Your jewelry should feel as good as it looks. But buildup from daily wear—skin oils, lotions, even the natural chemistry of your body—dulls surfaces, traps debris under settings, and can irritate skin over time. Regular cleaning isn't just about aesthetics. It's about preservation and comfort.
In my life, I've seen jewelry pieces they haven't cleaned in years. The gemstones look cloudy. The metal feels grimy. Sometimes prongs are so caked with residue that stones have started shifting. This is preventable. And most of it can be handled at home with the right approach.
Why Clean Jewelry Matters Beyond Appearance
Dirt doesn't just sit on the surface. It works its way into crevices, under bezels, behind stones. Over time, that buildup creates friction against your skin and can trigger irritation or allergic reactions—especially if you're already sensitive to certain metals.
If you wear rings or bracelets daily, giving your skin regular breaks helps. Take pieces off at night. Remove them during workouts or when applying lotions and perfumes. The less constant contact, the less chance of reaction.
Choosing Metals That Work With Your Skin
If you've had reactions to jewelry before, the metal matters. Nickel is a common allergen and shows up in many lower-karat gold alloys and costume pieces. At our atelier, I work with hypoallergenic materials by default: platinum, high-karat gold, and palladium. These don't trigger the same responses and age better over time.
If you're commissioning or redesigning a piece and you have sensitivities, tell me. I'll adjust the alloy composition accordingly.
How to Safely Clean Jewelry at Home
For everyday maintenance between professional cleanings, gentle care is key. Use lukewarm water with a drop of mild, unscented dish soap. Let your piece soak for a few minutes, then use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean makeup brush) to gently remove buildup. Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm running water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
What Not to Do:
Knowing how to properly clean jewelry means knowing what to avoid. Avoid abrasive cloths or chemical jewelry dips—they can strip metal and alter finishes. Never clean pearls, opals, or emeralds with harsh methods, as these stones require gentler care. As for ultrasonic cleaners, they can be excellent tools for certain jewelry types, but not all pieces are compatible. If you're considering using one, contact us first—we'll assess whether it's safe for your specific piece and recommend the best approach.
For a deeper, more thorough cleaning, we recommend visiting the Demirjian atelier. Home methods have their limits, and certain pieces—especially those with delicate settings, porous stones, or intricate details—require professional equipment and expertise to clean safely without risk of damage. Schedule your professional cleaning today to keep your jewelry in pristine condition.
When to Bring Jewelry In for Professional Cleaning
Home cleaning handles everyday maintenance. But once or twice a year, bring your pieces into the atelier for a full inspection and professional cleaning.
At Demirjian, I don't just clean your jewelry—I check prong integrity, look for wear on bezels, assess stone security, and re-tighten settings if needed. I'll also polish out surface and deep scratches and restore finishes, ultimately making your jewelry look brand new! If your piece has rhodium plating (like white gold, which can turn yellow over time), I'll assess whether it's time to replate.
This kind of maintenance catches problems before they become expensive repairs. A loose prong spotted early is a quick fix. A lost stone is not.
Storing Jewelry to Prevent Damage
How you store pieces between wears matters just as much as how you clean them.
Keep jewelry in individual fabric-lined compartments or soft pouches. Metal-on-metal contact creates scratches. Chains tangle and kink. Pearls scratch easily against harder gemstones.
At Demirjian, every piece comes with our custom jewelry pouches—perfect for daily storage and travel. These soft, protective pouches prevent scratching and tangling while keeping your jewelry secure on the go. If you travel frequently, consider pairing them with a jewelry case that has padded sections for added protection.
Final Thoughts on Cleaning Fine Jewelry at Home
Jewelry that's cared for properly doesn't just last longer—it performs better. Stones stay bright. Metal keeps its finish. Settings stay secure. And you're not dealing with irritation or costly repairs down the line.
If you're unsure how to care for a specific piece, bring it in. I'll walk you through what it needs and show you how to maintain it between visits. At Demirjian Jewelry Design, I work directly with every client—including after the piece is finished.
0 comments