How to Clean Your Engagement Ring, Silver Jewelry, and Gold Jewelry at Home

So, you have a new piece of jewelry. How fun! At Bario Neal, we specialize in sustainable jewelry, and only use 100% recycled or Fairmined certified gold, silver, and platinum. Although recycled and fairmined metals are structurally no different than newly mined metals, if you find your jewelry getting dirty or losing its original luster due to everyday wear and tear, have no fear - we’re here to provide you with some basic guidelines for how to clean your necklaces, how to clean your engagement ring, how to clean rings with colored gemstones, how to clean diamond rings, how to clean sterling silver earrings, how to clean gold earrings–you name it--at home! They’ll be looking shiny and new in no time - you’ll be cleaning your jewelry like a pro. We've broken down how to clean some of our core products from the collection into a few different categories for your convenience.

How to Clean a Platinum or Gold Engagement Ring with Gemstones at Home

Cleaning your engagement ring at home - like our Allium Diamond Ring 1.0ct, Radial Cluster Hex Blue Sapphire Ring, or our Ray Emerald Ring - is a great way to keep it sparkling and looking its best. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you clean your engagement ring safely and effectively:

1. Check your ring for any loose stones or prongs. If you notice any issues, take your ring to a jeweler for repair before cleaning it.
2. Choose a cleaning solution. There are many different cleaning solutions you can use to clean your engagement ring, but some of the most popular options include dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar. 
3. Once you've chosen your cleaning solution, soak your ring in it for 20-30 minutes. If you're using dish soap, mix a few drops with warm water. If you're using baking soda, mix it with warm water to create a paste. If you're using vinegar, mix it with equal parts water.
4. After soaking your ring, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub it. Pay extra attention to any hard-to-reach areas, such as under the stones and in the crevices of the band. Do not scrub softer gemstones, such as opal and moonstone, as these can scratch easily.
5. After scrubbing your ring, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any cleaning solution and debris.
6. Once your ring is clean, use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry it. Be sure to pat it dry rather than rubbing it, as rubbing can cause scratches.
7. Optional: If you want to give your ring an extra shine, you can use a jewelry polishing cloth to gently polish it. Be sure to follow the instructions on the polishing cloth and use gentle pressure. Do not use the polishing cloth on the gemstones - only the metal, as the cloth has a compound on it which may damage gemstones.

Remember, it's important to clean your engagement ring regularly to keep it looking its best. Aim to clean your ring once a month, or more frequently if you wear it every day. If you're unsure about how to clean your ring or are concerned about damaging it, take it to us at our Philadelphia Flagship or our Brooklyn Showroom.

How to Clean Gold Earrings and Necklaces at Home

Here are four different options to try, all of which are safe for gold jewelry, like our Reticulated Five Band, Circ Chandeliers Yellow Gold, or our Anchor Chain Necklace Yellow Gold:

1. Soap and water: mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water and soak the gold jewelry in it for 15-20 minutes. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cloth, and then rinse it with water.
2. Baking soda: Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water, and apply it to the gold jewelry using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Scrub gently and rinse with water.
3. Vinegar: Soak the gold jewelry in a mixture of half water and half vinegar for about 15 minutes. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.
4. Ammonia: Mix one part ammonia and six parts water and soak the gold jewelry in it for no longer than a minute. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.

It's important to note that you should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials like steel wool, as these can damage the gold. 

How to Clean Sterling Silver Earrings and Necklaces at Home

Cleaning sterling silver jewelry, like our Circ Shield Drops Large Silver + Nikko Hoops Silver or our Gale Bracelet Silver, is a fairly simple process that can be done at home using a few household items. Here are the steps to clean sterling silver jewelry:

1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap or baby shampoo in a bowl of warm water.
2. Place the sterling silver jewelry in the cleaning solution and let it soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or grime that may be on the jewelry.
3. Using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the jewelry to remove any remaining dirt or grime. Be sure to clean all the crevices and corners of the piece.
4. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
5. Using a soft, clean cloth, gently dry the jewelry. Be sure to remove all the moisture to prevent water spots or tarnishing.
6. Store the jewelry in a clean, dry place to prevent it from getting scratched or damaged.

Note: Avoid using abrasive materials such as toothpaste, baking soda, or harsh chemicals to clean sterling silver jewelry, as these can damage the surface of the metal.Ready for some new consciously crafted jewelry? Shop our collection, or peruse our one of  a kind  custom designs - we have something for everyone! Even a Sale Page. Happy shopping!