Six Essential Steps To Keeping Your Fine Jewellery Pristine

Discover our definitive jewellery cleaning guide for gold, diamonds and coloured gemstones.

One of the easiest ways to preserve the beauty of your diamonds and fine jewellery is by establishing a regular cleaning ritual. Over time, exposure to natural oils from your skin, body care products and environmental pollutants can cause residue to accumulate on the surface and intricate settings, dulling their shine and putting their structural integrity at risk.

While gold and diamonds can withstand powerful cleaning methods, softer or delicate gemstones like emeralds, opals and pearls demand a more cautious approach. Using the right tools and techniques will not only preserve your jewellery’s brilliance for years to come but also prevent potential long-term damage like the stones coming loose or metal tarnishing.

Discover our step-by-step guide to keeping your jewellery pristine, from at-home practices to professional services.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR FINE JEWELLERY AT HOME: GOLD, DIAMONDS & ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix three parts lukewarm water with one part gentle, fragrance-free liquid soap.
Soak Your Jewellery: Fill a bowl with the solution and submerge your jewellery for just five minutes to allow accumulated oils and residue to loosen and dissolve.
Brush Gently: Using a soft-bristle toothbrush, delicately brush each piece, focusing on prongs and intricate settings where dirt tends to accumulate.
Rinse Thoroughly: Hold each piece under lukewarm running water to remove all soapy residue.
Dry Properly: Place each piece on a microfiber cloth to air dry.
Polish for Shine: Once completely dry, use a dedicated jewellery polishing cloth to restore its natural sheen.

For particularly intricate settings in engagement rings or heirloom pieces, the Soft Brush Technique is essential. Opt for a baby toothbrush or a specialised jewellery brush with ultra-fine bristles. Use gentle, circular motions to reach into crevices without disturbing delicate settings or causing unnecessary friction on metal surfaces.

It’s important to note that using paper towels, towels, or tissues should be avoided at any stage, as their coarse fibres can cause micro-scratches, particularly on softer metals like gold.

CLEANING JEWELLERY WITH COLOURED GEMSTONES

Like diamonds, rubies and sapphires are highly durable gemstones, which means they can withstand regular cleaning routines. However, soft and porous stones—such as opals, pearls, and emeralds—require extra caution when cleaning.

Avoid soaking these gemstones in water or any cleaning solutions, as prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken them. Instead, simply wipe with a damp, soft cloth to gently remove any surface residue. Opt for a professional cleaning service once or twice a year to have them deep cleaned.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS & PRODUCTS FOR CLEANING YOUR JEWELLERY

POLISHING CLOTHS

A high-quality polishing cloth is an indispensable tool in your jewellery care assortment. They are specifically designed to remove tarnish and improve the shine of your jewellery without abrasion, and they can be used on a regular basis.

The SARAH & SEBASTIAN Polishing Cloth Duo is crafted from 100% soft cotton and features two types in one: a classic polishing cloth to remove tarnish from silver and brighten solid gold jewellery and a finer grade cloth for a final buff or to remove oils from the surface.

CLEANING SOLUTIONS

While commercial jewellery cleaning solutions are available, a mild soap diluted in water is the best option for a gentle yet effective cleanse. Only use fragrance-free soaps that don't contain harsh detergents or moisturizers, as these can leave a residue. Opt for an organic dishwashing liquid or baby shampoo—any detergent free from harsh chemicals.

WHAT TO AVOID

Abrasive substances such as baking soda, toothpaste, and household cleaning agents should be strictly avoided. Harsh chemicals like chlorine and ammonia can degrade metals and weaken settings, leading to potential damage. Additionally, avoid exposing your jewellery to perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays, as they can leave behind a film that dulls its shine.

THE ULTRASONIC CLEANER

For those seeking a professional-grade jewellery clean at home, an ultrasonic cleaner is an invaluable investment for diamonds, sapphires, solid gold and platinum fine jewellery. Using high-frequency sound waves to dislodge dirt and residue, this device offers an advanced level of deep cleaning. SARAH & SEBASTIAN’s Ultrasonic Cleaner is a minimalist, travel-friendly tool designed to clean your jewellery thoroughly in minutes.

However, not all jewellery pieces can be cleaned with this device, and certain gemstones should be avoided entirely. Emeralds, opals, pearls, and jewellery with highly delicate or intricate settings can’t withstand the harsh vibrations, often leading to cracking or long-term damage.

WHEN TO GET YOUR JEWELLERY PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED

Even with diligent and regular at-home cleaning and maintenance, it’s important to get your jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected at least once or twice a year. This will maintain the longevity and brilliance of your fine jewellery, particularly when it comes to engagement rings, heirloom pieces and frequently worn pieces.

Signs that your jewellery requires expert attention include diminished brilliance, visible residue that doesn’t seem to budge during your normal cleaning routines and loose settings. For the untrained eye, this may look like your pieces catching on towels and clothing or fluff and fine fibres getting caught on the prongs around the stones.

Explore our range of jewellery care tools here to maintain your jewellery for years to come.