How to clean jewellery: a simple guide to making your pieces sparkle

Let’s face it – your jewellery deserves a whole lot more than a dusty drawer and a quick wipe down every now and then. Whether you're wondering how do I clean my gold jewellery, want to get that silver bracelet you save for special occasions sparkling again or need to polish up that ‘I swear this used to be gold’ necklace that's gone a bit green, working out how to clean jewellery at home is the secret to ensuring your blingy bits look their best.

The good news? You don’t need a chemistry degree or a trip to the jeweller to work out how to clean jewellery. You just need a few household items, a dash of patience, and *this* guide. So, if you’ve ever asked yourself 'how do I clean my jewellery at home?' or 'how do I clean my rings?', you are in the right place, friend. From how to clean gold jewellery to how to clean your diamond rings, it's time to get clued-up on how to get your favourite jewellery glistening again.

Before we dive into the sudsy stuff, get into how to clean your jewellery at home and dish the real dirt on 'how do I clean my diamond rings?', let’s talk TLC. Proper care and storage are your jewellery’s best friends – and they can seriously cut down on the need to clean.

If you've found yourself thinking, 'how do I clean my jewellery?' or 'how to clean my costume jewellery?' let's take it back to basics and show you how to give your jewellery some love between wears.

Tossing your jewellery into a tangled pile is a fast track to scratches, snags, and heartbreak. Instead, keep each piece in its own soft pouch or a compartmentalised jewellery box to keep it tip top. And while water might spell good news for your skin, it's not so kind to your jewellery. Always remove pieces before swimming, showering, or cleaning. Chlorine, soap and cleaning products are sparkle saboteurs – and if you’ve ever seen a gold-plated necklace turn green, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

Perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays can also dull your jewellery’s shine faster than you can say “eau de regret.” So, apply your beauty products first, let them settle, then pop your jewellery on. It’s a small switch that makes a BIG difference. Our final bit of advice? Remember to rotate your pieces. Wearing the same pieces every day can lead to faster wear and tear and nobody wants that.

Now that we’ve covered the storage secrets and daily care tips, let’s roll up our sleeves, swot up on how to clean jewellery, learn how to polish gold rings and get those once-loved dull pieces bright and sparkly again.

Psst... if your jewellery box is looking a little bare, we’ve *always* got big-brand sparkle for less – from diamond rings to gold necklaces, all at can't believe 'em prices.

How to clean jewellery by material

Different materials call for different cleaning techniques – what works wonders to clean silver jewellery might spell disaster for brass. So before you dunk your entire jewellery box into a bowl of bubbly water, if you're thinking, 'how can i clean my jewellery?' or more specifically, 'how do I clean my silver jewelley?' let’s go straight to basics and break it down by type. Here’s how to clean your jewellery at home, based on what it’s made of.

Silver is stunning – but it can also be a bit of a diva when it comes to tarnish. If your once-shiny silver bracelet is now looking a little dull and grey, and you're thinking how do I clean my silver jewellery, don’t worry – it’s not ruined, it just needs a refresh. Here's how to clean silver jewellery with ease.

You’ll need mild dish soap, warm water, a soft cloth or toothbrush and baking soda. First mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water, then your silver jewellery for 5–10 minutes to loosen any grime. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, especially around crevices and rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.

For how to clean silver jewellery for extra sparkle, you can polish your silver jewellery using a paste made from baking soda and water. Rub gently, rinse well, and admire the shine. If you’re wondering how to clean your silver bracelet specifically, the same method applies – just be extra careful around clasps, charms, and any delicate detailing.

Gold doesn’t tarnish like silver, but it can lose its lustre over time – especially if it’s exposed to lotions, perfumes, or the general chaos of daily life. Luckily, if you're wondering 'how to polish my gold ring' or 'how can i clean my gold jewellery?' it’s easy to bring back the glow.

To clean gold jewellery, all you’ll need is dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. Mix a few drops of soap into a bowl of warm water and soak your gold jewellery for around 15 minutes. Gently rub with a soft cloth or brush to lift away any residue, then rinse and dry thoroughly. For a final polish, reach for a jewellery cloth and buff gently. No harsh chemicals, no abrasive cleaners – gold prefers a soft touch. Whether it’s a ring, necklace or bracelet, a little care goes a long way when it comes to how to clean your gold jewellery.

"Costume jewellery is all about the fun – bold shapes, playful colours, and statement sparkle. But unlike its fine jewellery cousins, it’s a little more delicate. Whether it’s brass, stainless steel or silver-plated, how to clean your costume jewellery successfully, is all about a gentler touch to keep your pieces looking their best.

