How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry: Safe & Easy At-Home Methods

Cleaning gemstone jewelry at home doesn’t have to be intimidating — but using the wrong method can cause permanent damage. Whether you own sparkling diamonds, delicate pearls, colorful opals, vintage turquoise, or heirloom emeralds, each gemstone needs a specific approach. Use this guide to restore brilliance safely and protect your pieces for years to come.

General Tips for Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry

• Do a quick inspection first. Check clasps, prongs, and settings. If a stone looks loose or the piece is fragile, skip DIY and have it professionally cleaned.
• Use the right tools. A bowl of warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, a soft toothbrush, a lint-free cloth, and a drying towel will handle most jobs.
• Rinse and dry well. Residue dulls shine. Rinse with clean lukewarm water and pat completely dry.
• Store smart. Keep pieces separate in soft pouches to avoid scratches and tangles.

What to Avoid (Most Common Mistakes)

• No harsh chemicals: bleach, chlorine, acetone, ammonia on soft or treated stones.
• No ultrasonic/steam cleaners for pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise, or any fracture-filled/treated stones.
• No prolonged soaking for porous or delicate gems (pearls, opals, turquoise, amber).
• No abrasive brushes or paper towels that can scratch metal and stones.

Cleaning Guides for Specific Gemstones

How to Clean Diamond Jewelry

1. Mix warm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
2. Soak rings, earrings, or bracelets for 10–15 minutes.
3. Gently brush behind the stone and under the setting with a soft toothbrush.
4. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Note: Ultrasonic cleaners can be safe for undamaged diamonds in sturdy settings, but avoid if stones have inclusions near the surface, the piece is antique, or the setting is delicate. When in doubt, get a professional clean. Shop Diamond Jewelry.

How to Clean Pearl Jewelry

1. Wipe pearls gently with a slightly damp, soft cloth after each wear to remove oils.
2. If deeper cleaning is needed, lightly dampen a cloth with lukewarm water + a tiny drop of very mild soap, then wipe each pearl.
3. Lay flat to dry completely before storing; keep strands away from heat.

Never soak pearls or use ultrasonic/steam. Avoid chemicals, perfumes, and hairsprays near pearls; restring periodically if worn often. Shop Mikimoto and Pearl Jewelry.

How to Clean Opal Jewelry

1. Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For light soil, use lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap on the cloth (do not soak).
2. Dry immediately; avoid sudden temperature changes and direct heat.

Do not use ultrasonic/steam. Solid opals are moisture-sensitive; doublets/triplets are especially vulnerable to water infiltration. Explore Opal Jewelry.

How to Clean Turquoise Jewelry

1. Gently wipe with a dry or barely damp soft cloth.
2. If needed, a very quick wipe with lukewarm water on the cloth is acceptable; dry immediately.

Turquoise is porous and can absorb soaps, oils, and dyes. Avoid soaking, soaps, and chemicals. Shop Turquoise Jewelry.

How to Clean Ruby Jewelry

1. Use warm water with mild soap; soak 10 minutes.
2. Brush gently around settings; rinse and dry thoroughly.

Ultrasonic may be safe for untreated rubies in robust settings, but avoid it for lead-glass-filled or treated stones. Shop Ruby Jewelry.

How to Clean Sapphire Jewelry

1. Soak in warm soapy water 10–15 minutes.
2. Brush gently; rinse and dry well.

As with ruby, be cautious with treated stones and vintage settings; when unsure, skip ultrasonic and go professional. Shop Sapphire Jewelry.

How to Clean Emerald Jewelry

1. Wipe with a soft cloth. For light cleaning, use lukewarm water with a tiny drop of mild soap on the cloth and wipe gently.
2. Rinse quickly and dry; avoid soaking.

Many emeralds are oil-treated to enhance clarity—never ultrasonic/steam or harsh detergents, which can remove filler or cause damage. Explore Emerald Jewelry.

How to Clean Amethyst Jewelry

1. Use warm soapy water and a soft brush; rinse and dry.
2. Avoid extended sunlight/heat exposure, which can fade color.

Shop Amethyst Jewelry.

Gemstone Jewelry Care Quick Reference Table

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use vinegar or baking soda to clean gemstone jewelry?
  Avoid household acids or abrasives on gemstones and metals. Stick to warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft brush or cloth.
• Are ultrasonic cleaners safe for all gemstones?
  No. Avoid ultrasonic/steam for pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise, amber, and any stone that’s fracture-filled or heavily treated. When in doubt, get a professional clean.
• How do I make my gemstone ring sparkle again?
  For durable stones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires: soak in warm soapy water, gently brush behind the stone, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Built-up lotions and soap film are common culprits.
• How often should I clean my gemstone jewelry?
  Light wipe-downs after wear keep pieces looking fresh. Do a deeper clean monthly for frequently worn items, and schedule a professional checkup once a year to tighten settings and refresh finishes.

Conclusion & Care Services

With the right method, you can safely clean most gemstone jewelry at home. If your piece needs extra attention, or you’d simply prefer a professional touch, we’re happy to help. Contact us with questions, or explore our collection of beautiful jewelry to find your next favorite piece.