With the festive season approaching, it's the perfect time to get your existing jewellery looking its best and learn to care for any new pieces that might be waiting for you under the tree, but some popular cleaning hacks might be doing more harm than good.

"Even if your jewellery looks clean, dirt and oils could still be lurking on the surface. As we head into the festive season, many people are looking for quick ways to bring their jewellery back to life," says Nick Withington, CEO at William May. "However, not all cleaning methods you'll find online are safe, and some can cause serious long-term damage. Our goal is to help customers care for their pieces properly, so they can continue to enjoy them for years to come."

At William May, we've spent over a century handling precious metals and gemstones, so we know what works when it comes to jewellery care. In this guide, we'll walk you through which popular online cleaning tips to avoid — and share the safe alternatives that will keep your jewellery sparkling without the risk.

How do I know when my jewellery needs to be cleaned?

Understanding when to clean jewellery at home is just as important as knowing how to do it properly. While there isn't a strict schedule that applies to every piece, keeping an eye out for signs of wear and tear will help your collection last longer.

The most obvious signs that your jewellery needs some TLC include:

If your jewellery has lost its sparkle or you can see grime building up in the crevices, it's definitely time for a clean.

"Even when jewellery looks clean on the surface, oils from your skin, lotions, and everyday dirt can quickly accumulate around the settings and behind gemstones," Nick explains. "That's why routine cleaning is important, no matter whether you can physically see signs of wear or not. Regular maintenance helps preserve the integrity of your pieces."

As a general rule, pieces you wear daily, like engagement rings or everyday necklaces, benefit from a gentle clean every few weeks. On the other hand, occasional-wear items might only need attention a few times a year - provided that they're kept safe in a jewellery box or specialist dust bag.

Common jewellery cleaning myths & their risks

Keeping your jewellery looking its best can feel daunting, especially if you're not confident with polishing precious metals or getting into the tiny spaces around your diamonds. While internet hacks seem like a quick way to get your jewellery back in good shape, some of these popular tips might leave your jewellery in a worse state than it started out.

Let's break down the facts and reveal which myths to steer clear of:

Myth 1: Baking soda restores shine

One of the most common recommendations you'll find online is using baking soda to clean jewellery at home. The logic seems sound; it's a natural cleaning agent that's gentle enough for household use. However, if you've been wondering how to clean jewellery with baking soda, you might want to rethink.

Baking soda has a rough texture that can scratch both metals and gemstones, particularly softer stones like pearls, opals, and turquoise. The strong alkaline properties can also erode the delicate plating on gold or silver pieces, permanently damaging the finish and leaving it looking dull.

"Bicarbonate of soda may feel like a quick fix to get rid of dirt build-up, but it's too abrasive and can leave permanent scratches on your favourite pieces. A safer approach is to use mild soap with warm water and a soft cloth. It might take a little more time to remove grime, but gentle polishing will protect your jewellery for the long term," Nick says.

Myth 2: Vinegar or lemon juice works for all metals

Natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and lemon juice are popular recommendations for brightening up jewellery, but these acidic liquids aren't as innocent as they seem.

The high acidity levels in vinegar and citrus juices can corrode gold and silver over time, eroding the metal and weakening the settings that hold gemstones in place. This puts your jewellery at risk of breaking or losing stones, which is especially worrying if you're cleaning antique or vintage pieces, as they tend to be more delicate.

Nick explains, "Lemon juice and vinegar may seem harmless, but they can quickly damage your jewellery in ways that aren't always immediately visible. While these solutions do break down dirt, leaving your jewellery looking refreshed, they also cause invisible damage that puts your favourite pieces at risk of breaking over time. Instead, stick to simple cleaning methods, like soap and water with a soft brush to get into the crevices of more intricate designs. This is far safer and just as effective at removing dirt."

Myth 3: Leaving to soak in water to kill germs

This myth has gained more traction since the pandemic in 2020, with people wanting to sanitise everything — including their jewellery. While keeping your jewellery free from germs is essential, especially during the transitional seasons when colds and flu are more common, hot water soaks can cause unexpected problems.

