How To Clean Your Jewellery at Home: Maya's Guide
A simple guide from our jewellers on caring for solid gold, sterling silver and gold-plated jewellery.
Jewellery is made to be worn, loved and enjoyed every day. Whether it's a recycled solid gold necklace you never take off, a favourite pair of sterling silver hoops or a gold-plated statement piece, a little regular care will help keep your jewellery looking beautiful for years to come.
At Maya Magal, every piece is handcrafted in our London workshop using recycled precious metals and responsibly sourced gemstones. With the right care, your jewellery will continue to develop its own unique story while remaining part of your everyday life.
Here are our jewellers' tips for cleaning and caring for your jewellery at home.
EVERYDAY JEWELLERY CARE
Looking after your jewellery doesn't need to be complicated. A few simple habits can help preserve its finish and extend its lifespan.
We recommend:
- Putting jewellery on after applying perfume, skincare and hairspray.
- Removing rings before gardening, lifting heavy objects or exercising.
- Taking jewellery off before swimming, showering or using household cleaning products.
- Storing each piece separately to prevent scratches and tangles.
- Wiping jewellery with a soft cloth after wearing to remove everyday oils and residue.
These small steps can make a noticeable difference over time.
HOW TO CLEAN SOLID GOLD JEWELLERY
Solid gold is one of the most durable precious metals and is designed to be worn every day. While it won't tarnish, lotions, soap and everyday wear can leave a film that dulls its natural shine.
Cleaning your solid gold jewellery at home is simple.
You'll need:
- A bowl of warm water
- A few drops of mild washing-up liquid
- A soft toothbrush
- A lint-free polishing cloth
STEP 1
Mix a few drops of washing-up liquid into warm water.
STEP 2
Leave your jewellery to soak for around 10–15 minutes.
STEP 3
Using a soft toothbrush, gently clean around settings, clasps and any intricate details.
STEP 4
Rinse thoroughly in clean water.
STEP 5
Pat dry with a soft cloth before allowing the piece to air dry completely.
Your jewellery should immediately look brighter and cleaner.
HOW TO CLEAN STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY
Sterling silver naturally develops a soft patina over time. This is completely normal and part of the character of the metal.
If your silver jewellery has become dull or lightly tarnished, gentle cleaning will quickly restore its shine.
To care for sterling silver:
- Wash using warm water and mild soap.
- Dry thoroughly after cleaning.
- Polish occasionally using a specialist silver polishing cloth.
- Store in a dry jewellery box or pouch when not being worn.
Interestingly, sterling silver often tarnishes less when it's worn regularly, as natural movement helps reduce oxidation.
CARING FOR GOLD-PLATED JEWELLERY
Gold-plated jewellery requires a little more care than solid gold.
Our gold-plated pieces are finished with a rich layer of 18ct gold over recycled brass, creating the warmth of gold in a more accessible way.
To help preserve the finish:
- Remove jewellery before showering or swimming.
- Avoid direct contact with perfume, lotions and sunscreen.
- Store each piece separately.
- Clean gently using a soft dry cloth.
Avoid abrasive polishing cloths or harsh cleaning products, as these can gradually wear away the plating.
CARING FOR GEMSTONE JEWELLERY
Diamonds, sapphires and many coloured gemstones are durable enough for everyday wear, but they still benefit from gentle cleaning.
Warm soapy water and a soft brush are usually all that's needed to remove oils and everyday dirt.
Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners unless you've been advised they're suitable for your particular gemstone.
If your ring contains a softer stone, such as an opal or pearl, we'd recommend speaking to our team before cleaning it at home.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR JEWELLERY?
How often you clean your jewellery depends on how regularly you wear it.
As a general guide:
- Everyday rings: every two to four weeks.
- Necklaces and earrings: every one to two months.
- Occasion jewellery: before and after wearing.
Giving your jewellery a quick wipe after wearing will also help keep it looking its best.
WHEN SHOULD YOU REMOVE YOUR JEWELLERY?
Although fine jewellery is designed to be worn every day, there are a few occasions where it's best to remove it.
We recommend taking jewellery off before:
- Swimming in chlorinated pools.
- Using household cleaning products.
- Heavy lifting or manual work.
- Gardening.
- Applying fake tan.
- Exercising.
These simple precautions help minimise scratches and reduce unnecessary wear.
CAN JEWELLERY BE PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED?
Yes.
Professional cleaning not only restores your jewellery's appearance but also allows settings, claws and clasps to be checked for wear.
If you wear your jewellery every day, particularly engagement rings, it's worth having it professionally cleaned and inspected from time to time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do you clean gold jewellery at home?
Warm water, mild washing-up liquid and a soft toothbrush are all you need to gently remove everyday dirt and restore shine.
How do you clean sterling silver jewellery?
Wash with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly and polish occasionally with a specialist silver polishing cloth to remove light tarnishing.
Can I wear gold jewellery in the shower?
While solid gold is highly durable, we recommend removing jewellery before showering to minimise soap residue and keep it looking its best.
Why has my silver jewellery tarnished?
Sterling silver naturally reacts with the air over time, causing tarnishing. This is completely normal and can usually be removed with gentle cleaning and polishing.
Can I clean jewellery with toothpaste?
No. Although often recommended, toothpaste is abrasive and may scratch precious metals or damage certain gemstones.
Can I wear jewellery while swimming?
We recommend removing jewellery before swimming in chlorinated pools or the sea, as prolonged exposure can affect both metals and gemstones over time.
How often should I clean my jewellery?
Everyday jewellery benefits from a gentle clean every few weeks, while pieces worn occasionally can simply be cleaned before and after wearing.
How should I store my jewellery?
Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box to prevent scratching and tangling. Keeping jewellery dry when not being worn will also help reduce tarnishing.
OUR APPROACH TO JEWELLERY CARE
Every Maya Magal piece is designed to become part of your everyday life.
Handcrafted in London using recycled precious metals and responsibly sourced gemstones, our jewellery is made to be worn, enjoyed and passed on. A little regular care will help preserve its beauty, allowing each piece to collect memories while continuing to tell its story.
If you're ever unsure how to care for a particular piece, or would like advice on cleaning, resizing or repairs, our team is always happy to help. Discover our Jewellery Care Guide or visit us in store to learn more.
"These are the same care techniques we use in our London workshop and recommend to our own clients. With a little attention, your jewellery can be enjoyed for years and, we hope, passed on for generations to come." – Maya
Written by Maya Magal
About the Author
Maya Magal is the Founder and Creative Director of the brand. Originally trained in textile design, she later apprenticed under master jeweller Tony Thomson, developing a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, precision and the details that give a piece its character.
Today, Maya designs every collection and leads the creative vision of the brand, working closely with the team across bespoke commissions, engagement rings, wedding bands and contemporary jewellery collections.
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