Jewellery
How to Care for Fine Jewellery: The Complete Guide
Reviewed by Thomas & Øyvind — NorwegianSpark | Last updated: April 2026
Why Jewellery Care Matters More Than You Think
Clean your fine jewellery monthly in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, dry thoroughly, store pieces separately in soft pouches, and have them professionally inspected annually. Here is everything else that matters.
Fine jewellery is not indestructible. Even hardness scale 9+ sapphires scratch against other stones. Gold alloys accumulate surface wear. Prong settings loosen with impact. Clasps fatigue with daily use. The difference between a piece that looks as good in 30 years and one that needs constant repair is almost entirely care and storage.
Cleaning by Metal Type
Gold (Yellow, White, Rose): warm (not hot) water, one drop of mild dish soap, soft toothbrush. Gently scrub all surfaces including the underside of settings and the inside of rings. Rinse thoroughly. Dry with a lint-free cloth. Allow to air dry fully before storage. Avoid chlorine (pools, hot tubs) and ultrasonic cleaners on organic stones or loose settings.
Silver: Silver tarnishes through reaction with sulphur compounds — normal and reversible. Silver polishing cloth for light tarnish. Baking soda paste for heavier tarnish. Anti-tarnish pouches slow tarnishing dramatically for infrequently worn pieces.
Platinum: Platinum does not tarnish. Develops a natural patina over time. Same cleaning method as gold — warm soapy water, soft brush, dry thoroughly. Polish restoration requires professional refinishing.
Cleaning by Stone Type
Diamonds: clean frequently. They accumulate oils rapidly, dulling brilliance. The difference before and after cleaning a diamond ring is dramatic.
Pearls: wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth after every wear. Never submerge. Keep away from perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics. Store separately — nacre scratches easily.
Emeralds: most natural emeralds are fracture-filled with cedar oil. Ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals dissolve this filling. Gentle hand-cleaning only.
Opals, turquoise, amber, coral: wipe only. Never submerge. Keep away from heat and chemicals.
Storage: The Most Important Variable
Individual pouches: store each piece separately. Diamonds scratch gold, metal scratches softer stones. Away from light and heat: UV light fades some coloured gemstones. Heat dehydrates organic materials.
Document your collection: jAlbum is an excellent tool for photographing and cataloguing pieces — essential for insurance purposes.
Professional Inspection: Annual Minimum
Have a qualified jeweller inspect prong settings, clasps, and metal integrity at least once per year. Prongs wear and loosen with daily use — catching this before a stone falls out is significantly cheaper than replacing it.
The cost of an annual inspection is typically $30–60. The cost of replacing a lost diamond from a worn prong can be thousands. Prevention is always the better investment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean jewellery with toothpaste?
No. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive and can scratch gold, silver, and softer stones. Use mild dish soap instead.
How often should I clean my engagement ring?
Weekly if worn daily. The difference in brilliance between a clean and dirty diamond ring is significant.
Is it safe to shower with gold jewellery?
Occasionally, yes. Daily showering is not recommended — soap residue accumulates in settings. Never shower with pearl jewellery.
How do I know if a stone is loose?
Tap the piece gently near your ear. A rattling sound suggests a loose stone. Take to a jeweller immediately.
Does storing jewellery in the bathroom damage it?
Yes. Bathroom humidity accelerates tarnishing and harms organic stones. Store jewellery in a bedroom or dedicated space.