How to Clean your Jewellery
Even with careful wear, it’s natural for jewellery to pick up a bit of tarnish, dullness, or surface marks over time. Everyday use, contact with air, and exposure to different substances can all affect its shine. Below, we’ve shared practical advice on how to clean gold, silver, and diamond jewellery, along with essential tips for care and storage to keep your pieces looking as stunning as the day you bought them.
Jewellery Care Tips
How To Clean Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver naturally darkens over time due to exposure to air and moisture — a process known as tarnishing. This occurs when silver reacts with sulphur in the atmosphere and can happen faster in humid or sunny conditions. While tarnish affects appearance, it doesn’t damage the metal itself.
To reduce tarnish build-up:
- Store silver pieces in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.
- Keep them dry and avoid storing in humid environments.
- Regularly wearing your silver jewellery actually helps prevent tarnish from forming.
Cleaning Silver Jewellery
How To Clean Gold Jewellery
All gold jewellery benefits from regular cleaning, but how it ages depends on its purity (carat level) and how often it’s worn.
- 24ct gold is pure gold and will not tarnish over time, but it’s quite soft, which makes it more prone to dents and scratches.
- 18ct and 9ct gold are alloys — gold mixed with other metals such as copper, silver, or palladium. These alloys are more durable and harder, but they may develop slight discolouration or surface tarnish after regular wear.
- Frequent exposure to perfumes, lotions, chlorine, or household cleaners can dull gold’s shine, so it’s best to remove jewellery before swimming, cleaning, or applying cosmetics.
- To maintain its polish, gently buff gold jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing. This helps remove oils and keeps the surface radiant.
Cleaning Gold Jewellery
How To Clean Diamond Jewellery
Diamonds are celebrated for their strength and brilliance, but even the hardest stone needs regular care to maintain its sparkle. Over time, oil, dust, and everyday residue can build up on the surface, making your diamonds appear dull or cloudy.
To keep your diamonds shining bright:
- Wipe them regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove fingerprints and grease.
- Avoid touching the stones directly, as natural oils from your skin can reduce their brilliance.
- Take off diamond jewellery before using lotions, perfume, hairspray, or household cleaners, as these can leave a hazy film.
- Store diamond pieces individually in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratches.
- If your diamond has lost its shine over time, consider a professional cleaning and inspection once a year to keep it secure and radiant.
With consistent care and gentle cleaning, your diamond jewellery will continue to sparkle for generations.