Hot water can loosen settings over time and cause rust in certain metal alloys, like brass, copper, or nickel. Some gemstones are also secured with an adhesive, rather than traditional prong settings, and soaking in hot water can soften this glue, putting your stones at risk of falling out.

"Leaving your jewellery to soak in hot water might seem harmless, but you’ll need to be careful if your pieces contain stones with no obvious fittings as the water can weaken any gemstone adhesives, putting your jewellery at risk," says Nick.

Myth 4: Aluminium foil restores silver shine

The aluminium foil trick is one of the most viral jewellery cleaning hacks on social media. It involves placing tarnished silver jewellery in a bowl lined with foil, adding hot water and baking soda, and watching the tarnish 'disappear'. While this does cause a genuine chemical reaction, it's not always suitable for cleaning tarnished jewellery.

"What this does is cause an electrochemical reaction between the foil and the baking soda, which transfers any tarnish — made up of silver sulfide — from your silver jewellery to the aluminium foil. This can remove the tarnish, but the process is unpredictable and can be too harsh for silver-plated pieces or jewellery with delicate gemstones," Nick explains. "The reaction can also strip away the protective patina on antique silver pieces that usually contributes to their character and value."

Myth 5: Shop-bought cleaning sprays are always safe

Many assume that cleaning products sold specifically for jewellery must be safe for everything — from necklaces and rings to charm bracelets and more. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Cleaning sprays are often formulated for specific metals or gemstones, so using them on the wrong type can actually damage plating, dull certain stones, or even cause discolouration.

"Not all cleaning sprays are universal, and using the wrong product can sometimes do more harm than good," says Nick. "What works perfectly for diamonds might be disastrous for pearls or opals, and vice-versa. Always check the label carefully and only use products that are recommended for your specific jewellery type. If you're ever unsure, take your jewellery to a professional jeweller to have it cleaned properly."

Jewellery care best practices

Now that we've covered which methods to avoid when cleaning your jewellery, let's look at some practical tips to keep your favourite pieces in excellent condition.

How to clean gold jewellery

Gold is a fairly durable metal, but it still needs gentle care to maintain its lustre. For regular cleaning, mix a few drops of mild washing-up liquid with warm water and let your gold pieces soak for 10-15 minutes.

If you're cleaning pieces with a gemstone, avoid soaking and instead use a soft-bristled brush — like an old, soft toothbrush — to clean around any settings or intricate details gently. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

How to clean silver jewellery

Sterling silver is prone to tarnishing when exposed to air and moisture, but regular cleaning can help prevent heavy build-up. For light tarnishing, a silver polishing cloth is often good enough to buff away any marks.

To remove more stubborn tarnish, use a specially formulated silver cleaning solution or cream, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Apply the product with a soft cloth and use gentle, circular motions, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

How to clean diamond jewellery

Diamond jewellery is incredibly hardy, but the settings can still be delicate. The safest way to clean diamond jewellery is with warm water, mild soap, and a very soft brush.

Let the piece sit in shallow water for 20-30 minutes to loosen any oils or dirt, then gently brush around the diamond and under the setting using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

How to clean vintage jewellery

Vintage and antique jewellery requires extra care, as older pieces may have delicate settings, an original patina (a natural finish due to age and wear) that adds to their value, or materials that don't respond as well to modern cleaning methods.

The safest approach is minimal cleaning and only when necessary — like a gentle wipe with a slightly damp, soft cloth.

Bring home the shine with William May

While DIY jewellery cleaning hacks might be tempting — especially when they promise quick results — taking the professional route is always the safest option to avoid accidentally damaging a treasured heirloom.

If you're looking to add some sparkle to your collection this festive season, explore our stunning selection here at William May. From show-stopping diamond solitaire rings to timeless chain bracelets and personality-rich charms that are sure to turn heads, we've got something special waiting for you.

Shop our jewellery collection today and discover jewellery that's made to be cherished.