Cleaning your jewellery at home

There are a number of myths about cleaning your jewellery that have been around for many years. Some are of value but a number are old wives tales that sadly will not help to keep your jewellery in top condition and even possibly damage your much loved items. Jewellery should be cleaned frequently to retain the sparkle of gemstones and brighten the lustre of the metals.

Jewellery can be cleaned at home with toothpaste – An old wives tale

Toothpaste is believed to be a common way to clean your jewellery at home due to it’s foaming properties, however this old wives tale is completely false. It is not recommended to be used on ANY item of jewellery (watches included). The abrasive quality of toothpaste can scratch most gemstones causing permanent damage and dulling their appearance and can also cause residue build up behind the settings. Who wants their jewellery to look dull?  Softer gemstones like pearls and opals should never be touched with any cleaner let alone toothpaste and if cleaning is needed, should always be taken to a qualified jeweller.

Is toothpaste ok to use on the metal part of my jewellery?

We advise against it. The metal your jewellery is made from is also at risk of damage when using toothpaste, especially if it has abrasive particles. Using any form of toothpaste can cause scratches on the metal resulting in a dull look.

How should I clean my jewellery to keep it looking its best?

When you clean your jewellery (and you can’t make it into Abrecht Bird), WARM soapy water (a little bit of Morning Fresh will do) and a soft toothbrush will help keep it clean. Watches however should never be cleaned in this way. If you are unsure as to whether your jewellery can be cleaned, please don’t hesitate to contact us and ask.