How To Clean Second Hand Jewellery

Second Hand Jewellery Clean & Care Tips

Related: 5 Tips For Organising Your Jewellery At Home

All in all, with proper cleaning and care, your preowned piece will look good as new for years to come. But remember to embrace the imperfections; with second-hand, you are choosing a piece with a story, one that has lived a life, or several if it’s vintage or antique. A small scratch or dent here and there shows the history that this piece holds.

Cleaning Second-Hand Jewellery Materials

Different metals and gemstones require different levels of care, so knowing these can help in knowing how to care for your preowned jewellery.

Gold

Knowing how to clean second-hand gold jewellery is easy, from yellow, white, or rose gold. It’s good to know what carat your piece is as the higher the carat, the softer it is and the more likely it is to be damaged. But caring for it is easy, just use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Avoid strong chemicals such as bleach, which could harm your preowned gold jewellery. For engravings on pieces, take a soft toothbrush and very mild soap to gently clean and remove any dirt. Vintage pieces worn more often, like rings, should be cleaned regularly as there is plenty of dirt and dust that can get into the design.

Silver

When cleaning silver preowned jewellery, it requires more of a careful process, and silver is more of a delicate metal. Nonetheless, you can still clean it at home with baking soda and a soft, microfibre cloth. Avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive cloths, as these could damage your piece. To keep your vintage silver jewellery sparkling and looking new, invest in a silver polishing cloth and keep your silver jewellery stored away from other pieces which could scratch it.

Gemstones

Caring for preowned jewellery also means caring for precious stones and gems. Making sure these are cleaned not only helps to increase the longevity of your piece but also keeps the vintage stones shining and shimmering like they are new. Most gemstones, such as diamonds or various birthstones, can be cleaned easily with a mild cleaning solution of warm water and soap. Soak your piece to loosen any dirt or oils stuck on the stone, and then gently scrub with a toothbrush.

More delicate gemstones such as pearls, opal or amber need more care when cleaning. Don’t soak these and opt for using soft clothes and a more delicate touch. For pieces that are regularly worn, are vintage or antique, consider wiping them down after every wear to keep gemstone sparkling.

How To Care For Types Of Preowned Jewellery

When caring for second-hand jewellery, you also need to take into account what piece you have alongside the materials. Such as if you have a necklace, bracelet or ring. Making sure your preowned jewellery stays looking pristine is key to making your jewellery last. Here’s how to care for different types of jewellery:

Rings

When it comes to second-hand rings, you have to pay attention to the cleaning and care process. Before you clean, you need to know the material you are working with, as each type requires different care.

When wearing, avoid hand washes, body soaps, creams and harsh chemicals as these will cause damage over time. Remove before exercising, cleaning, showering or swimming and store it in a fabric bag, ring box, tree or dish.

For more information on caring for your rings, check out our fully detailed Ring Care Guide.

Necklaces

Caring for second-hand necklaces is easy, but first, it comes from storage and wearing the piece. Make sure to hang your necklaces or place them in a box away from other pieces to prevent tangling, scratches or damage. When wearing, be mindful of any accidental snagging or catching on clothes or objects. Avoid wearing to sleep, during physical activities, or exposing to chemicals such as when swimming, bathing or when using household cleaners. Overall, be gentle and handle your second-hand necklace with care and avoid bending, stretching or tugging on chains, clasps or delicate gemstones.

Make sure to inspect and clean the preowned necklace regularly, especially if worn every day. Clean with soapy, warm water and a soft brush, and make sure to avoid extreme temperatures as this can lead to damage or warping.

Bracelets

Second-hand bracelets require attention to detail and proper care. From regular inspection and cleaning with soapy water and soft brushes to making sure you store them properly.

Make sure that you know how to clean the metal type and any intricate designs or gemstone settings used, as well as being careful with the pressure if the bracelet has charms, pendants or multiple settings. Caring for your preowned bracelet also means wearing it with caution to prevent accidental snagging, so be mindful of wearing it during certain activities. When storing, consider using pouches or a jewellery stand to hang each piece.

Earrings

There is a wide range of second-hand earrings on the market, from simple studs to hoops and just like other used jewellery, earrings are important to take care of, even more so than other pieces. Whether it’s vintage, antique or just a few years old, cleaning and caring for your second-hand earrings will rid them of any bacteria as well as keeping them shiny. Inspect and soak in warm soapy water, then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub. Before using them, make sure to disinfect with a cotton ball or pad with rubbing alcohol or vinegar. For a step-by-step guide, follow our How To Disinfect Second Hand Earrings article.

Caring for second-hand earrings is more than cleaning regularly though. Always make sure to handle them with clean hands to prevent transferring dirt and oils. Wear with caution and be mindful of snagging, avoid wearing during activities such as swimming or cleaning. And when not in use, make sure to store them in a jewellery box or organiser with separate compartments to avoid scratching or tangling with other pieces.

Keep Your Vintage Jewellery Looking New

No matter how old your second-hand jewellery is or what it is made of, keeping it looking good as new is key to increasing the longevity of the piece as well as making sure the shine and sparkle stay pristine. Remember that regular cleaning and care are vital, especially if you wear your jewellery every day or if the piece is vintage or antique. Be gentle and careful, using mild cleaning solutions, soft brushes and microfibre cloths, and take note of special metals and gemstones that require extra care. Always make sure you care for it when wearing the piece or storing it as well. This will ensure that all pieces in your collection don’t get scratched or damaged.

For more information, check out our helpful Jewellery Guides for all things jewellery, diamond or gemstone, and second-hand related. If you aren’t sure and need help when it comes to cleaning, or if your piece has intricate designs or valuable gemstones, and requires specialised care, a professional jeweller can inspect, clean and give you maintenance tips. At Ramsdens Jewellery, we have jewellery experts and gemmologists who can help. Either come into your local Ramsdens Branch or contact us online and we’d love to help.