Cleaning and maintenance of jewelry: instructions by material

Before cleaning your jewelry, check the material and structure

First, determine whether the jewelry is made of, for example, gold, silver, bronze, steel, or another metal, and whether it has a coating. Also, check for any pearls, gemstones, or glued parts. In particular, jewelry that is plated, oxidized, adorned with pearls, or made of several materials may require more careful handling than a simple metal piece.

Cleaning silver jewelry

The surface of silver can darken over time due to environmental factors. The cleaning method depends on whether the jewelry is, for example, polished silver, rhodium-plated, gold-plated, oxidized, or set with stones.

There is a separate detailed guide on cleaning silver: Cleaning silver jewelry and choosing the right method. You can also find liquids, pastes, and cloths intended for silver in our Jewelry cleaning products collection.

Cleaning gold jewelry

Gold jewelry uses various gold purities and shades, and the piece may, for example, be rhodium-plated, have gemstones, or contain glued parts. Therefore, the cleaning method should not be chosen based solely on the color of the gold.

There is a more specific guide for cleaning gold: Cleaning gold jewelry. Cloths and liquids intended for cleaning gold can be found in our cleaning product selection.

Cleaning steel jewelry

Cleaning steel jewelry depends on the exact material of the piece and any potential coating. A soft cloth is often suitable for light cleaning, but the care instructions for plated or stone-set products should always be checked on a case-by-case basis.

See also steel earrings and steel bracelets.

Cleaning and caring for pearl jewelry

Pearls and mother-of-pearl should be handled gently. Protect their surface from heavy friction, cosmetics, and chemicals. Wipe the jewelry with a soft cloth after use if necessary, and follow the product-specific care instructions. Do not use cleaning agents on pearl jewelry simply because the metal parts are made of silver or gold.

You can explore the materials of pearl jewelry in the Pearl jewelry collection.

Cleaning bronze jewelry

The surface of bronze can change over time as a result of darkening or patina. Some bronze jewelry may also have a protective surface treatment, in which case heavy friction or the wrong cleaning agent can damage the finish.

When cleaning bronze jewelry, first check the exact material of the product and any surface treatment. If there is no information or it is an old piece of jewelry, a safe starting point is to avoid strong chemicals and abrasive substances. You can find bronze jewelry in the Bronze jewelry collection.

Maintenance of diamond and gemstone jewelry

A diamond is a hard material, but the setting, metal, and any other stones in the jewelry can be damaged. Regularly inspect the settings of gemstone jewelry visually. If a stone is moving, a prong is bent, or the jewelry has suffered an impact, it should not be worn until it has been inspected.

Not all gemstones can withstand the same chemicals or cleaning methods. Always choose your cleaning method based on all the materials in the jewelry, not just one of the stones.

When should you take your jewelry to a professional?

A professional inspection is advisable if the jewelry has a loose stone, a damaged clasp, a broken chain, deep scratches, a worn coating, or other structural wear. You should also avoid experimental home remedies for valuable jewelry or pieces with uncertain materials.

You can read more about Kulta-Aika's services on our services page.

Jewelry cleaning products and proper storage

In our selection, you will find jewelry cleaning agents and cleaning cloths for different materials. Always read the manufacturer's instructions before using a product.

In addition to cleaning, proper storage helps prevent unnecessary friction and tangling of chains. Check out our jewelry boxes and cases.

If you are looking for new jewelry, explore our selection of necklaces and pendants as well as bracelets.