POV: you’re getting ready for a night out (with your designer clutch bag in hand) and, as you’re putting on your jewelry, you realize the inevitable happened: it lost its sparkle.
They say dress to impress, but surely you’re not turning heads with dull jewelry that looks borderline-tarnished. That’s where one of the best jewelry cleaners comes in to save the day. (Related: best Amazon jewelry).
While the “best place to have your jewelry cleaned is with a trusted jeweler, that has access to a professional workshop, with trained professionals,” according to Georg Leifheit, vice president of global strategic sourcing at Signet Jewelers, who shared additional insights with the New York Post below (read: our FAQ section), you can whip out a handy at-home cleaner for quick and easy results that won’t damage your jewelry — so long as you do it right.
Whether you’re interested in cleaning your waterproof jewelry or more of your affordable fine jewelry pieces (or even statement jewelry) read on for the best products New York Post Shopping pulled, along with expert advice. (Related: best hoop earrings).
Oh, and if spring cleaning is on your mind, check out our expert guides to the best house cleaning products, top-recommended all-purpose cleaners and best hardwood floor cleaners.
1. CONNOISSEURS Premium Edition Jewelry Cleaner, $9
With more than 25,000 rave reviews, the CONNOISSEURS Premium Edition Jewelry Cleaner includes a large dip tray and a professional touch-up brush for specific spot cleaning. Its advanced polymer system also helps repel soil for longer and helps reduce the amount of fine scratches in settings.
2. Weiman Fine Jewelry Cleaner, $8
More than 45,000 happy Amazon customers love the Weiman Fine Jewelry Cleaner — and for a good reason. Its gentle formula is an effective tarnish remover (alongside giving your metals a good clean) and comes with a tray.
Please note this cleaner should not be used on coral, ivory, amber, malachite, pearls, opal, jade or turquoise.
3. Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner, $40
As recommended by our jewelry expert (with the exception of amber and pearl jewelry), an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is best and the most akin to a professional, in-store jeweler’s method. It’s an Amazon best-seller, is effective yet gentle and includes a basket to keep your jewelry secure.
4. Brilliant Jewelry Cleaner, $7, original price: $15
The Brilliant Jewelry Cleaner is just $7 yet doesn’t compromise quality. Namely, it’s non-toxic, includes a basket and a brush for cleaning hard-to-reach places in your jewelry pieces.
Please note this cleaner is safe for gold, platinum, diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other non-porous gems.
5. Blitz Gem & Jewelry Cleaner Concentrate, $11
The Blitz Gem & Jewelry Cleaner Concentrate is a wonderful option if you clean a lot of jewelry and never want to run out of solution. This formulation is backed by more than 14,000 rave reviews, is non-toxic and American-made and easily mixes with water to clean all types of jewelry — including the use of Ultrasonic Jewelry Machines.
Additionally, this cleaner is specifically formulated for use on gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, ruby, sapphire, topaz, amethyst, garnet, peridot and other non-porous precious and semi-precious gem jewelry.
6. Made By Mary Restore Jewelry Cleaner, $24
As one of our favorite brands for affordable fine jewelry, Made By Mary also offers a premium jewelry cleaner that’s just shy of $25. This bundle contains the cleaning solution, dip tray, cleansing brush tool and polishing cloth to ensure your jewelry is as clean as can be.
This cleaner was specially designed for use on platinum, gold, diamonds, gems and pearls.
7. Pandora Jewelry Cleaner Set, $15
For just $15, the Pandora Jewelry Cleaner Set is one of the best to use on sterling silver to help prevent tarnishing, though it’s also safe to use on 14K gold and plated metals. In addition to the cleaning solution, this set also includes a soft brush and handling tray to hold your jewelry as it’s being cleaned.
8. The Commercial Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner, $170
Though a splurge, The Commercial Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner is well worth the cost, much ado to its jeweler-grade quality to help remove lotion, hairspray, grease, oil and dirt from jewelry. More, it’s powerful enough to burrow deep into a stone setting yet gentle enough to handle fine jewelry.
In other words, if you’re looking for a one-and-done purchase (or, a great gift for the jewelry lover in your life), then this one is your best bet.
9. CONNOISSEURS Diamond Dazzle Stik, $8
If you’re newly engaged (or just obsessed with your diamond ring) this one is for you. With more than 47,000 rave reviews (and recommended IRL to one of us), the CONNOISSEURS Diamond Dazzle Stik is wonderful on diamonds, specifically. Plus, it’s so travel-friendly.
10. Shinery Radiance Jewelry Cleaner Wash, $28
If it’s one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, then it’ll instantly become one we add to our radar. The Shinery Radiance Jewelry Cleaner Wash is stellar, much ado because it’ll clean your jewelry while you wash your hands. Now that’s spectacular.
An FAQ on Jewelry Cleaners
Ahead, George Leifheit, vice president of global strategic sourcing at Signet Jewelers — who has also worked at Swarovski, James Avery and H. Stern — explains everything you need to know about cleaning the different major types of metals.
How do you clean jewelry to make it sparkle?
In other words, the question everyone wants answers to. “Ultrasonic Cleaner is best (but not for pearl and amber jewelry, or any glued stones),” Leifheit advises. “Alternatively, a soft brush with a mild detergent is also good, but must take care with pearls and certain gemstones.”
Conveniently, this is how Leifheit recommends cleaning gold, platinum and titanium.
How do you clean sterling silver?
Typically, with a specific silver polishing cloth, according to Leifheit. “Or, if very tarnished, in a silver cleaning solution, and then Ultrasonic Cleaner.”
Sometimes, a silver item must be taken to a jeweler to be professionally cleaned and polished.
How do you clean diamonds?
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but not if they aren’t sparkling.
Leifheit recommends using a “soft cloth or brush with mild detergent, and also an Ultrasonic Cleaner” for diamonds, specifically.
How often should jewelry be cleaned?
If worn daily, Leifheit recommends cleaning your jewelry monthly. If not used often, you can clean your jewelry annually.
The ingredients to look for in a jewelry cleaner, according to an expert
Much like your best laundry detergent, finding specific ingredients will confer best results.
According to Leifheit, look for a water-based (not alcohol) formulation with mild detergents, and possibly a small amount of ammonium, or salt solution. Most importantly, look for a jewelry cleaner with no abrasives.
What is an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner, and how do you use one?
An Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner is a device that uses ultra-sonic vibration to “shake” dirt particles off of jewelry. “All jeweler work shops have them, but small ones can be bought online, too,” Leifhert says. “They may not be as effective as a professional one, and do not typically heat up the water solution in which the jewelry is suspended during cleaning.”
What’s more, one must be careful to watch out for fallen stones after the cleaning process, as the ultrasonic shaking can move stones and make them fall out of their setting, if they are not properly set.
That said, do not use this type of cleaner for pearls and amber jewelry, or any glued stones.
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