If you wear jewelry on a regular basis, it will be caked in dirt, lotion and sunscreen at the end of a long day. To remove the grime and breathe life back into your jewelry, you’ll need a jewelry cleaner that won’t damage delicate gemstones. There are several options on the market, from a liquid formula to ultrasonic cleaning or even a cloth wipe, and it’s important to know what kind of jewelry you own and what materials it’s made of before choosing a product. We tested 12 different jewelry cleaners and evaluated them based on their formula, the type of jewelry they were compatible with and whether or not they were manual or ultrasonic. We also consulted jeweler Brittany Groshong to determine which were the most effective.
One of the most popular jewelry cleaners on the market, this product is ideal for gold or silver pieces and contains no phosphates, butyls, or ammonia. It comes in a six fluid ounce jar and includes a dipping basket that you can use to drop your pieces into, a brush for loosening stuck-on dirt, and a polishing cloth for finishing. The solution can be used in the microwave for quicker cleaning, or you can soak your jewelry in it for up to five minutes. It is safe to use on most gemstones, but we recommend avoiding porous ones like coral or pearls.
When this liquid cleaner is applied to a jewelry piece, it lifts away the dirt and grime with gentle scrubbing action that won’t scratch or damage your gemstones. It has no abrasives and is safe to use on most jewelry, but you should avoid soaking opals or tanzanite. This product works best for removing tarnish and silver polish, but it will still remove some discoloration from some stones.
These handy wipes are perfect for traveling and can be used on most jewelry, but you’ll want to avoid it on opals or tanzanite. They are fast, easy, and convenient to use, and they are a good choice for those with sensitive skin or for people who prefer not to use chemicals. The packaging is a bit bulky and it may be difficult to fit the wipes into your travel bag, but they are a great option for keeping in your purse or suitcase.
A surprisingly effective method for scrubbing silver jewelry is to simply use baking soda or effervescent heartburn tablets. When mixed with water, both products create a chemical reaction that quickly attacks and dissolves tarnish, as well as other mineral deposits. Just place the jewelry in the solution and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, rinse it and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. This simple, inexpensive DIY jewelry cleaner will leave your pieces sparkling. This method is also a great way to clean jewelry that you’ve worn in the pool or ocean. The only drawback is that it can be hard to see the results on some smaller pieces.
