How To Clean Jewelry At Home
Your jewelry tells a story — of love, milestones, and unforgettable moments. Yet with time, even the most radiant pieces can lose their brilliance. Everyday wear, lotions, and the environment gradually leave their mark.
That’s why knowing how to clean jewelry at home is essential. With the right care, you can restore brilliance between professional cleanings and keep your jewelry sparkling for every occasion. At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we’ve been helping clients in Midland care for their cherished pieces since 1981. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Importance of Cleaning Jewelry at Home
Cleaning jewelry at home helps maintain both beauty and longevity. When dirt and oils build up, they can mask a diamond’s sparkle, make gemstones look cloudy, and even wear on settings over time.
Regular cleaning keeps your jewelry shining — and helps you spot loose stones or damaged prongs before they cause a bigger issue.
Safe Methods for Cleaning Jewelry at Home
Not all jewelry is cleaned the same way. The safest method depends on the type of piece you own.
How to Clean Diamond Jewelry
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Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
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Soak your jewelry for 15–20 minutes.
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub around prongs and under the stone.
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Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
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Create a warm soapy water bath with mild dish soap.
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Soak pieces for 10–15 minutes.
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Wipe with a soft cloth and buff gently to restore shine.
Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can scratch softer gold alloys.
How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry
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Use the same mild soap and warm water mixture.
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Gently wipe stones with a soft cloth or brush.
Avoid hot water and ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage softer stones like opals, emeralds, or pearls.
Jewelry You Shouldn’t Clean at Home
Some pieces are too delicate for home cleaning and should always be taken to a professional jeweler. These include:
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Pearls: They’re porous and can be damaged by water or chemicals.
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Antique or heirloom pieces: Older settings may be fragile and require expert handling.
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Soft or treated gemstones: Stones like turquoise or treated sapphires may react poorly to even mild solutions.
When in doubt, let your jeweler handle it. Some treasures deserve professional care every time.
Jewelry Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts
Can I Clean My Engagement Ring at Home?
Yes, you can clean your engagement ring at home using mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft brush. However, you should also bring it to a professional jeweler at least once or twice a year for inspection and deep cleaning.
Professional Cleaning vs. Home Cleaning
Home cleaning is great for maintaining brilliance between visits, but nothing compares to a jeweler’s professional tools. At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we use ultrasonic machines, steamers, and expert inspections to ensure your jewelry isn’t just clean but also secure.
Benefits of Professional Cleaning
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Detects loose stones early.
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Restores brilliance beyond what home cleaning can achieve.
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Protects fragile or antique pieces with expert care.
Why Trust Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry
Since 1981, Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry has been Midland’s destination for extraordinary, one-of-a-kind pieces. Cathy Eastham, a proud first-generation jeweler, has built a reputation for elegance, expertise, and personalized service.
When you visit us at Plaza Oaks, you’ll enjoy more than just professional cleaning:
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Expert attention: Every piece is inspected by experienced jewelers.
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Exclusive services: From the Signature Bridal Collection to custom design.
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Community connection: We support local non-profits and host year-round Trunk Shows where you can meet designers.
As Cathy often says, “Life’s too short for ordinary jewelry.” We believe even jewelry care should feel special.
At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we’re honored to help you care for the pieces that mean the most. Bring your jewelry to us for professional cleaning, repairs, or custom services, and let us keep your treasures shining for every milestone ahead. Book Your Appointment Today!
Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry
2101 W Wadley Suite 31
Midland, Texas 79705
(432) 682-8008 | Cathy@cathyeastham.com
Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 5:30pm | Saturday by appointment
Copyright © 2023 Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry
