How to Clean Gold and Diamond Jewellery at Home Safely

Jewellery worn every day collects oils, lotion, dust and sweat, which dull its shine. The good news is that most gold and diamond jewellery can be cleaned safely at home. But some pieces, especially polki, pearls and certain gemstones, need special care. This guide explains what to do and what to avoid.

Plain gold

For plain gold jewellery:

1. Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Soak the jewellery for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Gently brush with a very soft toothbrush, paying attention to crevices and engraved areas.
4. Rinse in clean water. Close the sink drain or use a bowl, so nothing is lost.
5. Dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Avoid: harsh chemicals, bleach, chlorine and abrasive powders or toothpaste, which can scratch or discolour gold.

Diamonds

Diamond jewellery set in gold can usually be cleaned the same way:

1. Soak in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Brush gently behind the diamond, where oil and dirt collect and reduce sparkle.
3. Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Before cleaning, check that stones are secure. If a stone moves or a prong looks bent, do not clean it; bring it to a jeweller.

Diamond jewellery with other stones, such as emeralds, needs gentler care. See below.

Polki, pearls and gemstones: what not to do

These pieces need extra caution:

Polki and kundan:

• Do not soak or wash in water. Moisture can damage the foil backing behind the stones.
• Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
• Avoid perfume and lotions. See Polki Chokers.

Pearls:

• Do not soak. Water can weaken the silk thread and damage pearls.
• Avoid soaps, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
• Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing, then let dry flat. See Hyderabadi Pearls.

Emeralds:

• Avoid hot water, soaking, steam and ultrasonic cleaners, since many emeralds are treated with oils.
• Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth.

Meenakari (enamel):

• Avoid abrasives and harsh brushing, which can chip enamel.

Never use ultrasonic cleaners on polki, pearls, emeralds, enamel or any piece with loose or fragile stones.

When to bring it to us

Bring your jewellery to a jeweller for professional cleaning or checking if:

• a stone feels loose, or a prong looks bent or worn,
• a clasp or chain is damaged,
• the piece is polki, pearls or antique, and needs expert handling,
• home cleaning is not restoring the shine,
• you have an important occasion coming up.

Read Repair, Polish and Resizing: What a Good Jeweller Can Fix and How to Store Jewellery in Hyderabad's Humidity.

At Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet, we are happy to check and clean your jewellery. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 88855 00805.

Visit Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet

Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers
Shop No. 102, 8-1-299/121, RP Business Park, Al Hamra Colony, Shaikpet, Hyderabad 500008

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8:30pm
Phone: +91 88855 00805
WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp
Instagram: @tibarumalandsons