Not all jewelry cleaners are created equal, and using the wrong one on the wrong material is one of the fastest ways to damage a piece you actually care about. The right cleaning method depends entirely on what the piece is made of — a method that's perfectly safe for sterling silver can seriously damage a pearl or a delicate gemstone setting. Here's a full breakdown of what actually works, by material.
Understanding the Categories of Jewelry Cleaners
Before getting into specific materials, it helps to know the general categories of cleaning methods available:
Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to agitate a cleaning solution, dislodging dirt and buildup from small crevices. They're highly effective for solid metal and hard, durable gemstones, but they can be damaging to softer or fractured stones, and to pieces with glued elements.
Steam cleaners use pressurized steam to blast away buildup without submerging the piece in liquid. They're gentler than ultrasonic cleaners in some respects but still generate significant heat and pressure, which can be risky for heat-sensitive or porous materials.
Jewelry cleaning solutions/dips are chemical solutions designed to be brushed on or briefly soaked, then rinsed. Formulations vary widely — some are safe for gemstones, others are metal-specific and can discolor or damage stones.
Polishing cloths are treated fabric cloths designed to remove tarnish and restore shine through gentle friction, without any liquid or chemical soak involved.
Mild soap and water remains the safest all-purpose option for most jewelry, when used correctly (warm, not hot, water; a soft-bristled brush; thorough rinsing and drying).
Cleaning Sterling Silver
Sterling silver tarnishes naturally over time due to a chemical reaction with sulfur compounds in the air — this isn't a flaw, it's simply how silver behaves, and it's fully reversible.
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Best method: A dedicated silver polishing cloth for light tarnish, or a warm water and mild dish soap solution with a soft brush for dirt and buildup
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Also safe: A short soak (a few minutes) in a silver-specific jewelry cleaning solution, followed by thorough rinsing and drying
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Avoid: Abrasive cloths or toothpaste (a common myth) — both can create fine scratches on the surface over time, especially on pieces with a polished or matte finish that toothpaste's mild abrasives will dull unevenly
Cleaning Gold and Rose Gold
Solid gold is relatively low-maintenance, but gold-plated pieces need gentler handling to protect the plating layer.
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Best method for solid gold: Warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush, followed by a gentle pat dry with a lint-free cloth
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Best method for gold-plated or vermeil pieces: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wear; avoid soaking, which can accelerate plating wear over time
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Avoid: Ultrasonic cleaners on plated pieces (can strip plating faster), and any cleaner containing ammonia or chlorine, which can react with the metal and dull the finish
Cleaning Gemstones (Sapphire, Ruby, Amethyst, Garnet, and Similar Hard Stones)
Harder gemstones (generally 7 and above on the Mohs hardness scale) tolerate cleaning well.
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Best method: Warm water and mild soap with a soft brush is sufficient for most day-to-day buildup; an ultrasonic cleaner is generally safe for untreated, unfractured stones in this hardness range
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Avoid: Ultrasonic cleaning on any stone that's been treated (fracture-filled, dyed, or heavily included), since the vibration can worsen internal fractures — if you're unsure whether a stone has been treated, stick to the gentler soap-and-water method
Cleaning Softer or Porous Stones (Opal, Turquoise, Larimar, Pearl, Coral)
This category requires the most caution, and it's where a lot of at-home cleaning mistakes happen.
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Best method: A soft, slightly damp cloth wiped gently over the surface; for pearls specifically, wipe after every wear to remove oils and residue before they build up
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Avoid entirely: Ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, chemical jewelry dips, and any soaking — these stones are porous or structurally delicate and can absorb liquid, lose color, crack, or develop a dulled surface
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Special note on Larimar: As a relatively soft stone (similar hardness to turquoise), Larimar should never be soaked or exposed to harsh chemicals — a barely-damp soft cloth is the safest approach
Cleaning Druzy Jewelry
Because Druzy's appeal is its natural crystal texture, cleaning needs to protect that surface rather than polish it smooth.
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Best method: A soft, dry brush (like a clean, soft makeup brush) to gently remove dust from between the crystals
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Avoid: Submerging in water, ultrasonic cleaning, or any liquid cleaner, which can loosen the crystal structure or leave residue trapped in the texture
Cleaning Ancient Roman Glass and Roman Coin Jewelry
These pieces deserve the gentlest treatment of all, since the materials themselves are irreplaceable ancient artifacts.
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Best method: A soft, dry cloth only, wiped gently across the surface
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Avoid entirely: Water, soap, chemical cleaners, ultrasonic or steam cleaning — the natural patina that makes ancient Roman glass so prized took centuries to form, and aggressive cleaning can strip or damage it permanently; the same caution applies to the natural patina on genuine ancient coins
A Simple Cleaning Frequency Guide
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Pieces worn daily (wedding bands, everyday studs): a gentle soap-and-water clean every 1-2 weeks
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Pieces worn occasionally (statement pieces, special-occasion jewelry): wipe with a soft cloth after each wear, deeper clean every few months
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Delicate or ancient pieces: dry cloth only, as needed — when in doubt, clean less rather than more
Warning Signs You Should Stop and See a Professional
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A stone feels loose in its setting — cleaning (especially ultrasonic) can shake a loose stone free
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You notice discoloration or a chemical reaction after using a new cleaning product — stop immediately and rinse thoroughly with plain water
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A piece has visible cracks, fractures, or repairs — professional cleaning is safer than any at-home method for compromised pieces
The Bottom Line
The "best" jewelry cleaner isn't a single product — it's matching the right method to the specific material in front of you. Sterling silver and hard gemstones tolerate a lot; pearls, opals, Larimar, Druzy, and ancient materials tolerate very little. When in doubt, the gentlest method available (a soft dry or barely damp cloth) is almost always the safer choice over a stronger one.
Have questions about caring for a specific piece from our collection? Visit our FAQ page for detailed jewelry care and warranty information.