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.
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 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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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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