How to Care for Your Gold, Silver and Diamond Jewellery

Jewellery is designed to be worn, but everyday wear naturally exposes it to hand creams, perfume, soap, sweat, dust and other products.

Over time, gold can lose some of its shine, silver can tarnish and diamonds can begin to look dull as oils build up around the stone.

Fortunately, a little regular care can make a noticeable difference.

Whether it's a wedding ring you wear every day, a favourite gold chain or diamond jewellery reserved for special occasions, here's how to look after it at home.

How Often Should You Clean Your Jewellery?

There isn't one cleaning schedule that works for every piece.

Jewellery worn every day will generally need attention more often than pieces worn occasionally. Rings, in particular, tend to collect more product residue because they're exposed to hand creams, soap and daily activities.

You don't necessarily need to deep-clean your jewellery constantly. A gentle wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing it can help remove oils and residue before they build up. South African jewellery-care guidance commonly recommends mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush for routine cleaning of suitable precious-metal pieces.

How to Care for Gold Jewellery

Gold doesn't require complicated cleaning products to keep it looking good.

For most plain gold jewellery, fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid. Allow the jewellery to soak briefly, then gently clean around detailed areas using a very soft brush.

Rinse carefully and dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.

Avoid aggressively scrubbing the jewellery or using abrasive household products. If your piece contains gemstones, pearls or delicate settings, the safest cleaning method may be different, so check with a jeweller first.

It is also a good idea to remove gold jewellery before swimming or using strong household cleaning products. Chemicals can affect jewellery metals and finishes over time.

How to Care for Silver Jewellery

If you've noticed your silver jewellery gradually becoming darker, that doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong with it.

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes as it reacts with its environment.

For light tarnishing, a dedicated silver polishing cloth is often the easiest option. Gently polish the piece rather than scrubbing it.

For routine dirt, mild dishwashing liquid and lukewarm water can also be suitable for many plain sterling-silver pieces. Dry the jewellery completely afterwards.

Be cautious with internet cleaning tricks involving abrasive products. Jewellery containing stones, plating or delicate detailing may require different care.

Keeping silver jewellery dry and storing it properly when you're not wearing it can also help reduce tarnishing.

How to Clean Diamond Jewellery

Diamonds are known for their sparkle, but they also attract oils.

A diamond ring worn every day can collect hand cream, soap and other residue around both the diamond and its setting. That layer can make the stone appear dull even when the diamond itself hasn't changed.

For many diamond rings, you can use a bowl of lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid.

Allow the jewellery to soak, then use a very soft-bristled brush to gently clean around the diamond and underneath the setting, where dirt often collects. Rinse carefully and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Don't scrub aggressively around the claws or setting.

If a stone appears loose, the ring has been knocked, or you're unsure about the setting, take it to a jeweller rather than cleaning it yourself.

Be Careful Around the Sink

It sounds obvious, but one of the easiest ways to lose jewellery during cleaning is down a drain.

Rather than cleaning small rings, earrings or pendants directly over an open sink, use a bowl placed on a stable surface.

It also gives you more control when rinsing and handling small pieces.

Perfume, Lotion and Jewellery

One simple habit can help reduce build-up:

Put your jewellery on last.

Apply moisturiser, perfume, hairspray and other personal-care products before putting on your jewellery.

This reduces the amount of product settling directly onto the metal and stones. Local jewellery-care guidance similarly recommends keeping jewellery away from lotions and perfumes where practical.

At the end of the day, taking your jewellery off first can be equally helpful.

When Should You Remove Your Jewellery?

Fine jewellery is made to be worn, but that doesn't mean it should stay on for every activity.

Consider removing your jewellery before swimming, exercising, showering, gardening, doing heavy cleaning or working with strong household chemicals.

It's especially important with rings because they are more likely to be knocked, scratched or exposed to products during everyday activities.

Removing your jewellery temporarily is much easier than repairing a damaged setting later.

Store Jewellery Separately

How you store jewellery matters too.

Avoid throwing everything together into one jewellery box.

Diamonds and harder surfaces can scratch other pieces, while chains can become tangled and earrings can rub against softer metals.

Where possible, keep pieces in individual compartments, soft pouches or lined jewellery boxes.

Make sure jewellery is clean and dry before storing it.

For silver jewellery, keeping it in a dry environment can also help slow tarnishing.

Take Extra Care With White Gold

If you own white-gold jewellery, you may notice that its appearance changes gradually with wear.

Many white-gold pieces are rhodium plated to give them their bright white finish. That surface can naturally wear over time, particularly on frequently worn pieces such as rings.

Cleaning won't restore worn rhodium plating.

If your white-gold ring begins to look slightly warmer or less bright, speak to a jeweller about having it professionally polished and, where appropriate, replated.

Don't Forget the Setting

When caring for diamond or gemstone jewellery, the stone isn't the only thing that matters.

The tiny claws or other structures holding the stone in place experience daily wear too.

If you wear an engagement or diamond ring regularly, inspect it occasionally. If the stone moves, a claw looks damaged or something simply feels different, stop wearing it and have it checked.

A professional inspection can identify problems that aren't obvious when you look at the top of the ring.

When Should You Have Jewellery Professionally Cleaned?

Home cleaning is useful for routine maintenance, but it doesn't replace professional jewellery care.

Consider taking a piece to a jeweller if it has significant dirt build-up, heavy tarnishing, a loose stone, damaged claws, deep scratches or a clasp that isn't working correctly.

You should also ask for professional advice before cleaning valuable, antique or particularly delicate jewellery at home.

Professional jewellers can determine an appropriate cleaning method based on the metal, stones and construction of the piece.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

You don't need an elaborate jewellery-care routine.

Keeping pieces away from harsh chemicals, storing them carefully, removing them during activities that could cause damage and cleaning them gently when necessary can help preserve their appearance.

Most importantly, don't take chances with a valuable or sentimental piece if you're unsure how it should be cleaned.

Does your jewellery need a little attention? Browse the Harris & D’Arcy collection online, or visit us in store for advice on caring for your gold, silver and diamond jewellery.

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