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Jewellery is so much more than a simple way to accessorise. Each piece has its own special meaning and sentimental value, which is why looking after them is so important. Natural elements and time can slowly erode your jewellery, and leave them looking tarnished and dull.

Cleaning jewellery regularly helps ensure that they stay in the best condition possible - so you can enjoy them for years to come. We’ve created a handy guide, with all the best ways to keep your precious pieces sparkling.

How To Clean Gold Jewellery

As one of the softest precious metals, gold needs a softer approach to cleaning. Harsh chemicals are not advised, so stick to gentle products when it comes to cleaning gold jewellery. One of the easiest (and cost-effective) ways to clean your gold jewellery at home is with baby shampoo and a toothbrush.

1.  Add a few drops of baby shampoo to a bowl of lukewarm water and mix well to create a soapy solution. Make sure that your water isn’t too hot or cold, as a sudden change in temperature can damage gold jewellery.
   
2. Leave your jewellery to soak in the soapy water for around ten minutes. This does wonders for loosening any stubborn grime from your pieces.
   
3. Clean your jewellery using a soft-bristled brush. It’s important to avoid scrubbing or using a stiff brush, as this could result in scratches.
   
4. Once you’ve cleaned your gold jewellery, rinse off any soapy residue with lukewarm water.
   
5. Polish your jewellery using a microfibre cloth, and enjoy your sparkling accessories.

How To Clean Silver Jewellery

Endlessly elegant and wonderfully understated, silver is a must for every jewellery collection. When considering how to clean silver jewellery, it’s important to note how often you wear each piece. Without proper care and attention, silver becomes tarnished over time - which is why continued cleaning is such a priority for everyday jewellery.

A great hack for silver jewellery is to keep a small piece of chalk or a small silica gel packet in your jewellery box. This absorbs any unwanted moisture and keeps your precious jewellery in pristine condition. You can also polish each piece using baking soda and a damp cloth.

1. Mix baking soda and lukewarm water until a thick paste is formed.
   
2. Apply the mixture using a damp microfiber cloth, paying extra attention to any tarnished spots.
   
3. Leave for 2-3 minutes, then polish gently with a clean lint-free cloth.
   
4. Rinse your jewellery thoroughly in lukewarm water, then dry with another cloth - make sure to buff gently to give your pieces that good-as-new shine.

How To Clean Platinum Jewellery

The rarest of all precious metals, platinum jewellery is known for its impeccable quality and long-lasting lustre. Regular cleaning is the key to keeping platinum pieces in flawless condition and ensuring that signature shine lasts. Cleaning platinum jewellery at home doesn’t have to be difficult, and our favourite method only needs a spot of shampoo.

1. Add a drop of shampoo to a bowl of lukewarm water, then submerge your platinum jewellery for 10-15 minutes.
   
2. Gently clean away any dirt using a soft brush, with small circles.
   
3. Rinse your jewellery with lukewarm water, and polish dry with a lint-free cloth.

Another easy way to clean platinum jewellery at home is with specialised wipes. Connoisseur jewellery wipes are a fabulous way to quickly bring your pieces to a shine, without requiring too much elbow grease.

How To Take Care Of Gemstones

Keeping precious stones looking their best is slightly more complicated than metal jewellery, especially when you take the difference in each gem into consideration. The setting of each stone is also important, as over time they can become loosened. If your stone feels loose, we recommend taking your piece to a professional jeweller for repairs. 

How To Clean Diamonds

As one of the hardest precious stones, diamonds truly are forever. Keeping your diamonds and other gemstone jewellery in flawless condition is not particularly time-consuming, and with regular maintenance, you can be sure that every stone sparkles.

When cleaning your jewellery, make sure to note which metal it is set in, and keep a close eye on your setting for any loosening. For regular cleaning, we recommend using a gentle degreasing solution.

1. Once a week, add a few drops of regular dish soap to a bowl of lukewarm water.
   
2. Leave your jewellery to soak for 10-15 minutes in the soapy water, and let the solution loosen any dirt or grime.
   
3. Polish the jewellery using a clean and soft-bristled toothbrush, clearing away any tarnishing and clinging dirt.
   
4. Rinse the stone in lukewarm water, and polish dry with a lint-free cloth to shine.

How To Clean Pearls

While most gemstones can be taken care of by submerging them in a gentle degreasing solution and polishing them dry, pearls are another matter. Naturally delicate and always stunning, taking care of your pearls requires a delicate touch. When it comes to a string of pearls, submerging them in water can weaken the threads weaving them together.

1. After each wear, be sure to clean your pearls using a soft cloth to clear away any residue.
   
2. Unlike silver jewellery, pearls thrive with frequent moisture. Use a damp cloth to gently clean away any dirt or dust.
   
3. Store your pearls away from other items, as they scratch very easily.
   
4. For pearls set in silver or gold, use Connoisseurs Jewellery Wipes to clean any metals rather than soaking them in water.

How To Wear and Store Your Jewellery

While keeping up with cleaning your jewellery is important, how you store and wear them is also a vital part of keeping every piece looking its best. Your jewellery should be the last thing you put on before you leave the house, to avoid any hairspray or other product harming the piece.

Make sure to avoid getting your jewellery wet, particularly in swimming pools treated with chlorine. When it comes to storing your collection, a good jewellery box is vital. Stackers Jewellery Boxes are a must-have for any accessory enthusiast, and with a wide array of compartments available, safe storage is simple.