At Home
The Five-Minute Clean
Safe for solid gold, diamonds (natural and lab-grown) and moissanite.
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Soak
Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak the piece for 10–20 minutes.
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Brush
Use a soft baby toothbrush to clean behind the stones and between links, where lotion and dirt build up.
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Rinse
Rinse under warm running water — with the sink plugged or over a bowl so nothing slips down the drain.
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Dry
Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and let it air-dry fully before storing, especially chains with many links.
By Metal
Caring for Each Metal
| Metal | How to clean | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Solid yellow & rose gold | Warm soapy water and a soft brush; finish with a jewelry polishing cloth | Chlorine and harsh cleaners, which weaken gold alloys over time |
| White gold | Same as yellow gold — gently, to protect the rhodium finish | Abrasive cloths and pastes that wear the rhodium faster |
| Sterling silver | Silver polishing cloth for tarnish; soapy water for dirt | Silver dips on pieces with stones or oxidized (blackened) details |
| Gold vermeil | Wipe with a soft dry cloth; brief rinse only if needed | Soaking, polishing cloths and perfume, which wear the gold layer |
| Gold-plated | Soft dry cloth only | Water, sweat, lotions and any rubbing or polishing |
Not sure what your piece is made of? Our Metal Guide explains karats, plating and vermeil.
By Stone
Caring for Each Stone
Diamonds (natural & lab-grown)
Very hard, but they attract oil and grease, which dulls sparkle fast. Clean often with soapy water and a soft brush. Diamonds can still chip from a hard knock on the edge.
Moissanite
Durable and heat-resistant. Clean exactly like a diamond. It never clouds — if it looks dull, it just needs a wash.
Iced-out & pavé pieces
Hundreds of small stones mean hundreds of tiny prongs. Brush gently, never pick at stones, and skip at-home ultrasonic cleaners, which can loosen micro-set stones.
Soft & porous gems
Pearls, opals, emeralds and turquoise should not be soaked or put in an ultrasonic. Wipe with a damp soft cloth and dry right away.
Everyday Wear
Do’s and Don’ts
Do
- Put jewelry on last — after lotion, cologne, perfume and hair products.
- Take it off for the gym, sports and heavy lifting.
- Fasten chain clasps before storing so they don’t tangle.
- Check clasps and stones every few weeks.
- Wipe pieces down after wearing them.
Don't
- Swim in pools or hot tubs — chlorine damages gold and weakens settings.
- Wear jewelry while cleaning with bleach or harsh chemicals.
- Sleep in heavy chains or large rings.
- Use toothpaste, baking soda or paper towels to polish — they scratch.
- Toss pieces together in one pouch or drawer.
Storage
Storing Your Jewelry
- Give each piece its own space — a lined box with compartments or individual soft pouches. Diamonds scratch other stones and gold.
- Hang longer chains or lay them flat with the clasp fastened to prevent knots and kinks.
- Keep sterling silver in an anti-tarnish bag or with anti-tarnish strips, away from humid bathrooms.
- Store plated and vermeil pieces dry and away from direct sunlight.
- Traveling? Use a padded travel case and keep valuable pieces in your carry-on.
Professional Care
When to Bring It In
Small problems are quick to fix and expensive to ignore. Stop wearing the piece and contact us if you notice:
- A stone that moves, rattles when you gently shake the piece, or sits lower than the others.
- Prongs that look flattened, bent or catch on clothing.
- A clasp that opens too easily or does not click shut.
- Links that look stretched or a chain that has kinked.
- White gold that has turned warm or yellowish (time for re-plating).
- A missing stone — keep the piece safe and bring it in before more stones loosen.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner at home?
It is fine for plain solid gold and for solitaires set securely in prongs, but we do not recommend it for pavé, iced-out pieces, plated items or soft gems. Vibrations can loosen small stones.
Can I wear my chain in the shower?
Solid gold will not be harmed, but soap film dulls stones and hot water and friction add wear. Plated and vermeil pieces should stay dry. Taking jewelry off is always the safest choice.
How do I remove tarnish from sterling silver?
Use a silver polishing cloth with light, straight strokes. For heavy tarnish on plain silver without stones, a silver dip can help — rinse well afterward. Or bring it to us for professional cleaning.