At Mediterranean Artists, we know jewelry is more than just decoration. Jewelry is memory, story, and craftsmanship. Art made wearable, and sometimes even a piece of history brought to life.
Whether it’s a hand-set Roman coin pendant or a delicate Larimar ring, each piece tells a story. Keeping your jewelry clean is not just about sparkle - it’s about honoring that story.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to safely clean your jewelry at home, with methods tailored to specific metals and materials. From timeless gold to Ancient Roman Glass, these expert tips will help you care for what’s truly precious.
The Flip Ring Ancient Roman Coin Sterling
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
Gold is naturally resistant to tarnish, but it still deserves a little love from time to time.
Materials Needed: mild dish soap, warm water, soft toothbrush, lint-free cloth.
Steps:
1. Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
2. Soak your gold jewelry for 15–20 minutes.
3. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush to remove buildup.
4. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Pro tip: Avoid abrasive cleaners or toothpaste—they can scratch the gold’s surface, especially 18K pieces. For care and inspiration, explore our gold jewelry collection.
How to Clean Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver is loved for its luminous glow, but it naturally oxidizes over time.
Materials Needed: Baking soda, water, soft cloth, aluminum foil (optional)
Method 1:
1. Create a paste of baking soda and water
2. Rub gently with a cloth
3. Rinse and dry.
Method 2 (for deeper tarnish):
1. Line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up.
2. Add hot water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda and salt.
3. Soak jewelry for 5 minutes
4. Rinse and buff dry
Pro tip: Polishing cloths made for silver are also excellent for regular touch-ups. Discover pieces in our silver collection.
How to Clean Jewelry with Gemstones
Different gemstones require different care. At Mediterranean Artists, we use a selection of natural stones chosen for their energy, rarity, and color.
Larimar
A delicate volcanic blue stone, Larimar is relatively soft (Mohs 4–5). Use only lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals. Avoid prolonged sun exposure to protect its color. View Larimar jewelry.
Amethyst
A quartz-based crystal with spiritual resonance. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaning. Explore amethyst designs.
Garnet
Durable and easy to care for. Mild soap and water with a soft toothbrush works well. Store separately to avoid scratches. Shop garnet pieces.
Moonstone
Ethereal and luminous, Moonstone is soft and can be easily scratched. Clean with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Store separately to protect its delicate surface and natural shimmer. View Moonstone jewelry.
Druzy
Delicate and sparkly, Druzy stones are naturally porous and require gentle care. Use a soft, dry brush to remove dust and a slightly damp lint-free cloth for light cleaning if needed. Avoid soaking, scrubbing, or using harsh chemicals to protect the crystal surface and adhesive. Explore our Druzy jewelry collection.
Peridot
Bright and vibrant, Peridot is relatively durable but can scratch easily. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes. Store separately to maintain its natural shine. View Peridot jewelry.
Turquoise
Earthy and vibrant, Turquoise is a porous stone that can absorb oils and liquids. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoid water, soaps, and chemicals. Keep away from heat and sunlight and store separately to prevent discoloration. Shop Turquoise jewelry.
Blue Topaz
Cool and clear, Blue Topaz is fairly durable but sensitive to heat and harsh chemicals. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners and store away from direct sunlight to preserve its color. Shop Blue Topaz jewelry.
Amber
Warm and organic, Amber is a soft, fossilized resin that scratches and cracks easily. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid soap, water, alcohol, and heat, as they can damage its surface. Store in a padded box away from sunlight. Explore Amber jewelry.
Austrian Crystal & Silver
Elegant and luminous, Austrian crystals require gentle handling, especially when set in sterling silver. Use a soft lint-free cloth to polish the crystals. Clean the silver setting with a silver-specific polishing cloth or mild soap and water. Avoid soaking or submerging to protect the crystal adhesive. View Austrian Crystal jewelry.
For all gemstone jewelry, avoid soaking and always dry completely before storing.
How to Clean Pearl Jewelry
Pearls are organic and porous, requiring gentle care and delicate handling .After each wear, wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth to keep them clean. Avoid perfume, lotions, and sprays near pearls. Never soak or scrub pearls—they can lose their luster. Store in a soft pouch or cloth-lined box to avoid scratches. Explore our pearl pieces.
How to Clean Ancient Roman Glass Jewelry
Each piece of Roman glass we use is authentic—nearly 2,000 years old. Its rainbow-like iridescence is created by millennia of mineral contact, and must be preserved gently. Avoid any liquid cleaners. Dust with a dry, soft brush or microfiber cloth. Never use water, ultrasonic, or chemical cleaners. Store carefully and never polish—it’s meant to show its history. View Roman glass jewelry.
How to Clean Ancient Roman Coin Jewelry
Our ancient Roman coins are one-of-a-kind historical artifacts, set in modern fine metals. Cleaning these requires balancing preservation and polish. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the metal setting. For the coin itself, gently brush away dust with a dry artist brush. Do not attempt to “shine” or polish the coin—its patina is part of its value. If in doubt, consult a professional who specializes in antique coins. Shop ancient Roman coin jewelry.
Our favorite Jewelry Care Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
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Store each piece separately
- Remove jewelry before swimming or showering
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Use lint-free cloths and soft brushes
Don’t:
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Use bleach, vinegar, or harsh chemicals
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Clean porous or antique pieces with water
- Expose jewelry to direct sunlight for long periods
The Final Polish
Jewelry isn’t just about beauty—it’s about connection.
Whether you're caring for a contemporary gold bracelet or a piece of history in Roman glass, thoughtful cleaning keeps the story alive. At Mediterranean Artists, we invite you to explore our collection of artisan-crafted fine jewelry—and keep your pieces radiant for years to come.
Have a care question on a specific piece you've purchased? Contact Us to get in touch.
