How to Properly Clean and Care for Your Jewellery

Jewellery is meant to sparkle—but over time, everyday wear, lotion, soap, and exposure to elements can dull its shine. Whether you wear your favourite pieces daily or save them for special occasions, proper care and cleaning are essential to keeping them looking their best.

A stunning white gold engagement ring with elegantly arranged diamonds, polished to perfection!

At Kurtis Jewellers in Waterloo, Ontario, we’re not only known for our custom designs and repairs—we also help our clients maintain the beauty and longevity of their pieces with expert advice and professional cleaning services.

This guide will walk you through how to clean your jewellery safely at home, how often to do it, what to avoid, and when to bring it in for a professional polish.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Dirt, oils, and buildup can sit in the crevices of rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets—especially around gemstones and detailed settings. This not only affects the appearance of your jewellery but can also impact the integrity of certain materials over time.

Cleaning your jewellery regularly keeps it looking new and helps prevent long-term damage.

How to Clean Jewellery at Home Safely

You don’t need fancy tools to keep your jewellery looking great between professional cleanings. A few common household items will do the trick:

Step 1: Prepare a Gentle Cleaning SolutionMix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm (not hot) water in a bowl.

Step 2: Soak Your JewelleryPlace your items into the solution and let them soak for 15–30 minutes. This loosens dirt, oil, and debris.

Step 3: Gently ScrubUse a soft-bristled toothbrush to carefully clean around stones, prongs, and other detailed areas. Avoid stiff brushes that may scratch metal or loosen settings.

Step 4: Rinse ThoroughlyRun the jewellery under warm water to rinse away any remaining soap. Be sure to plug your sink drain or use a strainer.

Step 5: Dry & Polish Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using tissues or paper towels, which can cause tiny scratches. For extra shine, finish with a polishing cloth specifically made for jewellery.

How Often Should You Clean Your Jewellery?

• Every 1–2 weeks for everyday pieces like engagement rings and wedding bands

• Every 1–2 months for items worn less frequently

• Once a year for a professional deep clean and inspection

  
  

When to Remove Your Jewellery

To preserve the condition of your jewellery, it's important to remove it in the following situations:

• Before entering hot tubs, pools, or saunas – Chlorine and heat can weaken metal settings

• During workouts – Sweat, friction, and impact can damage delicate items

• Before cleaning with chemicals – Household cleaners can cause corrosion or discolouration

• While applying lotion or perfume – Products can build up around stones and dull their brilliance

• Before bed – To avoid accidental damage from twisting or pressure while sleeping

Professional Jewellery Cleaning in Waterloo

While at-home cleaning helps keep your jewellery looking great day-to-day, a professional cleaning and inspection is essential to catch issues like loose stones or worn settings before they become serious.

At Kurtis Jewellers, we offer:

• In-house ultrasonic and steam cleaning equipment

• Hand polishing by experienced staff

• Rhodium plating for white gold jewellery

• Gemstone inspection and tightening

We recommend bringing your jewellery in once a year for a full clean and checkup.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your jewellery isn’t just about appearance—it’s about protecting your investment and preserving sentimental pieces for years to come. With regular at-home care and occasional professional cleaning, your jewellery can maintain its beauty and integrity for generations.

If you're in Waterloo, Kitchener, or the Tri-Cities area, stop by Kurtis Jewellers or contact us to book your yearly professional jewellery cleaning today!