Cleaning jewelry: The best home remedies and professional methods

Every piece of jewelry loses its shine over time – due to skin oils, sweat, cosmetics, and air. But before you take your jewelry to a jeweler, you should know: Many pieces of jewelry can be perfectly cleaned at home – with simple household remedies you already have in your kitchen. This guide explains the best methods for each material.

Cleaning Gold Jewelry

Method 1: Dish Soap Bath (for all gold rings, necklaces, earrings)

1. Bowl with lukewarm water (not hot – temperature shock can damage stones)
2. A drop of mild dish soap (dishwashing liquid, not a cleaner with bleach)
3. Soak jewelry for 15–20 minutes
4. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush (child's toothbrush) – especially in settings and crevices
5. Rinse thoroughly under running water (close drain beforehand!)
6. Pat dry with a soft microfiber cloth – never rub

Result: Looks professionally cleaned. This method can be used weekly.

Method 2: Baking Soda Paste (for heavier tarnishing)

Mix baking soda with water to a thick paste. Gently rub with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly. Not for faceted stones with open back settings – baking soda can get stuck.

Cleaning Silver Jewelry

Method 1: Aluminum Foil and Salt Trick (spectacularly effective)

1. Bowl or pot with boiling water
2. Place aluminum foil on the bottom (shiny side up)
3. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of table salt
4. Place tarnished silver pieces inside – direct contact with the aluminum foil!
5. Let sit for 5–10 minutes
6. Remove, rinse, pat dry

The black silver sulfide transfers electrochemically to the aluminum foil – without scratching or abrasion. Ideal for heavily tarnished silver chains.

Method 2: Toothpaste (for light tarnishing)

Rub normal white toothpaste (not gel) with a soft cloth, then rinse. Works well but is slightly abrasive – only use occasionally.

Cleaning Jewelry with Gemstones

Be careful with porous stones (turquoise, coral, pearls, moonstone, opal) – never soak them. They absorb water and can tarnish, become cloudy, or crack. Instead:

• Damp (not wet) soft cloth – gently wipe
• Pat dry immediately
• Never use an ultrasonic cleaner (vibrations can loosen stones)
• Hard stones (diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald, zirconia): Dish soap bath like gold ✓

Properly Cleaning Pearls

Pearls are organic and very delicate. Never soak, never use ultrasonic, no chemicals. Only: wipe with a damp soft cloth after each wear. Pearls like body moisture – wearing them daily is good for them!

What You Should NEVER Do

• No bleach – instantly destroys gold alloys and stones
• No vinegar on pearls, turquoise, or coral – dissolves the surface
• No hot water – temperature shock endangers set stones
• No harsh brushes – permanently scratch metal surfaces
• No ammonia on gold-plated jewelry – dissolves the plating

When to See a Professional?

Have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected once a year – especially for pieces with valuable stones. Jewelers will also check if settings are still secure.

Well-Maintained Jewelry from Corelune Jewellery

With these cleaning tips, your Corelune Jewellery jewelry will remain permanently shiny and beautiful – whether gold, silver, or with stones.

👉 Discover new favorite pieces and enjoy them for a long time with our tips!