Cleaning Jewellery Guide

Everyone has a favourite piece of jewellery (or two!). Our guide reveals everything you need to know about cleaning jewellery. From how to clean silver, gold, diamond, platinum, pearl and gemstone jewellery, to replating and storage tips, we’re here to help your beautiful pieces shine.

Cleaning Jewellery

Natural skin oils and dust in the atmosphere dull the surface of precious metals, so we’ve pulled together some top tips on how to clean your jewellery at home to keep rings, necklaces and other special pieces tarnish-free.

We also recommend to get your jewellery professionally cleaned in-store with us once a year so we can check, polish and clean your jewellery. We can give you any extra tips to help keep it sparkling, too.

How To Clean Gold Jewellery

If your gold jewellery has pearls or certain types of gemstones, be careful when cleaning as these require extra-special care. Read on for tips on how to clean pearls and gemstones.

Read our full guide to cleaning gold jewellery at home, here.

Gold Cleaning In 5 Easy Steps

1

Add a few drops of the mild washing-up liquid to one of the bowls of lukewarm water. Mix to get a soapy solution. Using lukewarm water means you’re not subjecting your jewellery to extreme changes in temperature, which could damage it.

2

Soak your jewellery in the bowl with washing-up liquid for ten minutes. This will loosen any dirt or grime, ready for you to gently remove.

3

Clean gently with the soft-bristled brush. Take your jewellery out of the bowl and scrub gently with the brush, paying attention to any hard-to-reach places where dirt may be hidden. A soft-bristled brush ensures you won’t scratch the surface of your jewellery.

4

Rinse well in the clean water. Soap can leave a residue on your gold jewellery, so make sure you rinse thoroughly to remove all the washing-up liquid.

5

Dry and polish with the lint-free cloth. Using a lint-free cloth ensures no fuzz or threads will be left behind. Enjoy your sparkling new jewellery!

Best Gold Jewellery Cleaner

For on-the-go shine, our selection of easy-to-use gold jewellery cleaners features the best products to ensure your jewellery is sparkling wherever you are

Gold Cleaning In 5 Easy Steps

1

Add a few drops of the mild washing-up liquid to one of the bowls of lukewarm water. Mix to get a soapy solution. Using lukewarm water means you’re not subjecting your jewellery to extreme changes in temperature, which could damage it.

2

Soak your jewellery in the bowl with washing-up liquid for ten minutes. This will loosen any dirt or grime, ready for you to gently remove.

3

Clean gently with the soft-bristled brush. Take your jewellery out of the bowl and scrub gently with the brush, paying attention to any hard-to-reach places where dirt may be hidden. A soft-bristled brush ensures you won’t scratch the surface of your jewellery.

4

Rinse well in the clean water. Soap can leave a residue on your gold jewellery, so make sure you rinse thoroughly to remove all the washing-up liquid.

5

Dry and polish with the lint-free cloth. Using a lint-free cloth ensures no fuzz or threads will be left behind. Enjoy your sparkling new jewellery!

Best Gold Jewellery Cleaner

For on-the-go shine, our selection of easy-to-use gold jewellery cleaners features the best products to ensure your jewellery is sparkling wherever you are

How To Clean Silver Jewellery

A metal which is prone to tarnishing, cleaning your silver jewellery regularly will help to retain its bright shine. Designed to restore its natural lustre, follow these steps to learn how to clean and polish silver chains, rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, as well as plated and tarnished silver jewellery, with ease.

Looking for more tips and tricks? Check out our detailed guide on how to clean silver jewellery.

How To Clean Tarnished Sterling Silver Jewellery

1

Using Connoisseurs silver jewellery cleaner, start by placing one piece of jewellery into the dip tray and lowering into the solution. Leave the jewellery submerged in the cleaning liquid for up to 10 seconds.

2

Lift the dip tray out of the solution and rinse thoroughly in clean water.

3

Dry your jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth before using a silver polishing cloth or wipes to restore shine

Why Does Silver Tarnish & How To Stop It? +

The good news is that wearing your silver jewellery will help to slow the tarnishing (not that an excuse to wear your jewellery is necessary!). Although tarnishing can’t be prevented, cleaning your silver jewellery regularly will make it last longer in between deep cleans. A few key tips to follow are:

  • Protect it from damp conditions e.g. the bathroom
  • Store in an airtight bag
  • Remove your jewellery when you wash your hands or when exercising

Best Silver Jewellery Cleaner

To keep it looking as good as new, we recommend cleaning your silver jewellery with our specialised silver cleaning products. These products will not only help to remove dirt and tarnish, but will also help to protect your jewellery with their anti-tarnish formula.

How To Clean Tarnished Sterling Silver Jewellery

1

Using Connoisseurs silver jewellery cleaner, start by placing one piece of jewellery into the dip tray and lowering into the solution.

2

Leave the jewellery submerged in the cleaning liquid for up to 10 seconds – you don’t need to soak even the most tarnished silver for an extended period of time.

3

Lift the dip tray out of the solution and rinse thoroughly in clean water.

4

For any small details, you may want to use an old soft-bristled toothbrush to reach any nooks and crannies.