When it comes to cleaning, soaking is strictly off the table. Many costume pieces feature glued-in stones or intricate finishes that don’t take kindly to a long bath. Instead, reach for a soft cloth, a little mild soap, and some water. Dampen the cloth with your soapy solution – no dunking – and gently wipe the surface to lift away dirt, oils and the day’s adventures. Once clean, dry immediately with a fresh cloth to avoid water spots or damage to finishes.

If you’ve ever wondered 'how can I clean my costume jewellery without ruining it?', this method is your go-to. It’s quick, gentle, and keeps your favourite pieces looking fabulous – no drama, no damage.

How to clean brass jewellery

Wondering 'how can i clean my brass jewellery?' We've got ya. Brass jewellery has a charm all its own – warm, golden tones and a vintage feel that only gets better with age. Over time, it can develop a natural patina that some wear proudly. But if you prefer your brass bold, bright and gleaming, a quick clean is all it takes to bring back the brilliance.

To refresh your brass pieces, you’ll need just two kitchen-cupboard staples: lemon juice and baking soda. Mix them into a gentle paste and apply with a soft cloth, focusing on any tarnished areas. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to avoid water marks or dullness. This method is ideal for anyone wondering “how do I clean my brass jewellery?” – just remember, brass can be delicate, so avoid scrubbing too hard, as it can strip away finishes or detailing. A light touch goes a long way.

How to clean stainless steel jewellery

How to clean your stainless steel jewellery? Well, stainless steel is the low-maintenance hero of the jewellery world – tough, timeless, and resistant to tarnish. But even the most durable pieces deserve a little TLC now and then. If your stainless steel jewellery is looking a little dull, here’s how to bring back the shine without the fuss.

Wondering how to clean your stainless steel jewellery? All you’ll need is dish soap, water, and a soft cloth. Mix a few drops of soap into warm water, then gently wipe your jewellery to lift away dirt, oils, and everyday residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.

How to clean silver-plated jewellery

Silver-plated jewellery brings all the shine of sterling but is a little more delicate. Unlike solid silver, it’s prone to wear if handled too harshly – so if you're wondering 'how to clean my silver plated jewellery', think light refresh, not deep cleanse.

If you’ve ever asked “how do I clean my silver-plated jewellery without damaging it?”, this method is your safest bet. Skip the soaking and scrubbing. Instead, dampen a soft cloth with mild soapy water and gently wipe the surface to lift away dirt and oils. Avoid rubbing too hard – the plating is thin and deserves a light touch. Once clean, dry immediately with a fresh cloth to preserve the finish and prevent water spots.

How to clean specific jewellery items

Some jewellery deserves a little extra attention – especially rings with gemstones, intricate settings, or sentimental value. Whether it’s your engagement ring, a family heirloom, or simply the piece you never take off, these styles tend to collect grime in all the nooks and crannies. And while diamonds may be forever, dirt definitely shouldn’t be.

If you’ve ever searched “how can I clean my diamond ring?”, cleaning gemstone rings at home is easier than you might think – and no, you don’t need a specialist kit. Just a few household items and a light touch will do the trick. Start by filling a bowl with warm water and adding a few drops of mild dish soap. Let your ring soak for around 20 minutes – this helps loosen any built-up oils, lotions or general gunk.

Then, using a soft toothbrush, gently brush around the stone and setting. Pay close attention to the underside of the stone, where residue loves to hide. Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth – it works beautifully for sapphires, rubies and other hard gemstones too.

How often should I clean my jewellery? Once a month is ideal for everyday pieces. Special occasion items? Clean before and after wearing.

What should I never use to clean my jewellery? Avoid bleach, acetone, toothpaste, and anything abrasive. Your jewellery deserves better than bathroom cleaner.

Can I use vinegar or baking soda on all jewellery? Nope. Vinegar is great for brass but harsh on gemstones. Baking soda works for silver but can scratch softer metals.

How can I clean my costume jewellery safely? Wipe with a damp cloth – never soak. Costume jewellery often uses glue, which doesn’t love water.

How do I polish my silver jewellery without scratching it? Use a soft cloth and gentle paste. Avoid paper towels – they’re secretly scratchy.

How do I clean my rings? Soak in warm soapy water for 20 minutes, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and pat dry. Avoid soaking delicate stones like opals or pearls – a damp cloth will do.

Cleaning your jewellery at home doesn’t have to be a chore – it can be oddly satisfying when you know the right tools and techniques to use. With these tips, you’ll know exactly how to clean jewellery at home, whether it’s gold, silver, brass, or your beloved diamond ring. And when your pieces are back to their best, don’t forget to store them properly and treat them with care. Ready to upgrade your jewellery box? Browse our jewellery selection for new favourites from big-brand names at tiny prices.