Know Your Materials Before Cleaning your Jewelry
Understanding what your jewelry is made of is the first step in caring for it properly. My signature pieces combine resin-encased gemstones, crystals, and organic elements alongside metal, and those materials cannot all be cleaned the same way. For example, resin, delicate gemstones, and plated metals should never be placed in ultrasonic or steam cleaners because they risk cracking stones and stripping platings.
Be Gentle with Gemstones & Resin Elements
For anything with real gemstones or resin elements , whether crushed crystal, semi-precious gems, or delicate materials like turquoise and malachite, always avoid ultrasonic cleaners. These machines can cause fractures, loosening, or even surface damage in softer or treated stones.
Best practice:
- Use mild soap in lukewarm water and a very soft brush or cloth
- Gently wipe the surface, no soaking for porous stones like turquoise
- Pat dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth
Why this matters: Gemstone care varies widely by stone hardness, porosity, and treatment. Soft stones can absorb water or soaps, altering color or luster if over-soaked.
Many of the earrings I create are designed to be expressive, lightweight statement pieces rather than everyday, sleep-in jewelry. Because they often combine glass-like resin with crushed gemstones, Swarovski crystals, metal foils, or real flowers, they don’t require aggressive cleaning. In most cases, a soft cloth wipe after wearing is more than enough to remove skin oils and keep them clear and bright. For earrings with gold-filled or sterling silver components, gentle soap and water on the metal parts only, followed by thorough drying, is safe. I don’t recommend soaking earrings or using ultrasonic cleaners, especially when multiple materials are involved. Treating them as wearable art rather than something to scrub will preserve both the materials and the design.
Cleaning Metal Components Safely
14k Gold Filled & Sterling Silver Chains
For durable metals like gold-filled and sterling silver:
- Mix a gentle dish soap with warm water
- Use a super-soft toothbrush with very slight brushing to remove oils
- Rinse and pat dry completely
- Store in an airtight container (even a simple plastic baggie prevents oxidation, rubbing, and scratches)
Proper drying and storage are often overlooked but make a huge difference in long-term shine.
Gold-Plated Brass Frames & Fashion Jewelry
Gold plating and brass frames are delicate, avoid anything that could abrade or strip the plating. Mild soapy water and a soft cloth are usually all these pieces need.
What Not to Do
Some common “DIY” jewelry cleaning tips actually do more harm than good: Harsh chemical dips, bleach, or abrasive products . Baking soda and aluminum foil tricks, especially on plated or organic gem pieces. These can strip metals, weaken coatings, or scratch delicate surfaces.
Practical Studio Approach: My Routine
In the studio before a show or when prepping pieces to ship I polish with a compound on metal parts only . Wipe off residue with a soft cloth . For chains without pendants, soapy water + soft brush works beautifully.
This simple, non-abrasive routine keeps things clean without risk, and the pieces often stay show-ready with regular wear.
Adjust Cleaning Based on Wear Frequency
Jewelry that’s worn daily will naturally accumulate oils and dirt faster, but also often stays cleaner because regular light contact keeps air and grime from settling. Still:
- Rings with complex settings might need monthly gentle cleaning
- Simple chains can go longer between cleanings
- Delicate pendants should be handled with extra care
When to Seek Professional Help
If you hear rattling that suggests a stone is loose, or if a setting looks deformed, it’s time to bring your piece to a professional jeweler. Trying to tighten or repair settings yourself almost always does more harm than good.
Summary
Keep your jewelry shining with safe, simple at-home cleaning techniques.
- Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush for gentle cleaning.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine and abrasive products like toothpaste.
- Dry carefully and consult a jeweler for pieces with delicate gemstones.