Baroque Rocks’ Guide to Cleaning Jewellery and Vintage Jewels
Written by Baroque Rocks
Every jewel deserves the occasional renaissance. Over time even the most dazzling pieces can lose their sparkle as everyday life leaves behind traces of hand cream, scent, soap and — dare we say it — skin! A gentle spring clean for jewellery restores brilliance and ensures your treasured pieces continue to shine.
If your rings are looking a little grubby and rather caked in that delicious hand cream you secretly purchased because it cost the absolute earth, the best jewellery cleaning tip we can bestow is beautifully simple. Take a soft toothbrush and a drop of mild washing-up liquid — Fairy will do splendidly — and gently scrub the jewellery, paying particular attention to areas around gemstone settings where grime likes to gather. Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water and dry with a soft cloth. This quick ritual can work wonders for cleaning gold jewellery and gemstones at home.
When it comes to cleaning vintage jewellery, however, a little extra care is required. Vintage jewels — particularly those from the 1960s, 1970s and later decades — often feature textured gold surfaces, unusual gemstone settings and hand-finished details. These distinctive characteristics make vintage pieces especially beautiful, but they also mean cleaning should always be done gently.
Certain gemstones require particular caution. Pearls, Emeralds, Opals, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Tanzanite are softer or porous stones that should never be soaked in water or exposed to harsh cleaning solutions. For these pieces, gentle wiping with a soft cloth is usually the safest option.
Many people are tempted to use ultrasonic jewellery cleaners, but Baroque Rocks strongly advises caution. Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to break down dirt particles, which can damage certain gemstones and settings. In general, Diamonds, Emeralds, Opals, Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite and Pearls should never be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. Gold and platinum jewellery without gemstones may tolerate ultrasonic cleaning but always proceed with care.
Commercial jewellery cleaners can also contain chemicals that damage delicate stones or vintage settings, so it is wise to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using them. When it comes to jewellery care, less is often more — mild soap, lukewarm water and a gentle touch are usually all that is required.
For particularly valuable pieces or jewellery with intricate settings, professional jewellery cleaning once a year is highly recommended. A jeweller can restore sparkle while checking gemstone settings, clasps and mountings to ensure everything remains secure.
At Baroque Rocks, every vintage jewel is carefully revived through thoughtful cleaning and polishing so it can once again be worn and enjoyed. Whether it is a bold 1970s cocktail ring or a sculptural modern vintage pendant, a little care can bring even the most well-loved piece back to life.
Jewellery is designed to last for generations, and with occasional cleaning and thoughtful handling your favourite pieces will continue to sparkle long into the future. Because when it comes to vintage jewellery, a little care ensures that yesterday’s treasures remain tomorrow’s heirlooms.
Top Tip: Knowledge, like a fine jewel, rewards the curious — Magpies, read on here: “Baroque Rocks' General Jewellery Care Guide”