Feb
Whether it’s your diamond engagement ring, a gold necklace passed down through generations, or a cherished silver bracelet, we know just how much your treasured jewellery means to you. Each piece has sentimental value that you can’t really measure, and this means that you must do what you can to keep your jewellery looking its best.
Fortunately, with the right care, your jewellery can retain its brilliance for many years to come. That’s why we’ve created this complete jewellery cleaning guide, combining professional tips with our specialist jewellery cleaning range to help you maintain your favourite pieces from the comfort of your home.
What Do I Need For Jewellery Cleaning?
Most people assume that they need to have their jewellery cleaned by a professional. To an extent, this is true. We’d always recommend leaving the upkeep of very delicate heirlooms or pieces with significant monetary value to a professional. However, for everyday pieces and regular upkeep, jewellery cleaning is a process you can do yourself with the right equipment.
The exact equipment you need to clean your jewellery will depend on the type of metals and stones in your jewellery. Some metals, such as silver, will tarnish over time and need different care compared to yellow and white gold. Gemstone jewellery may also require additional tools to prevent damage to settings or clarity.
We would always recommend the Connoisseurs range of jewellery products for jewellery cleaning at home. This range includes all the essentials you need for safe and effective care, with products formulated to clean, polish and protect metals and precious stones without harsh chemicals or abrasives that can cause more harm than good.
You can explore our full Connoisseurs jewellery cleaning range here, which includes:
- Connoisseurs Compact All Purpose Cloth – a gentle and travel-friendly cleaning cloth designed to restore shine.
- Connoisseurs Silver Polishing Cloth – a cleaning cloth designed specifically to remove tarnish and enhance the brightness of silver jewellery.
- Connoisseurs Gold Polishing Cloth – a cleaning cloth tailored for gold and platinum jewellery and watches.
- Connoisseurs Jewellery Wipes – dry, disposable wipes safe for gold, platinum, diamond and stones with an anti-tarnish shield.
- Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stick – cleaning gel stick for diamonds and precious stones.
- Connoisseurs Watch Cloth – ideal for polishing watches.
How To Clean Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver is a timeless favourite and one of the most common metals used in jewellery. However, despite its popularity, silver can tarnish most noticeably over time due to exposure to air and moisture. This means you’re pretty much guaranteed to need to clean your sterling silver jewellery at some point to maintain its classic shine.
For everyday silver care, a dry polishing cloth like the Connoisseurs cloth is all you need. Simply rub in gentle motions to effectively remove tarnish and protect against future buildup.
For more stubborn tarnish or pieces with texture, it can also be beneficial to use a warm and mild soap and water solution. Simply use a soft brush to reach crevices and dry thoroughly afterwards. We have explained this in more detail in our full guide on how to clean sterling silver jewellery.
How To Clean Gold Jewellery
Cleaning gold jewellery is slightly different, as it’s a less reactive metal than silver which means it doesn’t tarnish as easily. However, your gold jewellery is still likely to accumulate oils and everyday dirt, which, over time, can dull it slightly.
To clean gold jewellery, again start with the relevant polishing cloth. The Connoisseurs one is great because it uses a two-cloth system made from ultra-soft cotton. One side works to remove tarnish and surface dirt, while the other side buffs and shines the metal, covering all bases.
If your gold jewellery has visible build-up, some warm and soapy water will again help to restore its beauty. Just be careful around stone settings if gemstones are present, and avoid soaking.
Cleaning Precious Stones
Whichever metal your jewellery is made from, it’s important to give separate consideration to precious stones when cleaning. Dirt can get trapped between prongs or in intricate designs, but the stones themselves are delicate and may need their own cleaning solutions.
For diamonds and clear stones, the Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stick is your best friend. This travel-friendly jewellery cleaning item is a micro-fine cleaner that gently lifts dirt and restores sparkle without abrasive scrubbing.
When it comes to gemstones, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re worried or not sure, always speak to a professional.
We hope that these tips have helped you feel confident with the jewellery cleaning process! If you have any questions about your treasured pieces or any of the jewellery cleaning products we stock, do not hesitate to get in touch for further advice.
