Jewelry Care 101

Here's everything you need to keep your gold, silver, platinum, and gemstones looking their best, whatever the season.

Part 1: Understanding Your Jewelry

Before you begin cleaning your jewelry, it's important to understand the materials it's made of. Different metals and stones require specific care. Take note of any metal stamps or gemstone identification to determine the appropriate cleaning methods. 

If it's an Anna Kikue piece, you're covered either way: it's always solid gold, platinum, or sterling silver, never plated, made to be worn and loved for generations.

Why Silver Tarnishes

Sterling silver jewelry tarnishes due to a chemical reaction between the silver and sulfur-containing substances in the air, such as hydrogen sulfide. This reaction forms a thin layer of silver sulfide on the surface, resulting in tarnish. Factors like humidity, exposure to certain chemicals, and individual body chemistry can on occasion accelerate the tarnishing process.

Part 2: General Care and Storage

The easiest way to care for jewelry is to avoid what damages it. A good rule: jewelry goes on last, after hair, makeup, and lotion, and comes off first at the end of the day.

Take it off for activities like showering and swimming, working out, sleeping, and cleaning or gardening, to avoid chemical exposure as well as excessive wear and tear.

Between wears:

  • Wipe away dirt and oils with a soft or jewelry polishing cloth. For a deeper clean, see Part 3.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, ideally an airtight container or bag, with pieces separated so harder stones don't scratch softer ones and chains don't tangle.
  • Avoid abrasive surfaces and harsh chemicals.
  • If your collection is growing, consider investing in an at-home ultrasonic cleaner for regular use. Skip it for pearls, opals, and emeralds (Parts 4 and 5 explain why).

Part 3: Gold, Silver, and Platinum Jewelry Care

To properly clean and maintain gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, follow these techniques:

  • Create a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap.
  • Gently scrub the jewelry using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

This method is for the metal itself, or pieces set with hard, securely mounted stones (diamonds, rubies, sapphires). If your piece has pearls, opals, or emeralds attached, use the gentler method in Parts 4 and 5 instead.

Removing tarnish from silver:

  • Light tarnish: buff it away with a silver polishing cloth (more in Part 6).
  • Heavier tarnish: line a bowl with aluminum foil, add hot water and a spoonful of baking soda, and let the silver sit for 5-10 minutes. The foil-and-soda combo can actually reverse the tarnish. Rinse and dry when done.
  • Skip this soak on silver with attached gemstones since excessive heat and soaking can damage porous stones.

Part 4: Precious Gemstone Care

To clean and care for precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, try these techniques:

  • Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are hard and stable enough for the same method as Part 3: warm water, mild dish soap, a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, then rinse and pat dry.
  • Emeralds should be handled gently: wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth, and keep them out of ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Part 5: Delicate Gemstone Care

To clean and care for pearls and delicate gemstones like opal, onyx, citrine, and others, try these techniques:

  • Porous stones like opal and pearl don't like water. Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth after each wear, and for stains, dip a soft cloth (not the jewelry itself) in lukewarm water with a little mild dish soap and wipe gently.
  • Non-porous stones like citrine and onyx are easier: warm water and mild soap, then dry thoroughly.
  • Steam and ultrasonic cleaners are a no for anything heat- or vibration-sensitive--pearls, opals, and citrine included.

Part 6: Polishing and Buffing Techniques

Restore the shine and luster of your jewelry with these techniques:

  • Over-the-counter jewelry cleaners (Connoisseurs and similar) work well, just follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Gold and platinum like a soft cloth and that same warm water and dish soap mix.
  • Tarnished silver responds best to a silver polishing cloth or a mild silver cleaner.

Part 7: Professional Cleaning

If your jewelry requires specialized attention or a professional touch, consider these options:

  • A local jeweler can do an industrial-grade cleaning bath for pieces that need extra attention.
  • For Anna Kikue pieces, contact hi@annakikue.com to inquire about sending your piece in for cleaning.

Part 8: Insurance

Protect your valuable jewelry with proper insurance coverage:

  • Contact your insurance provider to inquire about adding your jewelry to your renter's or homeowner's insurance.
  • For dedicated coverage, look into providers like Jewelers Mutual.

Part 9: Final Thoughts

Remember that proper care and regular maintenance are essential for preserving the beauty and longevity of your precious jewelry--and being a conscientious consumer. When in doubt, reach out or consult another professional jeweler for personalized advice on cleaning and caring for your specific pieces.