Is your gold losing its shine? Are your diamonds looking dull?

Is your gold losing its shine? Are your diamonds looking dull? It happens when lotions, household cleaners, or just everyday use start to wear down your jewelry, making metals tarnished and gemstones less sparkly.

But don't worry! With a bit of knowledge, you can easily keep your jewelry looking fabulous.

We've tested various expert-approved methods and DIY tricks to find out what really works. Whether you want to keep a precious family heirloom pristine or just spruce up your everyday pieces, we've got you covered with tips on cleaning, storing, and maintaining your jewelry for long-lasting shine.

Start by using dish soap and warm water for most metals, gems, and crystals. Mix a drop of Dawn dish soap with warm water in a bowl and let your jewelry soak for a few minutes to loosen up oils and dirt. Then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush for solid gold and hard gemstones. Rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth.

For gold-plated and gold vermeil jewelry, be extra gentle. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as it can wear off the plating and reveal discoloration. Instead, use a nonabrasive cellulose sponge or skip the scrubbing altogether. Remember, solid gold is pricier and stamped with its karat, while vermeil is stamped 925 for sterling silver. So, knowing the difference can help you care for your jewelry properly. 

Dealing with Tarnish on Your Silver and Brass

Sometimes, regular soap and water won't do the trick if your silver or brass jewelry is really tarnished. But don't worry, there are ways to bring back its shine.

You can use special polishing cloths made for silver and brass. These cloths are designed to gently rub away tarnish and are highly recommended.

What about Ketchup and Toothpaste?

Believe it or not, common household items like ketchup and toothpaste can also help. Ketchup's mild acidity can dissolve tarnish, and toothpaste can scrub it away. Just be careful with toothpaste, as it can scratch your silver. To use ketchup, soak your jewelry in it for 15 minutes to an hour, then rinse it off with warm, soapy water and dry it with a cloth. Toothpaste works similarly—apply a thin layer, rub it in gently, then rinse and dry.

Wear and Enjoy Your Jewelry

Jewelry is meant to be worn and cherished. It brings happiness both to you and your jewels! Pearls, for example, look best when they're in contact with your skin often. The warmth and oils from your body keep them shiny.

Silver also prefers to be worn regularly. If you leave it sitting in a drawer, it can tarnish more easily. Solid gold, on the other hand, doesn't tarnish much at all, and you can wear it all the time. Plus, it's durable and can be fixed up whenever needed.

Of course, there are times when you should take off your jewelry, like before going into a pool or hot tub. But for the most part, how and when you wear your jewelry is up to you. Some people like their jewelry to show signs of being worn, while others prefer it to look brand new all the time.

Use your best stuff every day, because every day is valuable. So don't hesitate to wear and enjoy your jewelry to the fullest!