|The AMOLIH team
How To Clean Jewelry At Home Safely (Without Ruining Gemstones)

Lift the Buildup Gently.
Keep the Sparkle.

Jewellery will pick up lotion, sunscreen, soap film, perfume, and everyday dust — that's just what it means to wear it. The goal isn't aggressive deep cleaning. It's lifting buildup gently so your metal shines and your gemstones sparkle again, without loosening stones or damaging finishes.

Soap + water + soft brush. That's almost always enough.

Warm Water + Mild Soap

Gentle and effective for most gems and metals. This is the default — because it works.

What you need

  • A small bowl of warm (not hot) water
  • A few drops of mild dish soap — no detergents or harsh additives
  • A soft brush — a baby toothbrush works perfectly
  • A soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber
A quick wipe with a soft cloth after every wear goes a long way between deeper cleanings.

Step by step

  1. 1
    Soak

    Let your jewellery sit in warm soapy water for a few minutes to loosen buildup.

  2. 2
    Gently brush

    Work around the underside of the stone and any crevices — that's where oils hide.

  3. 3
    Rinse safely

    Use a bowl of clean water, not the tap — so you don't risk losing a loose stone down the drain.

  4. 4
    Pat dry and air

    Pat with a soft cloth, then let it air-dry fully before storing.

What Changes by Metal

The method is mostly the same — but each metal has one or two things worth knowing.

Silver

Tarnish Is Normal

It happens from air, humidity, and chemical contact.

Use a polishing cloth for quick shine between deeper cleans

Avoid bleach and chlorine exposure — it accelerates tarnish

If using silver polish, keep it off gemstones unless the product explicitly says it's safe

Gold

Usually Just Buildup

Gold dulls from residue, not tarnish.

Mild soap and warm water is usually all it needs

Buff with a soft cloth after cleaning — the shine comes back quickly

Avoid harsh chemicals and chlorine regardless of karat

What Not to Do

A lot of viral cleaning hacks are too harsh for fine jewellery. The no's matter as much as the method.

The Hard No's

  • No bleach or chlorine — damages metals and accelerates tarnish on silver.
  • No ultrasonics or steam unless you're very sure the stone can handle it — many gems can crack, and treatments can be permanently affected.
  • Extra caution with emeralds — most are fracture-filled; ultrasonic and steam cleaning can be risky. Stick to warm soapy water and a gentle brush.
  • No aggressive scrubbing on pavé settings — tiny stones can loosen even with soft brushes if you apply too much pressure.

Safe Cleaning by Stone

Diamond

Very durable — soap, water, and soft brush is excellent. Still avoid harsh chemicals and be careful with pavé settings.

Ruby

Generally very durable. Gentle soap and water works well. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Sapphire (including Pink)

Very hard and durable. Soap and water is great. Avoid aggressive ultrasonics for treated stones.

Emerald

Treat gently. Most are fracture-filled — avoid ultrasonic, steam, and harsh cleaners. Warm soapy water only.

Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Blue Topaz

Fine with gentle soap and water. Skip harsh cleaners, high heat, and aggressive scrubbing.

When in doubt — soap + water + soft brush is the safest universal answer.

Some things need a jeweller's hands.

At-home cleaning has limits. Know when to hand it over.

  • A stone rattles or the setting looks or feels snaggy
  • You have pavé and notice missing or loose tiny stones
  • The piece is antique, fragile, or heavily sentimental
  • You're unsure if the gemstone is treated or fracture-filled (common with emeralds)

How Often Is Often Enough

Three levels — each one simple enough to actually do.

After Wearing

Quick Wipe

Soft cloth, thirty seconds. The most underrated habit in jewellery care.

Every Few Weeks

Soap + Water Clean

Especially rings, which accumulate the most residue. Five minutes, big difference.

Occasionally

Professional Check

Prong tightness, setting security, stone integrity. Prevention is much cheaper than repair.

Shop With Confidence

Jewellery Built to Be Worn

Every piece we make is designed for your actual life — and we're always here to guide you on care, settings, and what works for your lifestyle.