Jewelry Cleaning Guide

Remember the thrill of opening a luxurious box to reveal a new piece of fine jewelry? The way it sparkles and catches the light from every angle is truly magical. To ensure that your treasured pieces maintain their jaw-dropping brilliance, regular care and cleaning are essential. 

Every piece of jewelry designed by Jahan is meticulously crafted by experts who take immense pride in the fine details of their work. To ensure that your jewelry maintains its brilliance, cleaning, and overall "check-ups" are offered free for our customers! While fine jewelry is designed to last a lifetime, proper maintenance will help preserve its beauty and durability for generations to come.

In this guide, we’ll share tips on how to keep your jewelry looking as radiant as the day you received it, including special care for delicate pieces like engagement rings and gemstones such as emeralds.

Understanding Your Jewelry

Fine jewelry comes in various types, each requiring specific care and cleaning methods. Before cleaning, it is important to understand the materials of your jewelry, as this knowledge will guide you in choosing the appropriate cleaning techniques.

Rings

Rings are among the most popular forms of fine jewelry, including engagement rings, wedding bands, and cocktail rings. They are commonly made from materials like gold, platinum, and sterling silver, often featuring gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, or moissanite. Cleaning rings typically involves using warm soapy water along with a soft brush, especially for intricate settings that may collect dirt. It's important to avoid harsh chemicals, particularly for softer stones, and professional cleaning is recommended for pieces with delicate settings to ensure they are not damaged.

Necklaces

Necklaces come in various styles, including chains, pendants, and statement pieces. These can be crafted from gold, silver, and mixed metals, often adorned with different types of stones. Regular maintenance is crucial; wiping necklaces with a soft cloth helps remove oils and prevents tarnishing.  If you're interested in DIY methods, a mild soap solution works well, especially for beaded or layered designs. Care must be taken with string or thread-based necklaces, which may require specialized cleaning methods to avoid damage.

Bracelets

Bracelets, including bangles, cuffs, and charm bracelets, are another popular type of fine jewelry. They are often made from gold, silver, or leather and can feature various gemstones. To clean metal bracelets, a warm soapy water solution and a soft brush work well. For leather bracelets, wiping them with a damp cloth and conditioning with leather care products can help maintain their appearance. Charm bracelets should be treated with care; it’s advisable to clean each charm individually rather than soaking the entire piece, especially if it contains delicate components.

In general, regular cleaning is important, but it’s equally vital to avoid over-cleaning to preserve finishes and settings. Proper storage is also crucial; storing jewelry separately in soft pouches or jewelry boxes can prevent scratching and tangling. Additionally, considering professional care for more valuable pieces can ensure that they remain in excellent condition for years to come. By following these guidelines, you can effectively maintain the beauty and longevity of your fine jewelry.

How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home 

Regular cleaning of fine jewelry is essential for maintaining its luster and brilliance. Over time, dirt, oils, and other residues can accumulate, dulling the shine and beauty of your pieces. By implementing a consistent cleaning routine, you can preserve the sparkle and ensure your jewelry remains vibrant and appealing.

To effectively clean your jewelry, you'll need some basic tools. Soft cloths are ideal for wiping down pieces after each wear to remove oils and dirt. A soft brush can help reach intricate details, especially in settings with gemstones. Mild soap and water are effective for a gentle cleaning solution that won't damage most materials. For more thorough cleaning, consider using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, which can penetrate hard-to-reach areas and restore brilliance, particularly for rings with delicate settings.

When it comes to specific materials, cleaning leather and watches requires a different approach. For leather bracelets, gently wiping them with a damp cloth followed by conditioning with leather care products will help maintain their appearance and prevent cracking. Watches should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically involving a soft cloth for the case and a careful approach to the band.

If you're dealing with tarnish on gold, using a jewelry cleaner specifically designed for gold can help restore its shine. It’s important to use the right products to avoid damaging the metal. For those with 24k gold jewelry, adopt a gentle cleaning method to preserve their quality. Proper storage is equally crucial; store your jewelry separately in soft pouches or jewelry boxes to prevent scratching and tangling.

By incorporating these cleaning practices and tools into your routine, you can ensure that your fine jewelry remains as stunning as the day you got it.

How to Clean Engagement Rings

Keeping your engagement ring clean is essential for maintaining its sparkle and brilliance. However, many individuals miss out on the joy of their engagement ring’s brilliance because they often forget to clean it for months after getting engaged. Here's a step-by-step cleaning process to help you keep it looking its best.

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Start by preparing a gentle cleaning solution using mild soap and warm water. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Ensure the soap is free of harsh chemicals or abrasives that could damage the ring.

Step 2: Soak the Ring Briefly

Once your solution is ready, place your engagement ring in the bowl and let it soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or oils that have built up over time.

Step 3: Gently Scrub with a Soft Brush

After soaking, take a soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, and gently scrub the ring. Focus on the areas around the diamond and under the setting, where dirt often accumulates. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could scratch the metal or dislodge the stone.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry with a Soft Cloth

Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the ring under lukewarm water to remove any soap residue. To avoid losing the ring down the drain, consider using a colander or a bowl with a fine mesh. After rinsing, dry the ring with a soft, lint-free cloth, ensuring it’s completely dry before wearing it again.

Tips for Maintaining the Diamond's Brilliance

• Regular Cleaning: Aim to clean your engagement ring at least once a month to keep it looking its best.
  
  

• Avoid Chemicals: Remove your ring before using lotions, perfumes, or cleaning products, as these can dull the diamond's sparkle.
  
  

• Safe Storage: When not wearing your ring, store it in a soft pouch or jewelry box to protect it from scratches and dust.
  
  

• Professional Checkups: Consider having your ring professionally cleaned and inspected annually to ensure the setting is secure and the diamond remains brilliant. Utilizing tools like a jewelry cleaner ultrasonic can enhance the cleaning process. At Jahan Diamonds, we offer free checkups for our customers! Our expert team is dedicated to maintaining the beauty and integrity of your jewelry.

Cleaning Different Gemstones

While gemstones are durable, they require varying levels of care. Even simple soap-water soaks can be harmful to certain gemstones.

How to Clean Pearls

After each use, gently wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any buildup, dirt, and oils. Chemicals from makeup, hairspray, perfume, and other products can be particularly harmful to pearls. For a deeper clean, you can wash them in a mixture of mild soap, and water. After cleaning, wrap the pearls in a thin, damp cotton towel to dry properly.

Some gems, such as pearls, can become bleached when exposed to sunlight. Additionally, heat can dehydrate certain gemstones, while sudden temperature fluctuations and extreme heat may lead to fractures. To protect your gemstones, always ensure they are kept away from sunlight and heat sources.

Pearls should be stored separately, away from hard objects or jewelry that may scratch the pearls’ soft surface. To avoid scratching, wrap them in linen, soft cloth, or place in a soft pouch. Store your pearls flat, as opposed to hanging, to avoid premature stretching of thread. Pearls should be re-strung every 1-3 years, depending on how often you wear them. 

How to Clean Emeralds

While emeralds are relatively durable with a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, they are considered more delicate than harder gemstones like sapphires or diamonds due to their inherent brittleness and tendency for inclusions. Inclusions are natural flaws within the stone that can affect its clarity and overall appearance. While they can resist scratching, they are more prone to chipping or fracturing. It is best to keep them stored separately in your jewelry box.

Because emeralds are often more fragile than other gemstones, enhancements help improve their visual quality and durability. Oiling or resin treatment fills in these inclusions, making the stone look clearer and more vibrant. This makes it risky to clean emerald jewelry in the ultrasonic or steam cleaners frequently found in jewelry stores.  

Instead, the best way to clean emerald jewelry is by using warm soapy water or a soft cloth dampened with soapy water. Avoid soaking emeralds in soapy water, as this can be detrimental to their integrity. It's crucial to never soak emeralds in solvents such as alcohol, acetone, or paint thinner, as these substances can cause significant damage to the stone. 

By following these guidelines, you can help maintain the beauty and durability of your emerald jewelry.

How to Clean Sapphires and Rubies

Cleaning sapphires and rubies is essential to maintain their brilliance and luster. To safely clean these precious gemstones, start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush or a microfiber cloth, gently scrub the stones and their settings to remove dirt and oils. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, as they can damage the surface of the gems. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under lukewarm water and dry it with a soft cloth. For extra shine, you can occasionally use a jewelry cleaner specifically designed for fine gemstones. Regular cleaning not only enhances the beauty of your sapphires and rubies but also helps prevent damage, ensuring your fine jewelry remains stunning for years to come.

 

When to Seek Professional Cleaning

It is important to know when to seek professional cleaning for your jewelry. Here are some signs that your pieces may need expert attention:

 

1. Visible Dirt and Grime: If your jewelry looks dull or has accumulated dirt that regular cleaning doesn’t remove, it’s time for a professional deep clean.

2. Scratches or Damage: If your jewelry has noticeable scratches or signs of wear, a professional can polish and restore it to its original condition.

3. Loose Stones: If you notice any stones that seem to be moving or are not securely set, it's essential to have a jeweler inspect and secure them before they become lost.

4. Tarnishing: If your metal jewelry shows signs of tarnish that regular cleaning methods can't address, a jeweler can restore its shine effectively.

 

Even if your jewelry looks fine, it is a good idea to consider professional cleaning and inspection at least once a year. The benefits of having a jeweler clean and inspect your pieces include expert care, access to specialized tools and techniques, and the ability to identify potential issues before they escalate.

We provide professional cleaning services for our customers to help keep your fine jewelry looking its best. Our skilled jewelers ensure that your pieces receive the attention they deserve, giving you peace of mind and the confidence to wear your jewelry for any occasion.

Conclusion

In summary, proper jewelry care is essential for preserving your treasured pieces. By regularly cleaning and inspecting your fine jewelry, you can ensure that it continues to shine brightly and remains a cherished part of your collection. To keep your pieces in pristine condition, always store them in a soft, dry place, such as a fabric-lined jewelry box or individual pouches, to avoid scratches and tangling.

It's also important to avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals found in household cleaners, perfumes, and lotions, as these can dull the finish and potentially damage the stones. By following this cleaning process and these maintenance strategies, you can keep your engagement ring and other fine jewelry sparkling for many years to come! 

Your jewelry deserves the utmost care and attention. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our friendly team, who are always happy to assist you!