If you love the look of shiny jewelry, chances are you’ll also want to keep your favorite pieces looking sparkling new. A little bit of light cleaning at home between professional sessions can help your precious gemstones and durable metals retain their luster and beauty. To that end, we’ve rounded up our top-rated jewelry cleaners, from wipes to liquid formulas and even pens convenient for on-the-go. Our experts regularly test these products and evaluate their performance, ease of use and ingredient labels. We’ve also included a few budget-friendly options that are suitable for a range of different gemstones, precious metals and more.
To get started, consider the composition of your piece. If it’s made up of hard gemstones like diamonds and durable metals, a simple mixture of soapy water and a soft brush should do the trick. However, if your piece includes other soft, porous or delicate gemstones (like opal, jade, and turquoise) or plated metals (like rhodium), it’s best to clean them with a cleaner designed specifically for these materials.
Most of the cleaners we tested are suitable for a range of precious metals and gemstones, but make sure to check the label before buying. We’ve also curated a few cleaners that are specifically formulated for certain types of jewelry, such as a platinum and diamond cleaner or an ammonia-free gold cleaner.
If a more serious cleaning is in order, we highly recommend investing in an ultrasonic cleaner. This device works by creating a phenomenon called cavitation, which happens when high-frequency sound waves in a tank of water cause microscopic vacuum bubbles to rapidly form and collapse. The result is a super effective and gentle scrubbing action that can safely remove dirt, oils, and other debris from your jewelry.
In addition to a jewelry cleaner, most manufacturers of these machines sell ultrasonic cleaning solution that is safe and appropriate for all kinds of jewelry. Follow the directions on the packaging to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning.
Another quick and easy way to freshen up a piece is with a hot bath. Simply fill a bowl with hot water, add your jewelry, and soak it for a few minutes. This technique can also be used to remove stubborn stains. To clean your jewelry in this manner, use a gentle dish soap and a soft brush to scrub away any residue. After scrubbing, rinse with cool, clean water and dry thoroughly.
It’s important to note that no matter what method you choose for cleaning your jewelry, it’s still a good idea to have your piece professionally cleaned twice a year. This will remove any buildup that may have accumulated over time and leave your piece looking like new. Think of it like your teeth — brushing and flossing at home can keep them healthy and beautiful, but you always need to visit the dentist for those deeper cleanings!
