Most jewelry only needs warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. The trick is knowing which pieces need extra care.
What to remember
- Warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush are safe for most gold, platinum and diamond jewelry.
- GIA warns that pearls and other organic gems should never go in an ultrasonic cleaner.
- Stones that are fracture-filled, oiled or heat-sensitive, such as many emeralds, opals and turquoise, should also stay out of ultrasonic cleaners.
- If you’re not sure how a gem has been treated, skip the ultrasonic cleaner and ask a jeweler.
Lotion, soap, skin oils and dust build up on jewelry over time, dulling the sparkle of stones and metal. A gentle clean at home brings most pieces back to life.
A gentle method for most jewelry
- Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak the piece for a few minutes.
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, paying attention to the back of stones and settings.
- Rinse in clean warm water, over a bowl rather than an open drain.
- Dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Which gems need extra care
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) advises against ultrasonic cleaners for several types of gems:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Organic gems | Pearl, coral, amber, shell |
| Fracture-filled stones | Many emeralds; some diamonds |
| Oiled, waxed or coated stones | Often opal, lapis lazuli, malachite, emerald |
| Heat-sensitive gems | Opal, turquoise, tanzanite, topaz, zircon, moonstone |
For delicate gems like these, GIA suggests mild cleaners made for the purpose, or just warm, soapy water.
Buying tip: Clean jewelry over a bowl or with the sink plug in. Small stones and earring backs are surprisingly easy to lose down the drain.
What to avoid
- Chlorine and household cleaners: they can damage some metals and stones.
- Abrasives: toothpaste, baking soda and rough cloths can scratch.
- Heat and steam: these can crack or discolor sensitive stones.
When to see a jeweler
Have valuable pieces professionally cleaned and checked from time to time. A jeweler can spot loose stones or worn prongs before you lose a stone. Our pearl care guide covers pearls in more detail, and our guide to silver tarnish explains how to keep silver bright.
Before you buy: If you don’t know whether a gemstone has been treated, ask the jeweler who sold it, or check its grading report. Treatments affect which cleaning methods are safe.
Common jewelry questions
Can I use toothpaste or baking soda?
It’s best not to. Both are abrasive and can scratch soft metals and gemstones.
How often should I clean my jewelry?
Pieces you wear every day benefit from a gentle clean every few weeks. Rings and earrings collect the most build-up.
Are home ultrasonic cleaners safe for diamonds?
Many untreated diamonds tolerate them, but fracture-filled diamonds can be damaged. If you don’t know whether a stone is treated, use warm soapy water instead.