When cleaning your jewelry, it is satisfying to watch your cherished items turn from dull and drab to shiny and bright. And it takes just a few easy steps to restore your jewelry's brilliance and luster. This section provides you with simple methods on how to clean your jewelry effectively and safely. Take note that certain methods are ideal for some jewelry, but can cause damage to others.

Amber
How to clean: Splash sparingly with a mixture of mild liquid soap and cool water (1 teaspoon of soap to 1 cup of water). Rinse quickly with clean, cool water. (If rinsing in a sink, be sure the drain is plugged!). Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to extreme heat.

Closed-Back Settings
Any item with a closed-back setting requires special care because water can get trapped under the setting, making it very difficult to thoroughly dry. How to clean: Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water.

Coral
How to clean: Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or chemicals.

Fashion & Designer Jewelry
Costume/fashion jewelry can be versatile, with designs that allow you to wear your jewelry for any occasion. However, because jeweler's cement is often used to create those designs, it is important that you take special precautions when cleaning your costume/fashion jewelry. How to clean: Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals. Don't expose to extreme heat.

Cultured Pearl, Mabé Pearl, Mother-of-Pearl, Shell
How to clean: After wearing, wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean in order to remove any perspiration or oil that may have come from the skin, or any other residue. For regular cleaning, wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. If you would like to use a cleaning agent, use a mild one that is specifically made for pearl products. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to hairspray or any other chemical (unless it is meant for pearl products). Don't expose to extreme heat.

Emerald
Although this gemstone is durable, its unique internal characteristics require extra-special care. How to clean: Use the soaking and brushing method recommended For Karat Gold, Silver, Platinum, Diamonique and Most Gemstones. However, use cool water instead of lukewarm water. Also, instead of soaking for 10 to 20 minutes, soak briefly for no more than 5 minutes. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't expose to heavy pressure. Don't expose to extreme heat. Don't expose to harsh or concentrated cleaning solutions. If using a mild cleaning solution, always dilute in water.

Jade
How to clean: Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals.

Lapis Lazuli
How to clean: Splash sparingly with a mixture of mild liquid soap and cool water (1 teaspoon of soap to 1 cup water). Rinse quickly with clean, cool water. (If rinsing in a sink, be sure the drain is plugged!). Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water.

Marcasite
Marcasite is often secured in a setting with jeweler's cement. This feature requires special cleaning. How to clean: Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals. Don't expose to extreme heat.

Opal
How to clean: Use the method recommended For Karat Gold, Silver, Platinum, Diamonique and Most Gemstones. However, use cool water instead of lukewarm water. Also, instead of soaking for 10 to 20 minutes, soak briefly for no more than 5 minutes. Dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't expose to extreme heat.

Oxidized Jewelry
How to clean: Unless the jewelry is in a closed-back setting, use the method recommended For Karat Gold, Silver, Platinum, Diamonique and Most Gemstones. However, do not brush. If the entire surface of the piece is intentionally accented with oxidization, do not use any tarnish-remover product on the piece (e.g., silver polish, paste, dip, etc.). Tarnish-remover could remove the accented finish. If the piece is only partially accented, you can use tarnish-remover on the unaccented areas. However, make sure that the tarnish-remover does not come in contact with any accented finish. For more control when applying tarnish-remover, use a cotton swab. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.

Turquoise
How to clean: Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals.

Variscite
How to clean: Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts; Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals.