drops of dishwashing liquid) and a soft toothbrush
Note: Platinum develops a natural patina over time — this can be polished off professionally if desired
Gold
Care Level: Softer metal — take care not to scratch
Cleaning: Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths or materials
Tip: The higher the carat (e.g., 18ct), the softer the gold. Wear pieces of similar carat weight together to minimise damage
Caution: Keep gold away from chlorine — it can weaken the metal
Silver
Care Level: Tarnishes easily, but regular wear reduces this
Cleaning: Soak in warm, soapy water and gently brush with a soft toothbrush. Dry with a soft cloth
Caution: Avoid chlorine — it can cause permanent damage
Pearls
Care Level: Very delicate — organic and porous
Tips for Care:
Always put pearls on last and remove them first
Wipe gently with a soft cloth after each wear
Avoid contact with perfume, hairspray, sunscreen or sweat
Store separately in a soft pouch (not in plastic)
Restring regularly — especially if worn often. Knots between each pearl prevent loss if the string breaks
Never: Expose pearls to high heat or chemical cleaners
Diamonds
Care Level: Extremely hard, but can chip or scratch each other
Cleaning: Warm soapy water + soft brush. Dry with a clean cloth
Storage Tip: Store diamond pieces separately to avoid them scratching other jewellery (or themselves!)
Gemstones
General Rule: Hardness is measured on the Mohs scale (1 = soft, 10 = hard)
Cleaning by Mohs Rating:
7 and above (e.g. sapphire, ruby, diamond): use warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush
Below 7 (e.g. opal, turquoise, emerald): avoid soaking; use a soft cloth only
Take special care with:
Emeralds: Often treated with oil — never put in ultrasonic cleaners
Opals, turquoise, pearls: Porous — do not submerge in water
Amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, rose quartz: Can fade or change in sunlight or heat
Final Thoughts
Jewellery is more than decoration — it's often deeply personal, sentimental, and valuable. With regular care and attention, your jewellery will continue to bring joy for decades, if not generations.
If your antique or vintage jewellery needs cleaning, repair, or a professional valuation, I’m here to help. As a certified gemmologist and valuer in Australia, I offer trusted expertise and personal service to ensure your treasured pieces are cared for the right way.
🔎 Need a professional opinion?
Get in touch for expert cleaning advice, gemstone assessments, or full valuations.