Article: Jewellery Care Guide: How to Clean and Care for Gold, Diamonds and Gemstones
Jewellery Care Guide: How to Clean and Care for Gold, Diamonds and Gemstones
Fine jewellery is made to be worn, every day and for years. A few simple habits keep its shine, protect its stones and help it age beautifully. This guide covers how to clean gold jewellery at home, how to care for diamonds, coloured gemstones and natural pearls, and how to store your pieces between wears.
In short: put your jewellery on last and take it off first, clean it gently with warm water and mild soap, dry it with a soft cloth and store each piece separately.
Everyday habits that protect your jewellery
- Last on, first off. Apply perfume, hairspray, body lotion and make-up first, then put on your jewellery once they have dried.
- Take it off for physical activity. Remove rings and bracelets for sports, the gym, gardening, cleaning and heavy lifting to avoid knocks, scratches and bent settings.
- Avoid chlorine and harsh chemicals. Pool and hot-tub chlorine, bleach and household cleaners can dull gold and damage stones over time.
- Remove before the sea and the sauna. Salt water, sand and sudden temperature changes are hard on clasps, settings and delicate gemstones.
- Take it off at night. Sleeping in jewellery puts strain on chains, prongs and earring posts.
How to clean gold jewellery at home
FOEN pieces are crafted in 14K gold, an alloy of 58.5% pure gold with other metals that make it durable enough for everyday wear. 14K gold does not rust, but skin oils, cosmetics and soap residue can leave a film that dulls its shine. A gentle clean brings it back:
- Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild, unscented dish soap.
- Soak the piece for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Brush gently with a soft baby toothbrush, paying attention to the back of stones and around settings, where dirt collects.
- Rinse under clean lukewarm water. Close the sink drain first.
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and let it air-dry completely before storing.
Please avoid toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, bleach, alcohol-based cleaners and abrasive cloths. Popular “home hacks” can scratch gold and damage stones or their treatments. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not suitable for every stone; if in doubt, ask us first.
Yellow, white and rose gold
Yellow gold is the easiest to care for and responds well to the soap-and-water method. Rose gold owes its warm tone to copper in the alloy; its colour may deepen slightly over the years, which many people love. White gold has a cool, bright tone; clean it the same gentle way and finish with a soft polishing cloth to keep its brilliance.
Caring for diamonds
Diamonds are the hardest natural material, but they attract grease, which quickly dims their sparkle. Clean them with the soap-and-water method, brushing gently behind the stone where light enters. Store diamond jewellery separately, since a diamond can scratch other stones and gold. Check pavé and prong settings regularly for movement.
Caring for coloured gemstones
Every gemstone has its own hardness and sensitivities. Use this table as a quick reference:
| Gemstone | Hardness (Mohs) |
Care note |
|---|---|---|
| Sapphire, ruby |
9 | Very durable. Clean with warm soapy water; avoid harsh knocks. |
| Topaz | 8 | Hard but can chip if struck. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden heat. |
| Emerald | 7.5–8 | Usually contains natural inclusions and is often oil-treated. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, hot water or solvents. |
| Tsavorite, rhodolite |
7–7.5 | Clean with mild soap and a soft brush only. |
| Citrine, amethyst |
7 | Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and heat, which can fade their colour. |
| Natural pearl | 2.5–4.5 | Very soft and porous. Wipe only; see the pearl section below. |
Caring for natural pearls
Natural pearls are organic gems and the most delicate pieces in any jewellery box. They need gentle, regular attention:
- Put pearls on after perfume, hairspray and make-up, never before.
- After wearing, wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then let them dry flat.
- Never soak pearls or clean them with soap, chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
- Store them flat and separately in a soft pouch. Avoid airtight plastic bags, as pearls need a little moisture in the air.
How to store your jewellery
- Keep each piece in its own pouch or a lined compartment so stones and metals cannot scratch one another.
- Fasten chains before storing them to prevent tangles and knots.
- Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and bathroom humidity.
- When travelling, use a padded jewellery case rather than loose pockets.
When to see a jeweller
Bring your piece in for a check if you notice a loose or moving stone, a bent prong, a worn clasp or deep scratches. Regular professional cleaning and polishing also restore the original finish. FOEN offers additional free repair support for manufacturing defects within the first 12 months from delivery. Care, polishing and resizing services outside this scope are priced and scheduled with your approval. For details, see our Delivery, Returns & Exchanges terms.
Frequently asked questions
Does 14K gold tarnish?
14K gold does not rust, and it does not tarnish the way silver does. Over time, skin oils, cosmetics and chlorine can leave a dull film, which a gentle clean with warm soapy water removes.
Can I shower with my gold jewellery?
Water alone will not harm 14K gold, but soap, shampoo and shower gel leave residue that dulls the metal and stones. We recommend taking your jewellery off before showering, especially pieces with pearls or emeralds.
Can I swim in the sea or a pool wearing gold jewellery?
It is best not to. Chlorine and salt water can weaken solder points and dull gemstones over time, and rings can slip off more easily in cold water.
How often should I clean my jewellery?
Pieces you wear every day benefit from a gentle clean every two to four weeks. Wipe pearls after each wear.
Have a question about caring for a specific piece? Contact a Client Advisor.