Jewelry Care & Cleaning Guide: How to Keep Your Fine Jewelry Sparkling

Nov 13, 2025

Your jewelry tells a story—of love, legacy, or a quiet moment you wanted to remember forever. Whether it’s a ring you never take off or a necklace that brings a little beauty to your busy day, each piece carries meaning. And like anything deeply meaningful, it deserves a little care in return.

Jewelry is meant to be worn—not tucked away—but even the most durable pieces need gentle maintenance to keep their shine. Think of your jewelry like a car you drive daily: the more often it’s loved and used, the more attention it needs to keep running beautifully.

Here’s your all-in-one guide to fine jewelry care—from everyday tips to cleaning engagement rings and earrings, with a few insider insights from our founder, Emily Eggebrecht.

How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home

Over time, gold and gemstones can lose a bit of their glow. Natural oils, lotion, soap, and the rhythm of daily life leave behind a film that dulls the sparkle. The good news? Cleaning fine jewelry at home is simple and soothing.

To clean gold jewelry or diamond rings:

Soak the piece in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
After a few minutes, gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush (especially under prongs or in basket settings).
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

For an effortless option, try our customer-favorite Foaming Jewelry Cleaner. It’s safe, effective, and perfect for weekly touch-ups.

How Often Should You Clean an Engagement Ring?

We asked our founder, Emily Eggebrecht, and here’s her take:

“Honestly, you can clean it as often as you’d like. What matters more is taking it off regularly to avoid buildup under the prongs or baskets. A little routine goes a long way.”

Your engagement ring is one of your most-worn (and most-loved) pieces, so regular cleaning keeps the diamond dazzling and the setting secure.

Caring for Sapphire, Ruby, and Other Gemstones

If you’re wondering how to clean a sapphire ring (or even a ruby), you’re in luck—these gems are beautifully durable and easy to maintain.

Sapphires and rubies, both ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, can be cleaned just like diamonds.
Soak in warm, soapy water, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, and rinse/dry thoroughly.

Note: For softer or more porous stones (like opals, turquoise, or pearls), always consult a jeweler before cleaning at home.

Earrings Need Love Too

Once your piercings are fully healed, regular earring cleaning is essential—especially if you wear them daily.

For threadless earrings, visit a professional piercer for safe removal and reinstallation.
For standard stud earrings, remove and clean regularly with warm water and mild soap, then dry with a clean cloth. Don’t forget to sanitize the posts, too.

When to Take Off Your Jewelry

We love jewelry that feels like second skin, but there are moments when it’s best to give your piece a break—especially to protect delicate prongs and finishes.

Take off your jewelry when:

Sleeping
Showering or swimming
Working out or sweating heavily
Gardening, lifting heavy objects, or doing housework
Applying lotions, perfumes, or hair products

Pro tip: Keep a small, beautiful dish on your nightstand or by the sink—so your pieces have a safe place to rest when you’re not wearing them.

How to Store Fine Jewelry

Proper storage preserves your jewelry’s integrity and prevents tangling, scratching, or unnecessary wear.

Best practices:

Store pieces individually in soft-lined pouches or a jewelry box.
Keep chains clasped to avoid knots.
Avoid humid environments and direct sunlight, which can damage some materials over time.

Explore our Jewelry Travel Case & Jewelry Pocket Scrunchie, designed to protect and elevate your everyday routine.

Complimentary In-Store Cleaning

If you're near our flagship store, we’d love to welcome you in for a free professional cleaning and prong tightening on diamond rings. Bring your favorite pieces, sip champagne, and let us help them sparkle like new—it’s self-care with a touch of shine.

Visit Us In-Store

Jewelry That’s Made to Last

At Consider the Wldflwrs, we believe that fine jewelry should be worn often, loved well, and passed down through generations. With just a little care—at home or with us—your piece will remain a beautiful part of your story for years to come.

Because it's not just jewelry. It's a memory, a milestone, a love letter in gold.

Want to keep your jewelry looking perfect?
Watch our "Ring Cleaning 101" video on YouTube.