5

Dry your jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth before using a silver polishing cloth or wipes to restore shine.

Why Does Silver Tarnish & How To Stop It? +

The good news is that wearing your silver jewellery will help to slow the tarnishing (not that an excuse to wear your jewellery is necessary!). Although tarnishing can’t be prevented, cleaning your silver jewellery regularly will make it last longer in between deep cleans. A few key tips to follow are:

  • Protect it from damp conditions e.g. the bathroom
  • Store in an airtight bag
  • Remove your jewellery when you wash your hands or when exercising

Best Silver Jewellery Cleaner

To keep it looking as good as new, we recommend cleaning your silver jewellery with our specialised silver cleaning products. These products will not only help to remove dirt and tarnish, but will also help to protect your jewellery with their anti-tarnish formula.

How To Clean Platinum Jewellery

Platinum is the most rare, precious and eternal metal of all, so it’s important to look after your platinum jewellery to keep its bright white lustre looking beautiful.

Your platinum jewellery will develop a silver-grey patina over time. To clean your platinum jewellery, we recommend following these five simple steps.

Platinum Cleaning In 5 Easy Steps

1

To clean your platinum jewellery pieces, we would recommend gently cleaning with the Connoisseurs jewellery beauty wipes. If you don’t have any Connoisseurs beauty wipes to hand, you can make a soapy solution using a very mild detergent like baby shampoo. Make sure you rinse it off thoroughly to avoid residue.

2

Immerse your platinum jewellery fully in the cleaning solution and let it soak for a few minutes.

3

Using a soft-bristled brush, gently brush your platinum jewellery, paying particular attention to the setting or places where dirt can become trapped.

4

Rinse your jewellery well in lukewarm water.

5

Dry and polish with a soft, lint-free cloth.

How To Clean Black Zirconium Jewellery

Our collection of black zirconium wedding rings are blended with the precious metals platinum and 18ct gold to last a lifetime. Boasting a permanent dark finish and tough structure, you won’t have to worry about the colour fading, making it perfect for everyday wear.

We do still recommend you take care of your zirconium wedding rings and clean them often. For at home cleaning, wash gently with mild soapy solution, rinse in cold water and dry with a soft cloth. If your zirconium wedding ring features diamonds, use our Diamond Dazzle Stik or visit us in-store for free cleaning

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How To Clean Gemstones

Cleaning your gemstones regularly will ensure that their natural colour and lustre is enhanced, as well as giving you an opportunity to check the settings for any signs of wear or damage. You should approach cleaning with caution though as some gemstones may need extra care and attention.

How To Clean Diamond Rings & Jewellery

We all love the bright rainbow flashes as a diamond catches the light, but the key to keeping the sparkle you fell in love with is to keep your diamond clean.

During normal wear, your diamonds will encounter natural skin oils and dust in the air, which will eventually leave a film on their surface and dull their sparkle. Fortunately, this is very easy to remove.

Our tips for how to clean diamond engagement rings, earrings and necklaces will ensure your diamonds look their sparkling and brilliant best every day.

Three Steps On How To Clean Your Diamonds

1

The Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik is an essential tool for every diamond. Safely using a cleaning gel that contains micro-fine cleansers and polishing agents, simply twist to release the gel and wet your brush slightly. Pop this handy tool in your handbag for on-the-go sparkle top ups.

2

If you don't have a diamond dazzle stik to hand, as a last resort you can use lukewarm water with a touch of a mild soapy solution, such as baby shampoo, for accessible home cleaning. Please be careful not to have the temperature too hot or too cold, as extreme changes in temperature could damage your diamond.

3

This is also a good time to check that your diamonds are secure. Whilst cleaning the setting, make sure that all the claws are intact and that there is no damage to the mount. If you are unsure, pop into your local store and our team will happily advise you further.

Best Diamond Cleaner

Our specialised diamond cleaning products will ensure that your diamonds dazzle every day of the week.

Three Steps On How To Clean Your Diamonds

1

The Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik is an essential tool for every diamond. Safely using a cleaning gel that contains micro-fine cleansers and polishing agents, simply twist to release the gel and wet your brush slightly. Pop this handy tool in your handbag for on-the-go sparkle top ups.

2

If you don't have a diamond dazzle stik to hand, as a last resort you can use lukewarm water with a touch of a mild soapy solution, such as baby shampoo, for accessible home cleaning. Please be careful not to have the temperature too hot or too cold, as extreme changes in temperature could damage your diamond.

3

This is also a good time to check that your diamonds are secure. Whilst cleaning the setting, make sure that all the claws are intact and that there is no damage to the mount. If you are unsure, pop into your local store and our team will happily advise you further.

Best Diamond Cleaner

Our specialised diamond cleaning products will ensure that your diamonds dazzle every day of the week.

How To Use The Diamond Dazzle Stik

Perfect for restoring your diamond’s sparkle when time is short, the Diamond Dazzle Stick is perfect for cleaning on the go.

1

Wet the tip of the brush in clean water.

2

Twist the silver cap until the blue gel appears on the bristles.

