How to Clean & Store Jewelry: Pro Tips That Prevent Tarnish (35+ Years of Expertise)

Jewelry isn’t just beautiful—it’s valuable. With the right care, your gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls will keep their sparkle for decades. After 35+ years serving North Central Florida, the Brittany’s Fine Jewelry team put together this safe, simple guide to clean and store jewelry the right way—plus when to let the pros step in.

Pro tip: Book a professional inspection & cleaning twice a year to catch loose stones and early wear.

Quick Start: Safe At-Home Cleaning 

• Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water + a drop of mild dish soap

• Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean around settings and under prongs

• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth

• If a stone seems loose, stop wearing the piece and bring it in for repair

Why You Should Clean Before You Store

Dirt, lotions, and daily grime can dull gemstones and accelerate tarnish on metals. A quick clean prevents buildup, protects prongs, and keeps your jewelry storage working—not hurting.

How to Clean Your Jewelry (Step-by-Step)

Fine Jewelry (gold, platinum, diamond settings)

• Frequency: about once a month at home; twice-yearly professional cleaning

• Method: lukewarm water + mild dish soap; soft toothbrush; rinse and pat dry

• Skip at home: ultrasonic cleaners—pros monitor for loose stones and advise repairs

Silver Jewelry (anti-tarnish method)

• Line a pan with aluminum foil, shiny side up

• Place silver pieces on foil; sprinkle 1 Tbsp baking soda + 1 Tbsp salt per cup of water

• Pour boiling water to cover; soak a few minutes

• Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth

• Do not use this solution on karat gold pieces

How to Store Your Jewelry (So It Stays Sparkling)

Separate by Type

Metals and gemstones can scratch or tarnish each other. Use a jewelry box with dividers or soft pouches to keep categories apart.

Gold
Gold is malleable and can scratch. Store individually in soft cloth bags or tissue-wrapped in a box.

Silver
Use a cotton or felt-lined jewelry box or an anti-tarnish pouch. Limit air exposure. Clean twice a year—avoid over-polishing.

Diamonds
The hardest gem can still scratch other diamonds and softer metals. Store diamonds away from other pieces in a dry box or separate compartments.

Pearls
Delicate and organic. No plastic bags and not airtight (pearls need slight humidity). Store in a soft cloth pouch or lined box to protect luster.

Control the Environment

• Cool, dry, and dark space (room temperature is best)

• In humid Florida weather, add silica gel packets or a small dehumidifier

• Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temps

• Note: Some gems (like opals) need a touch of moisture—ask our team for storage recommendations

Jewelry Care Checklist

• Clean with mild soap + soft brush

• Dry completely before storing

• Store by type; use pouches/dividers

• Keep in a cool, dry place (add silica packets)

• Twice yearly: professional inspection & cleaning

• Stop wearing any piece with a loose stone; bring it in

Professional Care You Can Trust

The safest way to keep your jewelry in perfect condition is to partner with a reputable local jeweler. Brittany’s offers professional cleaning, inspection, repairs, and remounting—all under one roof—so your pieces look the way you love.

Ready for brighter sparkle?
Schedule Complimentary Cleaning | Get a Repair Quote | Visit Our Gainesville Showroom

FAQs (People Also Ask)

How often should I have my jewelry professionally cleaned?
Twice a year is ideal. We’ll deep-clean, check prongs, and catch loose stones before you lose them.

Is an ultrasonic cleaner safe at home?
Leave ultrasonic cleaning to professionals—if a stone is loose, vibration can make it worse.

Can I use toothpaste to clean jewelry?
Skip toothpaste; it’s abrasive and can scratch metals and stones.

What’s the best way to store pearls?
In a soft pouch or lined box, not airtight, and away from hard pieces that can scratch them.

How do I travel with jewelry?
Use a padded travel case with compartments; keep items separated and carry them in your personal bag.