Jewelry loses value not only through loss or theft but through everyday damage: scratched gemstones, tarnished silver, cloudy diamonds, or chains weakened by chemical exposure. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and AAA Club Alliance all publish care guidance aimed at preventing this kind of wear, and their recommendations differ by material rather than offering one universal method.
Clean each material differently
According to GIA, warm water mixed with mild soap is a safe, general-purpose cleaning method for most gemstones and jewelry. A soft brush or cloth can be used to loosen dirt, and the piece should be rinsed in a container of water rather than directly over an open drain, since loose stones or small pieces can be lost down a sink. AGS similarly recommends mild dish soap diluted in warm water with a soft-bristled toothbrush, followed by rinsing and patting the piece dry with a lint-free cloth.
GIA notes that ammonia-based commercial jewelry cleaners are generally safe for diamonds, unless the diamond has a non-permanent surface coating. The same chemicals are harmful to organic or porous gems such as pearls, coral, and turquoise, which should never be cleaned with ammonia or other harsh chemicals.
Ultrasonic cleaning machines, often used by professional jewelers, work well on diamonds but can damage many other gemstones, GIA says. AAA's consumer guide adds that opals and emeralds are delicate enough that they are best left to professional cleaning or a solution made specifically for that stone, rather than home ultrasonic devices or soaking.
Metal type also changes the cleaning approach. GIA states that platinum is highly durable and tolerates most standard cleaning solutions, while sterling silver needs a silver-specific polishing cloth or cleaner to remove tarnish. AAA describes a home method for silver using boiling water, baking soda, and salt in a foil-lined container, and a brief soak of up to five minutes in water with a few drops of dish soap for gold chains.
Store pieces so they cannot scratch each other
AGS recommends storing each piece of jewelry separately, in its own soft pouch or a lined jewelry box, rather than letting pieces touch one another. AAA notes that this kind of separate storage also helps prevent scratches and keeps chains from tangling.
AAA adds that storage locations should stay away from direct sunlight and moisture, since these conditions speed up tarnishing on metals such as silver. Necklaces in particular should be stored individually rather than piled together, which reduces the chance of chains tangling.
AAA recommends wiping pearls with a soft cloth to remove body oils and residue before putting them away, since this porous material should not be cleaned with specialty jewelry solutions.
Avoid situations that cause the most damage
AAA's guide recommends removing jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, sleeping, or applying skincare products and household cleaning agents. Chlorine and bleaching agents are named as specifically harmful, while lotions and oils from skin or skincare products build up on jewelry and create a cloudy film over time. Sleeping or exercising while wearing rings and bracelets raises the risk of bent prongs or loosened stones from physical impact. AGS likewise advises removing jewelry before showering, swimming, or strenuous activity.
Quick reference by material
Cleaning and storage notes by material| Material | Safe home cleaning | Key warning |
|---|
| Diamond | Mild soap and water, or ammonia-based cleaner | Avoid ammonia if stone has a non-permanent coating |
|---|
| Colored/porous gems (pearl, coral, turquoise, opal, emerald) | Mild soap and water only; wipe pearls with soft cloth | No ammonia, no ultrasonic cleaner, no soaking for emeralds/opals |
|---|
| Platinum | Tolerates most standard cleaning solutions | Still store separately to avoid scratching softer metals/stones |
|---|
| Sterling silver | Silver-specific cleaner or polishing cloth | Humidity speeds up tarnish; store in dry location |
|---|
| Gold | Mild soap and water; brief soak for plain chains | Remove before swimming, showering, or using household chemicals |
|---|
Schedule professional checks and keep records
AAA recommends taking valued pieces to a jeweler roughly every six months for professional cleaning, polishing, and an inspection that can catch loose prongs or worn clasps before a stone is lost. This kind of inspection is separate from a formal written appraisal, which documents the piece's value for insurance purposes.
- Clean with the method matched to the specific metal and gemstone, not a single all-purpose product.
- Rinse and dry fully before storing, following GIA's and AGS's cleaning steps.
- Store every piece separately in its own pouch or compartment, as AGS and AAA both recommend.
- Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, sleeping, or using household chemicals.
- Have pieces professionally inspected on a regular schedule to catch loose stones or worn settings early.
Questions
- Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner on all my jewelry?
- No. GIA states ultrasonic cleaners work well on diamonds but can damage many other gemstones, so pieces with pearls, opals, emeralds, or other delicate stones should avoid them.
- Is it safe to clean jewelry with ammonia-based products?
- GIA says ammonia-based cleaners are generally safe for most diamonds unless the stone has a non-permanent coating, but the same chemicals can harm organic or porous gems such as pearls, coral, and turquoise.
- Why should jewelry pieces be stored separately?
- AGS recommends storing each piece separately in its own pouch or compartment, and AAA notes this also helps prevent pieces from scratching each other and keeps chains from tangling.
- How often should jewelry be professionally cleaned or inspected?
- AAA's consumer guide suggests visiting a jeweler for professional cleaning, polishing, and inspection roughly every six months for valued pieces.
- What should I remove jewelry for to avoid damage?
- AAA recommends taking jewelry off before swimming, showering, exercising, sleeping, or using household cleaning products and skincare items, since chlorine, bleaching agents, and oils can damage metal and stones or build up as cloudy residue.
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