3

Brush the gel onto your diamonds, taking care to brush all around the stone and into the setting.

4

Rinse your diamond thoroughly in lukewarm water.

5

Dry and polish your jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth. Enjoy the sparkle!

How To Clean Gemstones

Cleaning your gemstones regularly will ensure that their natural colour and lustre is enhanced, as well as giving you an opportunity to check the settings for any signs of wear or damage. You should approach cleaning with caution though as some gemstones may need extra care and attention.

Cleaning Gemstone Jewellery

For non-porous gemstones such as amethyst, ruby and sapphire:

1

Use a microfibre/lint-free cloth to gently wipe your jewellery. Discover our professional cleaning products for extra care.

2

For a further clean, you can make a soapy solution using a very mild detergent like baby shampoo. Soak the gemstone for a few minutes, taking care not to bang, knock or scratch the gemstone. Rinse it off thoroughly to avoid residue.

3

Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth

4

Avoid any harsh cleaning products when wearing your gemstones, such as bleach.

For delicate gemstones like opal, emerald, tanzanite, turquoise, amber and peridot:

  • Avoid soaking, using cleaning products or ultrasonic cleaners for fragile stones.
  • Instead, wipe with a warm, damp cloth so you don’t damage your jewellery

Gemstone Cleaning Jewellery

For non-porous gemstones, our range of cleaning products are easy to use and are designed to keep your jewellery looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.

Cleaning Gemstone Jewellery

For non-porous gemstones such as amethyst, ruby and sapphire:

1

Use a microfibre/lint-free cloth to gently wipe your jewellery. Discover our professional cleaning products for extra care.

2

For a further clean, you can make a soapy solution using a very mild detergent like baby shampoo. Soak the gemstone for a few minutes, taking care not to bang, knock or scratch the gemstone. Rinse it off thoroughly to avoid residue.

3

Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth

4

Avoid any harsh cleaning products when wearing your gemstones, such as bleach.

For delicate gemstones like opal, emerald, tanzanite, turquoise, amber and peridot:

  • Avoid soaking, using cleaning products or ultrasonic cleaners for fragile stones.
  • Instead, wipe with a warm, damp cloth so you don’t damage your jewellery

Gemstone Cleaning Jewellery

For non-porous gemstones, our range of cleaning products are easy to use and are designed to keep your jewellery looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.

How To Clean Pearls

An organic gem, pearls are soft and easily damaged, and should be treated with care. Cleaning products are best avoided and, due to their porous nature, they shouldn’t be submerged in water.

Did you know that wearing your pearls will make even more beautiful? The natural oils from your skin will gradually coat your pearls, helping them to stay hydrated and accentuating their natural lustre.

Pearl Cleaning Tips

1

Use a soft cloth slightly dampened with warm water to clean your pearls after wearing them.

2

Gently rub each pearl with the cloth to remove any dirt. You should avoid pulling the pearls through the cloth as this could cause the string to stretch.

3

Dry your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth.

4

Always store your pearls flat, and wrap them in a soft cloth to prevent them being scratched.


How To Store & Care For Jewellery

Make your special pieces last with our expert tips on how to store your jewellery properly and things to be cautious of during wear.

During Wear

Always remove your jewellery when applying hand sanitiser or beauty products like make-up, perfume and hairspray. Or, to make things easy, just put your jewellery on last when getting ready.

  • Before hand sanitising we advise taking your rings off. Let your hands dry before putting your jewellery back on.
  • Don’t shower, soak or submerge your jewellery. Chlorine is especially damaging!
  • Remove your jewellery when sleeping, cooking or cleaning. Rinse off any chemicals that come into contact with your jewellery.

All these tips will help reduce corrosion, tarnishing, discolouration and damage to your special pieces.

Storing Your Jewellery

To store necklaces without tangling, place your pieces in separate boxes or in sheets of tissue paper so they don't scratch against each other. Jewellery boxes come in handy as these often have dedicated compartments for rings, earrings and bracelets.

How To Restore &
Care For Plated Jewellery

Plating is the process of covering a metal with a layer of another metal to make it a different colour. At Beaverbrooks, our plated jewellery is crafted in sterling silver and covered with a 9ct or 18ct gold plating for a beautiful finish.

Plated Jewellery Care

A selection of luxury fashion brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Michael Kors and Olivia Burton often use a plating in both their jewellery and watches. This plating can naturally wear away to reveal the metal underneath, which is why it’s important to care for your gold-plated jewellery on a daily basis to prolong the appearance

  • Remove your jewellery or watch before showering, swimming or sleeping
  • Keep your plated items away from hand sanitiser, perfumes and creams
  • Store your jewellery or watches in a pouch or soft cloth separate from other jewellery

Our Rhodium Plating Service

Naturally a champagne colour, white gold is finished with a rhodium plating to create a lustrous bright white finish. Hand sanitiser and beauty products can break down this plating at a faster pace and therefore it may need to be renewed in time. If you’re wondering how to restore your gold-plated jewellery, visit your nearest store and we’ll be happy to help.

Ask the experts

One of our Gift Experts, Lorraine, tells us all the tips you need to know to care for your jewellery.

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