Jewellery Cleaning and Care Tips

Keeping Your Second-Hand Jewellery Sparkling: Cleaning & Care Tips

At Second-Hand Jewellery, we take pride in ensuring that every piece you receive arrives in excellent pre-owned condition. Each item is securely packaged and boxed to preserve its beauty and quality during transit.

Proper care is essential to maintaining the longevity and brilliance of your pre-loved rings, chains, bracelets, earrings, and other jewellery. With regular cleaning, mindful storage, and gentle maintenance, you can keep your treasured pieces looking as stunning as the day they arrived.

Here’s a simple guide to caring for your second-hand jewellery and keeping it sparkling for years to come.

General Cleaning Tips for Pre-Owned Jewellery

  • Gentle Cleaning Solutions: To maintain the jewellery's shine without harming it, use mild, non-abrasive cleansers, such as a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap.
  • Soft Bristle Brushes: Employ soft toothbrushes or dedicated jewellery brushes to remove dirt from intricate designs and crevices without scratching delicate surfaces.
  • Microfiber Cloths: Dry and buff jewellery with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks and ensure a polished finish. 
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners, which can degrade metal settings and gemstones; try our easy-to-use jewellery dip cleaners instead.
  • Proper Rinsing: After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any residual cleaning agents that may cause buildup.
  • Regular Inspection: Periodically check for loose stones, worn prongs, or signs of tarnishing to prevent damage and loss.

 

Cleaning Different Types of Pre-Owned Jewellery

Gold Jewellery

Keeping your gold jewellery gleaming is easy with a little care:

  • Soak your rings, chains, bracelets, and earrings in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 15–20 minutes.
  • Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to clean any crevices gently.
  • Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth to restore its shine.

For an extra sparkle, try the Gold Jewellery Cleaning Dip available from Second-Hand Jewellery—it's perfect for bringing your gold pieces back to life!

Silver Jewellery

Silver jewellery can lose its shine over time, but with a little care, you can keep it looking brilliant:

  • Gently rub your pieces with a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish and restore their brightness—available from our store.
  • For a quick refresh, use a silver dip solution (also available from our store).
  • For deeper cleaning, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it with a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly and dry.
  • Store your silver jewellery in anti-tarnish pouches or a tarnish-resistant jewellery box to keep it looking its best.

Diamond & Gemstone Jewellery

To keep your diamonds and gemstones sparkling:

  • To maintain their brilliance, clean rings, earrings, and pendants with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. For an extra shine, use our Fine Stone Jewellery Cleaner.
  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for softer or porous gemstones like opals, pearls, and turquoise, as they can be easily damaged.
  • Store each piece separately to prevent scratches—harder gemstones can scratch softer ones if they’re kept together.

Storage & Maintenance of Pre-Owned Jewellery

Proper storage is key to keeping your jewellery looking its best:

  • Keep it dry – Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity, to prevent oxidation and deterioration.
  • Use anti-tarnish strips – Placing these in storage compartments helps minimise exposure to air and reduce tarnishing.
  • Store different metals separately – Keeping gold, silver, and platinum apart prevents scratches and unwanted chemical reactions.
  • Opt for velvet or felt-lined boxes – Soft interiors help cushion rings, bracelets, and earrings, protecting them from abrasions.
  • Avoid plastic bags – Plastic can trap moisture and accelerate tarnishing. Instead, use fabric-lined pouches or airtight containers for better protection.

Professional Maintenance & Repairs

Even with regular at-home care, professional maintenance helps keep your jewellery in top condition:

  • Annual professional cleaning – Bring your pre-owned jewellery from Second-Hand Jewellery to a trusted jeweller for a deep clean and inspection to maintain its longevity.
  • Replating & polishing – Gold-plated and rhodium-plated pieces may need occasional replating to restore their shine and keep them looking fresh.
  • Gemstone setting checks – Have a jeweller inspect the prongs and clasps to ensure your gemstones stay secure and prevent accidental loss.

By following these expert-approved cleaning and maintenance tips, you’ll preserve the beauty and value of your pre-loved jewellery, ensuring it continues to shine for years to come!

 

👉 Shop our full range of Jewellery Cleaning products here – available directly from Second-Hand Jewellery