Cleaning Your Gold and Gemstone Jewellery at Home

When you purchase a piece of jewellery from The Gem Edit, you’re acquiring a timeless piece of craftsmanship, designed to be cherished for a lifetime. To maintain their brilliance, your jewellery requires regular care. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can easily clean your pieces at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your gold and gemstone jewellery safely and effectively.

Keeping your jewellery clean also enhances its longevity, ensuring it remains as beautiful as the day you received it.

What you will need

• Mild soap (free of harsh chemicals)

• Lukewarm water

• A soft-bristle toothbrush (such as a baby toothbrush)

• A soft lint-free or microfibre cloth

• A small bowl

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Swirl the water to mix until the soap is fully dissolved. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, as extreme temperatures can damage certain gemstones. Always use a bowl rather than cleaning over a sink to prevent losing any gemstones that may come loose during the process.

2. Add to water

This step helps loosen any dirt or oils that have accumulated on the surface. For jewellery with hard gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, you can let the piece rest in the soapy water for up to 10 minutes. However, for softer gemstones, such as emeralds, avoid leaving them in the water for too long and always use lukewarm water. Opals and pearls are very delicate and should not be soaked; instead, gently wipe them with a damp cloth.

3. Gently Brush with a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush

After cleaning, gently brush your jewellery using a soft-bristle toothbrush, focusing on areas where dirt tends to accumulate, such as around settings and the back of gemstones. Be gentle to avoid damaging delicate settings or scratching the stones.

4. Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

Rinse your jewellery thoroughly in the bowl of clean lukewarm water to remove all soap residue. It’s crucial to perform this step over the bowl to catch any gemstones that might become dislodged during the cleaning process. Once rinsed, gently pat your jewellery dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using paper towels, as they can scratch the gold and gemstones.

What to Avoid

• Abrasive Cleaners: Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your jewellery, as they can damage both gold and gemstones.

• Ultrasonic Cleaners: These may loosen stones or damage delicate gems, so it's best to avoid using them unless advised by a professional jeweller.

• Extreme Temperatures: Sudden temperature changes can cause gemstones to crack or gold to warp.

Storing Your Jewellery

Proper storage is key to maintaining the beauty of your jewellery. To learn more about how to store your pieces safely, refer to The Gem Edit's blog post, "The Ultimate Guide to Storing Your Jewellery".

Conclusion

Caring for your gold and gemstone jewellery at home is simple with the right approach. By following this guide, you can keep your purchases from The Gem Edit shining brightly for years to come.