How to Clean Gold and Silver Jewelry (Rings, Pendants, Earrings, Chains)

Jewelry doesn’t need harsh chemicals to look great again. Most of the time, dullness comes from lotion, soap film, skin oils, and everyday grime; especially around prongs, behind stones, and inside chain links. The goal is simple: clean effectively without scratching metal or stressing settings.

Below is a straightforward, at-home guide to cleaning gold and sterling silver, organized by rings, pendants, earrings, and chains, with separate steps for pieces with stones.

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What You’ll Need

• Mild dish soap

• Two small bowls

• Soft toothbrush or a soft detailing brush

• Microfiber cloth (or lint-free cloth)

• Optional: a silver polishing cloth (for sterling silver)

Set up tip: Clean over a towel and plug the sink. Small pieces disappear fast.

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General Rules

• Use slightly above warm water. Too hot of water can stress some stones and settings.

• Avoid bleach/chlorine, abrasive powders, and “all-purpose” cleaners.

• Inspect all stones in your jewelry before cleaning. You can do this by grabbing the tip of a retracted pen or needle and putting slight pressure against the stone. If you notice movement, the stone is loose. Skip deep cleaning and get it checked.

• If you have soft or delicate stones (pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise), stick to gentle soap-and-water only.

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Gold Jewelry (14k / 18k)

Gold doesn’t tarnish like silver, but it can lose its shine when residue builds up. A mild soap soak and soft brushing will handle most cases.

Gold Rings

Plain gold rings (no stones)

1. Mix slightly above warm water with a few drops of dish soap.

2. Soak for 10–15 minutes.

3. Brush lightly around the inside of the band and edges.

4. Rinse and pat dry.

5. Do one final wipe down/dry with a microfiber cloth.

Avoid: toothpaste or gritty scrubs. They can leave fine scratches.

Engagement rings / rings with stones 

Frequency: Monthly or Bi-Monthly; more often may dislodge your stone.

NOTE: Make sure your center stone and side stones are SECURE before using a brush, and do not apply too much pressure or you may dislodge your stone.

Skip ultrasonic cleaners unless you know your setting is tight and the stone type is compatible. They can shake loose stones or damage certain gems.

If your ring is white gold and you notice it yellowing, you will need to revisit a local jeweler yearly or bi-yearly to reapply rhodium (the shiny white gold finish). This is normal as the organic color of all gold is yellow.

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Gold Pendants

Pendants without stones

Use the same method as plain rings. Pay attention to the bail (the loop that the chain runs through)—it collects residue quickly.

Pendants with stones

Soak, brush gently around the setting, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. If it’s pavé or delicate micro-stone work, use very light pressure and don’t “scrub.”

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Gold Earrings

Earrings collect product residue (hair products, skincare) and should be cleaned regularly.

Earrings without stones

Soak 10 minutes, brush lightly, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Focus primarly on the backings, and when cleaning the posts (the part that goes into your ear) do not apply too much pressure as they are thin and gold is soft. 

Earrings with diamonds/stones

Same as above, plus gentle brushing behind the stones and around prongs.

For Diamonds: At the end, you can fill a bottle cap with some alcohol and dip your diamonds into it for a nice sparkly finish. Run under water after you've dipped into the alcohol to avoid drying out your skin.

Hygiene note: You can wipe posts and backs with a clean cloth. If needed, use a cotton swab lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol on the metal.

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Gold Chains

Chains dull because residue builds inside the links.

1. Soak 10–15 minutes in lukewarm soapy water.

2. While submerged, move the chain gently through your fingers to loosen buildup.

3. Use a soft brush along the links with light pressure (no tugging).

4. Rinse well and lay flat to dry completely.

5. Repeat as needed.

Avoid: pulling hard on the chain or drying with paper towels (they can scratch).

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Sterling Silver Jewelry (925)

Although our silver jewelry is created with a proprietary anti-tarnish process, all Sterling silver can develop tarnish (a natural oxidation). The best approach is usually a polishing cloth first, then mild soap if needed.

Silver Rings

Plain sterling silver rings

• For light tarnish: use a silver polishing cloth and buff gently.

• For grime: soak in mild soapy water, brush lightly, rinse, fully dry, then finish with a polishing cloth.

Silver rings with stones

Use soap-and-water and a soft brush. Polish the silver around the stone carefully, but don’t grind a polishing cloth across delicate stones.

Avoid: silver “dip” cleaners on pieces with stones or oxidized details you want to keep.

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Silver Pendants

Pendants without stones

Polishing cloth for tarnish; soap-and-water for grime.

Pendants with stones

Soap-and-water only, then carefully polish the silver areas. If the pendant has intentional dark recesses (antique finish), polishing will remove the contrast.

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Silver Earrings

Earrings without stones

Soak briefly, brush gently, rinse, dry fully, and polish with a silver cloth.

Earrings with stones

Same process, gentle only. Avoid dips and harsh cleaners.

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Silver Chains

Chains tarnish faster because they have more surface area and friction, especially if worn against bare skin. Our body's oils and chemicals cause faster oxidation in silver.

1. Soak 10–15 minutes in slightly above warm water soapy water.

2. Rinse and dry completely.

3. Run the chain gently through a silver polishing cloth.

If the chain is heavily tarnished, a professional clean can be safer than aggressive DIY methods that leave scratches.

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What Not to Do

• Don’t use chlorine/bleach (damages metal and can weaken settings).

• Don’t use abrasive cleaners or toothpaste (scratches).

• Don’t use harsh chemicals on stones.

• Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners on loose stones, fragile settings, or soft gems.

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How Often to Clean

• Everyday gold: quick clean monthly, deep clean every few months.

• Diamond pieces you wear often: monthly (diamonds attract oils). More frequently will potentially dislodge stones.

• Sterling silver: polish when it starts to dull; store properly to slow tarnish.

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Storage Tips That Actually Help

• Store jewelry dry and separated to prevent scratching.

• For silver, use an anti-tarnish pouch or airtight bag (like a ziplock).

• Keep pieces away from humidity (bathrooms are rough on metals).