Fine jewellery is designed to be enjoyed for years, but regular wear can expose diamonds, gemstones and precious metals to dust, oils, cosmetics, moisture and everyday knocks. With the right care and a few simple habits, you can help maintain the appearance and condition of your jewellery for longer.
At Sunshine Diamonds, we recommend taking a careful approach to cleaning, storing and wearing diamond jewellery. Different materials and settings can require different levels of care, so always consider the individual piece before using a cleaning method.
Diamond Jewellery Care
Diamonds are durable gemstones, but the jewellery surrounding a diamond can still be affected by everyday wear. Dirt, oils, soap residue and cosmetic products can accumulate around the stone and setting, reducing the amount of light entering and leaving the diamond and making it appear less bright.
Regular gentle cleaning can help remove surface buildup and keep your diamond jewellery looking clean. It is also important to check the setting from time to time, particularly if the jewellery is worn frequently.
Keep Diamond Jewellery Away From Soap And Bath Products
We recommend removing diamond jewellery before showering or bathing. Soap, shampoo and other bath products can leave residue around the diamond and setting. Repeated exposure can create a buildup that makes the jewellery appear dull and can be more difficult to remove later.
Keeping jewellery away from unnecessary exposure to soaps and bath products also reduces the amount of cleaning required. Store your jewellery safely in a dry place while bathing or showering.
Use A Soft Brush For Gentle Cleaning
For many diamond jewellery pieces, a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water can be used to gently remove surface dirt. Pay particular attention to areas around the setting where dust and residue can accumulate.
Avoid applying excessive pressure to the stone or setting. After cleaning, rinse carefully and dry the jewellery with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Take care when handling small pieces so that they cannot fall into a sink or drain.
Remove Jewellery Before Applying Perfume And Cosmetics
Perfumes, creams, moisturisers, hairspray and other cosmetic products can leave residue on jewellery. We recommend applying these products first and allowing them to dry before putting your jewellery on.
Keeping jewellery away from unnecessary contact with cosmetic products can help reduce buildup around diamonds, gemstones, clasps and settings.
Check Diamond Settings Regularly
Prongs, claws and other setting components can experience wear over time, particularly on jewellery that is worn every day. Check your jewellery periodically for anything that appears loose, damaged or out of position.
If a diamond appears to move, a claw looks damaged or you notice another structural concern, stop wearing the jewellery and contact a professional jeweller for inspection. Continuing to wear a piece with a potentially loose stone may increase the risk of damage or loss.
Take Care With Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaning can be effective for removing certain types of dirt, but it is not suitable for every piece of jewellery. The vibration can be inappropriate for jewellery with certain settings, treated gemstones, delicate components or stones that are already loose.
If you are unsure whether a particular item is suitable for ultrasonic cleaning, we recommend asking a professional jeweller before using an ultrasonic cleaner at home.
Gold Jewellery Care
Gold jewellery can develop surface scratches and marks through normal wear. Gold alloys can also react differently to chemicals and environmental conditions depending on their composition.
Regular gentle cleaning, careful storage and avoiding unnecessary exposure to chemicals can help maintain the appearance of gold rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
Remove Gold Jewellery Before Swimming
We recommend removing gold jewellery before swimming in pools or using hot tubs. Chlorine and other chemicals used in treated water can affect precious metal alloys and may contribute to discolouration or damage with repeated exposure.
For the same reason, jewellery should be removed before activities where it may come into prolonged contact with chemicals or cleaning products.
Avoid Toothpaste On Gold Jewellery
Toothpaste is designed for cleaning teeth and may contain abrasive ingredients. Using abrasive products on gold jewellery can create fine scratches on the metal surface.
Instead, use a gentle jewellery-cleaning method appropriate for the individual piece. A soft cloth and mild cleaning solution are generally preferable to abrasive household products.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Chemicals
Bleach, strong cleaning products and other household chemicals should be kept away from fine jewellery. Chemical exposure can affect precious metals, finishes and some gemstones.
Remove rings, bracelets and other jewellery before cleaning your home, handling strong chemicals or carrying out tasks where the jewellery could be exposed to unnecessary substances.
How To Clean A Gold Ring
For suitable gold jewellery, prepare a small bowl of lukewarm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid. Place the jewellery into the solution for approximately 15 to 30 minutes if appropriate for the piece.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean accessible areas, including around the setting and underneath the ring. Avoid aggressive brushing or pressure that could affect delicate components.
Rinse the ring carefully with clean lukewarm water and dry it with a soft, clean cloth. Always make sure the ring is completely dry before storing it.
How To Clean A Diamond Ring
Diamond rings can accumulate oils, dust and cosmetic residue around the centre stone and setting. For suitable designs, gentle cleaning with lukewarm water, mild washing-up liquid and a soft-bristled toothbrush can help remove surface buildup.
Pay particular attention to the underside of the setting, where dirt can accumulate. Do not use excessive force around claws or prongs. After cleaning, rinse the ring carefully and dry it using a soft cloth.
If your ring contains additional gemstones, delicate settings or components that require specialist care, check the appropriate care instructions before cleaning it at home.
How To Clean A Diamond Necklace
Before cleaning a diamond necklace, inspect the pendant, setting and chain. Check that the stone appears secure and that the clasp is functioning correctly.
For suitable diamond pendants, gentle cleaning with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid can help remove surface dirt. Use a soft brush around accessible areas and avoid excessive pressure.
Delicate chains should be handled carefully to avoid tangling, bending or pulling. After cleaning, rinse carefully and dry the necklace with a soft, clean cloth.
How To Clean Diamond Earrings
Diamond earrings should be cleaned carefully, paying attention to both the front of the earring and the setting behind the stone. Dirt and residue can accumulate around the setting and on the post or backing.
For suitable diamond earrings, a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water can be used for gentle cleaning. The earring backs and posts can also be carefully cleaned to remove everyday buildup.
Make sure earrings are completely dry before wearing or storing them. Keep small earring components in a secure place during cleaning so that they are not accidentally lost.
Silver Jewellery Care
Silver jewellery can naturally develop tarnish when exposed to air, moisture and certain chemicals. This is a normal characteristic of silver and does not necessarily indicate damage to the jewellery.
Store silver jewellery in a dry environment and keep it away from perfumes, household chemicals and unnecessary moisture. A suitable jewellery polishing cloth can be used where appropriate to help maintain the surface appearance.
Gemstone Jewellery Care
Different gemstones can have different care requirements. Some gemstones may be more sensitive to heat, chemicals, sudden temperature changes, impact or certain cleaning methods.
Before cleaning gemstone jewellery, identify the gemstone and check whether the manufacturer's or jeweller's recommended care method permits soaking, brushing or ultrasonic cleaning.
If you are unsure about the correct cleaning method, professional advice is preferable to using an unfamiliar household cleaning technique.
Jewellery Storage
Proper storage is an important part of jewellery care. When jewellery is not being worn, store individual pieces separately where possible to reduce scratching and tangling.
Rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces can rub against one another when stored together. Keeping pieces in separate compartments, jewellery boxes or soft pouches can help protect their surfaces.
Keep Jewellery Dry
Store jewellery in a clean, dry environment away from excessive humidity. Avoid leaving fine jewellery in bathrooms where repeated exposure to moisture and steam can contribute to tarnishing or residue buildup.
Store Necklaces Carefully
Chains can easily become tangled when several necklaces are stored together. Keeping chains separated and fastening the clasp before storage can help reduce tangling.
Protect Jewellery From Scratches
Diamonds are hard gemstones, but they can still scratch other jewellery materials. Precious metals can also be scratched by harder surfaces or by other pieces of jewellery.
Storing each piece separately helps reduce unnecessary contact and can help maintain the finish of the metal.
When Should You Remove Your Jewellery?
Removing jewellery during certain activities can help reduce unnecessary exposure to impact, chemicals and moisture. Consider removing fine jewellery before swimming, showering, exercising, cleaning or carrying out activities involving heavy lifting or significant physical contact.
Jewellery should also be removed when there is a risk of catching it on clothing, equipment or other objects. Extra care is particularly useful for delicate chains, fine settings and jewellery with protruding stones.
Professional Jewellery Inspection And Cleaning
Home cleaning can help maintain the appearance of jewellery, but professional inspection can identify issues that may not be visible during everyday use.
A professional jeweller can inspect settings, claws, clasps and other components for signs of wear. Regular professional checks can be particularly useful for jewellery that is worn frequently.
If you notice a loose stone, damaged claw, broken clasp, bent component or another unusual change, avoid wearing the item until it has been inspected.
Simple Jewellery Care Checklist
- Remove jewellery before showering or bathing.
- Remove jewellery before swimming or using a hot tub.
- Apply perfume, creams and cosmetics before putting jewellery on.
- Keep jewellery away from bleach and strong household chemicals.
- Clean suitable jewellery gently using lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Use a soft-bristled brush rather than abrasive cleaning materials.
- Store individual jewellery pieces separately where possible.
- Keep jewellery in a clean, dry storage environment.
- Check diamond settings and clasps regularly.
- Stop wearing jewellery if a stone or setting appears loose or damaged.
- Seek professional advice before using ultrasonic cleaning.
- Arrange professional inspection when jewellery requires specialist care.
Looking After Your Sunshine Diamonds Jewellery
With regular care and sensible handling, your diamond and precious-metal jewellery can continue to look beautiful for years. Simple habits such as removing jewellery before exposure to chemicals, storing pieces separately and checking settings regularly can help reduce avoidable damage.
If you are unsure how to clean or care for a particular piece, we recommend checking its individual characteristics before using a cleaning product or method. Jewellery containing gemstones, delicate settings or specialist finishes may require specific care.
Need Help With Your Jewellery?
If you have questions about jewellery cleaning, storage, a loose stone, damaged setting or general jewellery care, please contact the Sunshine Diamonds Customer Service Team. We can help you understand the appropriate next steps for your jewellery.
