We all love our gold and diamond jewelry, but let’s be honest – after wearing them daily, they don’t stay as shiny as when we first got them. That beautiful gold necklace starts looking dull, and your diamond ring loses its sparkle. The good news? You don’t need fancy cleaners or expensive trips to the jeweler to fix this.

I’ve been cleaning my own jewelry for years, and today I’m sharing my tried-and-true methods that really work. These are the same techniques jewelers use, just simpler and safer for home use.

Why Cleaning Your Jewelry Matters More Than You Think

Before we jump into the how-to, let me tell you why regular cleaning is so important:

  1. Dirt is sneaky – Everyday lotions, perfumes, and even your skin’s natural oils slowly build up on jewelry

  2. It’s not just about looks – Clean jewelry actually lasts longer because dirt can wear down delicate parts

  3. You’ll be surprised – Most people don’t realize how much brighter their pieces can look with proper care

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – how to actually clean your jewelry properly.

Cleaning Gold Jewelry: What Really Works

Gold is softer than you might think, so you need to be gentle. Here are two methods I use all the time:

The Everyday Cleaner (Perfect for Most Gold Pieces)

You’ll need:

  • A small bowl

  • Warm (not hot) water

  • A drop of mild dish soap (the plain kind)

  • A super soft toothbrush (baby toothbrushes work great)

What to do:

  1. Mix the soap and water in your bowl

  2. Let your jewelry soak for about 15 minutes – this loosens up the grime

  3. Gently brush with the toothbrush, paying attention to any detailed areas

  4. Rinse under running water

  5. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth (an old t-shirt works in a pinch)

Pro Tip: If your gold chain is tangled, clean it first before trying to untangle – the soap helps!

For Tough Cases (Stubborn Dirt on Solid Gold Only)

Sometimes jewelry needs a little extra help. For this you’ll need:

  • 1 teaspoon ammonia

  • 1 cup water

  • That same soft toothbrush

Important: Never use this on gold-plated items or jewelry with other gemstones!

How to do it:

  1. Mix the ammonia and water

  2. Dip your jewelry for just 30 seconds – no longer!

  3. Brush gently

  4. Rinse really well

  5. Dry completely

Cleaning Diamond Jewelry: Bring Back That Sparkle

Diamond-Jewelry-Cleaning-Tips
Diamond-Jewelry-Cleaning-Tips

Diamonds may be hard, but they get dirty just like anything else. Here’s how I keep mine shining:

The Basic Diamond Cleaner

Grab:

  • Warm water

  • Mild dish soap

  • Soft toothbrush

  • Small strainer (for tiny pieces)

Steps:

  1. Soak your diamond piece in the soapy water for 20 minutes

  2. Brush gently all around the diamond, especially underneath where dirt hides

  3. Rinse thoroughly

  4. For small items like earrings, use the strainer so you don’t lose them down the drain!

Quick Shine Boost

When you need your diamonds to pop fast:

  1. Mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol

  2. Dip a soft cloth in the mix

  3. Gently wipe your diamond

  4. Buff dry with a clean cloth

Warning: Don’t use this on pearls, opals, or other soft gems!

Jewelry Cleaning Mistakes You’re Probably Making

I’ve learned these the hard way so you don’t have to:

✅ Do:

  • Clean pieces one at a time (they can scratch each other)

  • Check for loose stones before cleaning

  • Take off rings when using hand sanitizer (it can damage gold)

❌ Don’t:

  • Use toothpaste (it’s too abrasive)

  • Soak jewelry for hours (15-30 minutes is plenty)

  • Use paper towels to dry (they can scratch)

When to Call the Professionals

While most cleaning can be done at home, sometimes you need expert help:

  • If stones feel loose

  • For antique or very delicate pieces

  • If you see cracks or serious damage

  • For deep cleaning once a year

At FineFlash, we offer professional cleaning that’s gentle on your jewelry but tough on dirt.

Keep Your Jewelry Looking Its Best

The secret to always having shiny jewelry? Make cleaning part of your routine. I like to do mine every other Sunday while watching TV – it’s become a relaxing ritual.

Remember:

  • Store pieces separately to prevent scratches

  • Put jewelry on after applying makeup and perfume

  • Give each piece a quick wipe after wearing

Want more tips? Check out our guide on how to store jewelry properly. And if you’re looking for new pieces to love, see our latest gold and diamond collections.

Your jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed. With these simple care tips, it will stay beautiful for years to come. Now go show off that sparkle!

What’s your favorite jewelry cleaning tip? Share in the comments below!

Image Credit : Some images used in this post are sourced from Freepik .