How to Clean Jewelry

How to Clean Jewelry

Everyone wants their jewelry to shine, but daily life sometimes gets in the way. From women’s jewelry worn for special occasions to men’s chains or everyday rings, keeping your collection looking its best doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps and household items, you can refresh your favorite pieces right at home. Here, we’ll explore trusted methods for cleaning necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more.

How to Clean Jewelry at Home

Caring for your jewelry collection at home is more approachable than you might think. Most necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings can be cleaned with gentle solutions and a soft touch. Pour a small amount of mild soap into lukewarm water. Soak your pieces for a few minutes to loosen dirt and oils. Then, use a small, soft toothbrush to delicately clean your jewelry. Toothbrushes are ideal for cleaning jewelry with intricate details. After cleaning, rinse with clean water and pat dry thoroughly. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives, which can dull the finish or cause unnecessary wear over time. This particular cleaning method should not be used to clean jewelry with cultured freshwater pearls (see below for more details).

Jewelry Care Tips

• Jewelry should be the last thing we put on in the morning, and the first thing we take off at night.
• Apply any hairspray or perfume before putting on your jewelry.
• Handle your jewelry with care. Be extra careful not to drop them on the floor or knock them against hard surfaces as this could hurt their delicate structures.
• Remove all jewelry prior to swimming, bathing and partaking in sports or other physical activity.
• Use microfiber cloths or soft cleaning cloths to clean the jewelry.
• Store Fossil jewelry in the provided pouch in a cool, dry place. Water, sunlight, and exposure to chemicals or perspiration can cause discoloration and damage.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry

Stainless steel is an alloy used for jewelry because of its durability and anti-erosion properties. It’s the metal of choice for many types of high-quality bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings. Stainless steel can take a brushed or polished look and can be plated in a variety of colors. It is hypoallergenic and scratch resistant. To clean stainless steel jewelry, mix a drop of mild dish soap into warm water and dip your piece briefly. Use a soft cloth or toothbrush to remove any grime or buildup, paying close attention to links in bracelets or chains. Rinse each piece under running water to remove soap residue. For a brilliant finish, gently buff with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

How To Clean More Jewelry Materials

Freshwater Pearls & Gemstones - Wipe down your freshwater pearls or gemstones with a jewelry cleaning cloth to maintain luster and avoid dirt build-up. If build up occurs, use damp cloth to wipe and leave out to dry before storing them away.

Sterling Silver – .925 sterling silver is a precious metal that contains 92.5% silver and is used for its high shine and hypoallergenic properties. Sterling silver can tarnish over time and requires polishing if not worn consistently.

14k & 18k Gold Plated Brass – To create this material, a solid layer of 14k or 18k gold is mechanically bonded to a base of brass. Heat and pressure are then used to bond the gold to the surface of the base metal. Standard cleaning instructions apply.

14k &18k Gold Plated Sterling Silver – To create this material, a solid layer of 18k gold is mechanically bonded to a base of sterling silver. Heat and pressure are then used to bond the gold to the surface of the base metal. Sterling silver cleaning instructions apply.

A Thoughtful Approach to Jewelry Care

A little attention goes a long way toward keeping your Fossil jewelry collection in beautiful condition. Regular cleaning with mild products, gentle tools, and proper storage will keep necklaces, bracelets, and rings—across men’s and women’s styles—looking as stunning as the day you got them.