Different metals and gemstones require different cleaning methods. Using the wrong technique can damage your jewelry permanently. This quick reference guide tells you exactly what to use — and what to avoid — for each material.
Gold Jewelry
Gold (all karats: 14K, 18K) is durable and easy to clean:
- Method: Warm water + a few drops of mild dish soap + soft toothbrush
- Soak time: 15-20 minutes
- Rinse: Under warm running water
- Dry: Soft lint-free cloth, pat dry
- Avoid: Chlorine bleach, abrasive powders
Full details in our gold cleaning guide.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver tarnishes naturally and needs regular cleaning:
- Mild tarnish: Silver polishing cloth (gentle rubbing in one direction, not circles)
- Heavy tarnish: Baking soda paste (3:1 ratio with water), apply with soft cloth, rinse thoroughly
- Ultrasonic cleaner: Safe for plain silver, NOT for silver with gemstones
- Avoid: Rubber bands near silver (sulfur causes tarnish), newspaper (ink is abrasive)
Full details in our silver cleaning guide.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is a gold-copper alloy:
- Method: Same as regular gold (warm soapy water)
- Special note: The copper content means rose gold can develop a slight patina over time. This is normal and considered part of the charm
- Avoid: Harsh chemicals that accelerate copper oxidation
White Gold (Rhodium-Plated)
White gold has a rhodium plating that requires gentle care:
- Method: Warm soapy water only. NO polishing cloths (they remove rhodium)
- Avoid: Silver polishing compounds, abrasive materials, ultrasonic cleaners
- Replating: When the yellowish base shows through, have it professionally replated
Diamonds
Diamonds attract oils and need frequent cleaning to maintain sparkle:
- Method: Warm soapy water + soft brush. Focus on the underside of the stone where oils collect
- Ultrasonic: Generally safe for diamonds but NOT for fracture-filled diamonds
- Frequency: Clean diamond rings weekly if worn daily
Soft Gemstones (Mohs 6 or Below)
- Method: Damp soft cloth only. No soaking, no chemicals, no brushes
- Pearls: Wipe with a damp cloth after EVERY wearing. Body oils and perfume damage the nacre
- Opals: NEVER use ultrasonic cleaners. Heat and vibration can cause cracking
- Storage: Keep pearls in a soft pouch, away from other jewelry
Hard Gemstones (Mohs 7+)
Sapphires, rubies, topaz, aquamarine:
- Method: Warm soapy water + soft brush (same as diamonds)
- Ultrasonic: Generally safe for untreated stones. Avoid for heat-treated or fracture-filled stones
- Check: Always verify any treatments before choosing a cleaning method. See our treatments guide
Medium Gemstones (Mohs 6.5-7)
- Method: Warm soapy water, VERY soft brush, gentle pressure
- Avoid: Ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, rapid temperature changes
- Tanzanite: Especially fragile. Clean only with a damp cloth
The Golden Rules
- When in doubt, use a damp cloth — it is safe for everything
- NEVER use toothpaste (it is abrasive and scratches)
- Remove jewelry before cleaning products, swimming, and showering
- Have valuable pieces professionally cleaned once a year
- Read our common care mistakes to avoid damaging your jewelry
Browse all collections at Biovlia. Every piece ships free with care instructions included.
