Our jewellery pieces are like friends. Some are ride-or-die forever types, and some are those dramatic ones you only hang out with when you are feeling extra. But no matter how often you wear them or where they came from, every piece in your jewellery box deserves one thing: proper care.

So, if your jewellery’s been living its best dusty, tarnished life in the corner of your drawer, it’s time for a glow-up. Here's your go-to cleaning guide to help you clean jewellery safely and brilliantly.

Gold Jewellery Care: Gentle Cleaning for 22K, 18K and Plated Pieces

Whether it is the rich glow of 22 karat or the everyday elegance of 18 karat, gold jewellery is always a classic. But even gold deserves a rest from the buildup of sweat and dirt. If you have been wearing that gold chain every day for a long time, it probably needs a proper cleaning.

To clean gold jewellery at home safely:

• Take a bowl of lukewarm water. Not hot, just comfortably warm.
• Add a few drops of mild dish soap.
• Let your jewellery soak in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to carefully clean off any dirt. Focus on nooks and clasps.
• Rinse under clean water. Dry with a soft cotton cloth.

If you have gold-plated jewellery, be extra gentle. They are often made of a base metal that has been coated in a thin layer of gold. Soaking is not a great idea here. Instead, dampen a soft cloth with mild soapy water and gently wipe the surface. Once done, dry it thoroughly and store it in a proper place.

Jewellery maintenance tip: Keep gold pieces stored separately in soft pouches or boxes lined with fabric.

Silver and Sterling: Fighting Tarnish and Keeping the Shine

Silver is stunning and classy, but also prone to throwing a bit of a tarnish tantrum when exposed to air, sweat, or natural skin oils. If you have noticed your silver earrings turning a dull grey or black, that is oxidation, normal but totally reversible.

To clean silver tarnish quickly and safely:

• Make a mild cleaning paste by mixing baking soda and water in a 3:1 ratio.
• Press the paste onto the silver with a sponge or soft cloth, being careful not to rub too hard.
• After giving it a good rinse, pat dry with a clean cloth.

Jewellery maintenance tip: Store silver jewellery in airtight bags to slow down tarnishing. Silica gel packs or anti-tarnish strips can also help.

Diamonds and Gemstones: Do’s and Don’ts for Precious Stones

Diamonds may be incredibly tough, but they’re not immune to damage. Gemstones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and especially pearls require even more delicate care. Over time, lotions, oils, and dust settle on the surfaces of gemstones, leaving them looking cloudy or dull.

To clean gemstone jewellery safely:

• Place the jewellery in a bowl filled with warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
• Use a gentle toothbrush or a clean makeup brush to carefully remove any residue around the stone settings.
• After giving the jewellery a thorough rinse, pat it dry with a gentle cloth.
• What to avoid:
• Never use baking soda or vinegar on gemstones. These can damage or dull softer stones.
• Skip ultrasonic cleaners unless you are absolutely sure the stones can handle it.
• Avoid using steam cleaning on fragile gems such as opals, emeralds, and pearls.

Jewellery maintenance tip: Always wear gemstone jewellery last, just after putting on hairspray, makeup, or perfume.

Costume Jewellery: Special Care for Fashion Pieces

Costume jewellery is the life of the party. Bright, trendy, and affordable, these pieces bring the drama. But they are also incredibly delicate. Often made from mixed metals or plastic with metallic coatings, costume jewellery does not do well with water or chemicals.

To clean costume jewellery safely:

• Use a dry, soft cloth to carefully remove surface debris and fingerprints.
• To tackle light dirt or sticky spots, soak a cotton swab in a mild soapy solution and carefully dab the area without rubbing.
• Immediately dry the piece with a clean cloth.
• Never soak costume jewellery in water.

Jewellery maintenance tip: Store costume jewellery separately, ideally in a dry, padded container. If possible, avoid humidity altogether. Even keeping them in zip-seal bags can help extend their life.

Homemade Cleaning Solutions vs Store-Bought: Pros and Cons

When it comes to cleaning jewellery, you might be wondering whether to trust that Pinterest-inspired DIY recipe or grab a ready-made solution from the store. Both have their perks and drawbacks.

Homemade Solutions:

Pros:

• Cheap and readily available.
• Eco-friendly if you avoid harsh ingredients.
• Customisable for different types of jewellery.

Cons:

• Risk of using the wrong ingredients (some stones are sensitive to vinegar or lemon).
• Can scratch if not used carefully (like baking soda on soft metals).
• Results vary depending on the method and jewellery condition.

Store-Bought Cleaners:

Pros:

• Formulated specifically for certain materials.
• Often faster and more effective for heavy buildup.
• Less guesswork is involved.

Cons:

• More expensive.
• Some may contain strong chemicals not suitable for sensitive pieces.
• It can damage delicate finishes if not used properly.

Use homemade solutions for routine cleaning and maintenance, especially for well-known metals like gold and silver. For expensive or sentimental pieces, it is worth investing in a proper cleaner or visiting a jeweller.

Routine Check: How Often Should You Clean and Inspect Your Jewellery?

Most of us only think about cleaning our jewellery when it starts to look visibly dull or dirty. But just like brushing your teeth or oiling your hair, regular jewellery maintenance keeps everything looking and feeling its best.

Here is a simple schedule to follow:

• Gold and silver: Every two to three months, or more often if worn daily.
• Diamonds and gemstones: Once a month to keep their sparkle sharp.
• Costume jewellery: Every few wears, quick wipe-downs go a long way.
• Full inspection: Once or twice a year, especially for rings and pieces with prongs or intricate clasps.

Take a minute to check if anything feels loose or wobbly. That one minute might save you from losing a stone or snapping a chain. 

And for women who are always on the move but still want to feel put together, Tara Mini offers jewellery that keeps up. Easy to wear, easy to care for, and made to reflect your everyday brilliance.