“Jewelry is the most transformative thing you can wear,” said the legendary fashion icon Iris Apfel. Knowing how to clean your jewelry should be a simple and essential part of your fashion knowledge.

Whether it’s an intricate gemstone brooch, everyday gold hoops, a cherished family heirloom, or bold “MOM” knuckle rings—your favorite pieces deserve to stay tarnish-free, sparkling, and clean. While it doesn’t have to be complicated, there are a few key rules to follow for keeping your jewelry looking its best.

First, identify what your jewelry is made of: Is it gold or gold-plated? Silver or sterling silver? Brass or gemstone? This will determine how you clean it and how often. You can also check with the manufacturer—brands like Pandora and Mejuri often provide care instructions or recommend specific cleaning products.

Proper storage is just as important for preventing tarnish and damage. Keep pieces separate, store them in a cool place, and avoid direct sunlight. “Store your jewelry separately to keep it gleaming for a lifetime,” says Andraya Kenon, founder and creative director of Celeste Starre.

I spoke with Emily Nunns, founder of British jewelry brand Ballinger (and former Vogue senior strategist), who designs durable, demi-fine jewelry inspired by vintage heirlooms. “I wasted so much money on earrings that tarnished quickly or rings that turned my fingers green after just a few wears—and these weren’t cheap pieces!” she says. “When creating Ballinger’s first samples, we went through a lot of trial and error. Now, we use a technique called physical vapor deposition (PVD), which coats our base metals (sterling silver and brass) with a thick layer of 18-karat gold. This makes the jewelry 10 times more durable than standard gold plating. We’ve even tested pieces by running them through the dishwasher and soaking them in saltwater—nothing has damaged them yet.”

Nunns knows how to clean jewelry and make it last. Before diving into cleaning methods, her top tip is simple: Put on jewelry after applying lotion, perfume, oils, or sunscreen. “This makes cleaning easier and helps protect the pieces,” she explains.

What makes jewelry dull and dirty? Soaps, lotions, and body oils create a cloudy film, while pollution, dirt, and daily activities (like swimming, showering, or gardening) add grime.

### Your Foolproof Guide to Cleaning Jewelry

#### How often should you clean jewelry?
Nunns recommends “little and often.” “Wipe down jewelry a few times a week if you wear it daily, and do a deeper clean once a month,” she says. “All you need is warm water, dish soap, a soft toothbrush, and a cloth.”

She warns against alcohol-based cleaners: “Avoid alcohol—it’s unnecessary and can damage certain materials. It can also dry out gemstones, making them look cracked.”

As for TikTok cleaning hacks? Nunns advises caution. “I’ve seen some questionable DIY methods online…”Here’s a clear and natural rewrite of your text:

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How to Clean Gold and Gold-Plated Jewelry

Solid gold is durable and doesn’t tarnish, while gold-plated jewelry (a cheaper metal coated in a thin layer of gold) can chip. Either way, handle with care. Use mild soap—dish soap works well—and warm water. “Avoid anything with bleach or chlorine, as harsh chemicals can damage your jewelry,” says Nunns. Add a few drops of soap to a bowl of warm water and let your jewelry soak for a few minutes. A soft toothbrush, like a baby toothbrush, can help clean hard-to-reach spots. Rinse thoroughly, dry completely, and buff with a microfiber cloth. Be gentle—no scrubbing—especially with gold-plated pieces.

How to Clean Silver and Sterling Silver Jewelry

Silver tarnishes over time, so proper storage is key. “Keep silver jewelry in a lined box to protect it from air, moisture, and sunlight,” advises Nunns. For cleaning, use silver polish or foam (like Goddard’s) to remove tarnish and add a protective layer. If you prefer a DIY method, mix baking soda and water into a paste, apply it with a cloth, then rinse and buff. Toothpaste can also work in a pinch. However, Clare Ngai-Howard of Bonbonwhims recommends a silver polishing cloth instead, as baking soda can sometimes scratch the metal.

How to Clean Fashion and Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry, often made from aluminum, brass, or copper, tarnishes easily. Clean it with a mild soap and warm water solution, but don’t soak—this could damage glued or plastic parts. Instead, dip a microfiber cloth in the soapy water, gently wipe the jewelry, then pat dry and let it air-dry on a towel.

How to Clean Jewelry with Gems, Stones, or Pearls

For rings, bracelets, or necklaces with stones, Elizabeth Doyle of Doyle & Doyle suggests using warm water and mild dish soap (like Ivory). Soak stubborn dirt to loosen it, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush, paying attention to areas behind stones where grime builds up. Avoid cleaners on organic gems like coral or pearls.

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Alcohol-based sanitizers can dry out gems like pearls, opals, or turquoise, causing surface damage or cracks. Pearls need extra care—they’re very delicate. Even warm water can harm them, and dish soap can dull their shine. Avoid anything acidic or abrasive, as it can scratch or damage them permanently. Instead, clean pearls with lukewarm water, let them air-dry, and gently polish them with a soft cloth.

For gemstone or pearl jewelry worn daily, wipe them down a few times a week with a soft cloth to remove oils or perfume buildup.

If you own antique pieces from the Georgian or early Victorian eras, be extra cautious. Water can seep into closed-back ring settings and dull the stones. Avoid washing locket rings or any rings with photos or decorations under glass.

When to call a professional? If you’re unsure about cleaning a delicate, antique, or sentimental piece, a jeweler can restore its sparkle. For everyday demi-fine jewelry, home cleaning should be enough.

To keep jewelry in top shape:
– Remove rings before washing hands, showering, cleaning, applying makeup or perfume, or swimming.
– Store pieces in anti-tarnish bags or boxes.
– When in doubt, consult a jeweler for advice on maintaining valuable or sentimental items.

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