Notorious is home to several jewellery experts. One of our contributors is a goldsmith, and another specializes in diamonds. We consulted both to find the best home methods for keeping jewellery clean and well-cared for. Gold, silver, diamonds, or even semi-precious stones are costly materials that require careful preservation. Moreover, these pieces often hold sentimental value that one would wish to last forever. Thus, this article will guide you through the process of jewellery cleaning, from washing your hands while wearing rings to storing your treasures safely.
HOW TO WASH HANDS WEARING JEWELLERY?
Simply put, don’t. Doctors recommend removing rings, bracelets, and watches before washing your hands and wrists. Jewellery, particularly rings, can harbour bacteria and germs as it’s challenging to clean thoroughly underneath them. If you’re away from home, it’s safer to keep rings on while washing your hands to avoid losing them. However, avoid using soap if your ring contains pearls or porous, soft gemstones.
Cailee Spaeny in Bulgari at Met Gala 24 – Courtesy @Bulgari
AND NOW, HOW TO PROPERLY WASH YOUR JEWELLERY?
Professional cleaners might use ultrasonic devices that clean impeccably. However, ultrasonic cleaning is suitable only for watches, metals, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Porous materials like pearls should never be cleaned in these devices. Even at home, you can achieve excellent results with readily available products.
1- HOW TO CLEAN YOUR JEWELLERY WITH DISHWASHING LIQUID AND HOT WATER
A simple method to clean most jewelry involves soaking it in a bowl of hot water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Use an extra soft toothbrush to gently loosen any debris. Rinse the pieces under warm running water and dry them with a soft cotton cloth or let them air dry. This method is suitable for jewellery containing hard gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, or sapphires.
Mimi Ryder Wearing Chanel Pearls and Diamonds Necklace – Courtesy @Chanel
2- JUST USE HOT WATER FOR YOUR BLING
For porous or soft gemstones like opals, turquoise, and pearls, clean with just hot water using an extra soft toothbrush. Then allow them to air dry on a cotton cloth. Pearls are particularly susceptible to damage from household products containing alcohol, baking soda, or vinegar. Avoid using hand sanitizer when wearing these delicate gems.
3- VINEGAR: A NATURAL SOLUTION FOR CLEANING CHAINS
Clean your gold and silver jewellery by soaking it in a small bowl of white vinegar for about 15 to 20 minutes. For heavily tarnished silver, you can extend this time to up to two hours. Afterwards, rinse them under running water and pat dry with a soft cotton cloth. White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that eliminates buildup and restores sparkle.
Some delicate heirloom and vintage pieces may need a professional cleaning service. If you have doubts about it, better wait until you can visit a jeweller to ask for advice.
4- DISINFECTING GOLD AND SILVER PIECES
A non-chlorine, alcohol-free disinfectant spray can be used to keep your silver and gold pieces clean. This spray is particularly handy when you are away from home, such as in the car or at the office.
Charlotte Casiraghi Wearing Chanel Pearl and Diamonds Earrings – Courtesy @Chanel
5- CREATE A JEWELLERY CLEANING KIT
Assemble a dedicated jewellery cleaning kit in a nice box. Equip it with a soft-bristled brush, a lint-free cloth, and a gentle silver polish. Tweezers and cotton buds are also helpful for cleaning small, intricate areas, helping you keep your jewellery pristine and well-preserved.
6- HOW TO STORE CLEAN JEWELLERY
When storing jewellery, ensure that chains are straight and protected by a soft fabric to prevent tangling. Store pearls separately from other metals and stones. Avoid using plastic bags or boxes and do not store them in hot, dry places to prevent them from turning yellow and drying out. Pearls should be kept in well-ventilated areas and worn frequently to benefit from the hydrating natural oils of your skin.
Feature Image – Emilia Schüle by @Bulgari