Over time, jewelry — especially rings and bracelets that are frequently worn — accumulates dirt and tarnish. This can make your jewelry dull and lifeless, so it’s important to clean and care for them regularly, even if the piece is not visibly dirty or tarnished. Jewelry cleaner is available as a liquid, gel, or wipe that is designed to keep jewelry sparkling like new. Jewelry cleaners can be used on both solid and plated metals, as well as hard and soft gemstones.
To find the best jewelry cleaner for your pieces, start by determining what each item is made of. Most jewelry cleaners will contain an ingredient list to indicate which materials the cleaner is safe for, so pay close attention to this information. Also, pay attention to any directions on the cleaner, such as the need to submerge or put items into a machine, as this will also affect which jewelry cleaner is best for you.
The most common DIY jewelry cleaner is a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish detergent. The item should be submerged in the solution for a few minutes, then gently scrubbed with a baby-size toothbrush. This method works great for most jewelry, although it is not recommended for pieces with soft or porous stones or plated metals.
A more reliable homemade cleaning recipe is using a solution of equal parts vinegar and witch hazel. This mix removes oil from the piece and leaves it shiny and refreshed. However, the mixture is slightly acidic and not recommended for pieces with delicate gems or plated metals. Alternatively, you can use a small amount of baking soda mixed with warm water. This mixture is less acidic than the witch hazel or vinegar, but it is still not a good idea for soft or porous stones or plated jewelry.
If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, this is the best way to get a truly sparkling clean. This type of jewelry cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves within a tank filled with water or a solution to create a phenomenon called cavitation, which causes microscopic vacuum bubbles to form in the liquid and then rapidly collapse, creating an intense scrubbing action on the surface of the jewelry. Ultrasonic cleaners are effective for most types of jewelry, but they may damage pieces with inclusions like emerald or soft stones and organic materials such as coral, opal, doublets, and resin inlay.
If you’re ready to give your jewelry a new lease on life, try our recommended jewelry cleaners below. You can purchase them in-store or online, and don’t forget to offer your customers expert care tips for keeping their jewelry clean at home between professional cleanings! Looking to add a line of private-label jewelry care products to your business? Contact us today to learn about our small MOQs and competitive pricing. Consumers want to know that your store is a trusted source for jewelry care and maintenance, so offering quality products with your logo and branding will help establish that trust.
