How to Clean Your Jewelry

After you've found the perfect piece, regular cleaning keeps it looking like the day you got it. Here's how to do it right.

Jewelry picks up oils, lotions, and everyday grime. Regular cleaning restores brilliance and helps you notice any damage early.

Gold and Diamond Jewelry Soak in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 10–15 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, paying attention to settings and the underside of stones. Rinse under warm running water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Silver Jewelry Silver tarnishes — it's normal. Polish with a silver cloth or a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft cloth. Rinse well and dry completely. Store silver in anti-tarnish pouches to slow tarnishing.

Pearl Jewelry Pearls are organic and delicate. Wipe after each wear with a soft, damp cloth. Never soak — water weakens the silk thread stringing. Keep away from perfumes, hairspray, and lotions.

Gemstones Most hard gemstones (sapphire, ruby, emerald) tolerate warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for stones with inclusions, treated stones, or soft gems like opal, turquoise, and pearls.

What to Avoid Chlorine bleach, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners are safe for some jewelry but can damage others. When in doubt, bring it to us — we're happy to clean it properly at no charge.

For a professional deep clean, stop by Culpepper Jewelers anytime.