How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry Naturally: Easy & Effective Tips

Posted on December 5th, 2025 02:54 PM

Gemstone jewelry is no longer limited to big weddings or fancy parties. It has slowly become an everyday essential that people wear with casual outfits, too. Durable gems like blue sapphire stone or ruby are becoming popular as daily accessories.  

When we use them occasionally, we don't need to worry much about cleaning. However, when gemstone jewelry becomes part of our daily lives, cleaning it becomes essential. Over time, dirt builds up, the gem starts looking dull, and the metal also loses its shine. Cleaning gemstone jewelry naturally helps retain its gleaming look for longer, as no harsh chemicals are used.   

This blog highlights easy tips and tricks for cleaning gemstone jewelry naturally, so your precious gems keep sparkling and ready to wear anytime.   

Why Natural Cleaning Is Better

Natural cleaning is slow but safe. It doesn’t pull off the polish, doesn’t harm the stone and metal. Moreover, regular natural cleaning at home prevents dirt and dust from accumulating.  

How to Clean Stone Jewellery at Home (Easy Tips)

1. Mild Soap + Warm Water (Safe for Most Stones)

This is the easiest way to clean your gemstone jewelry and gold jewelry at home. 

  • Take a bowl with lukewarm water. 
  • Add a few drops of gentle washing powder
  • Put the gemstone jewelry inside for 5–10 minutes.
  • Brush softly with a gentle brush.
  • Rinse in clean water
  • Wipe it with a dry cloth 

Precious gemstones like ruby stone and sapphire can be cleaned this way. Even semi-precious stones like topaz, citrine, aquamarine stone, and tourmaline can be cleaned naturally with this method. All these gemstones are durable and less prone to scratches.   

Read More: How To Care For Your Crystals and Gemstones At Home?

2. How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry Naturally with Baking Soda 

Baking soda is used for cleaning most things in the home. It is the most readily available item in your kitchen and thus the easiest way to clean your jewelry at home.    

Use baking soda only on hard gemstones. Avoid using it on porous gems like turquoise, opal, and coral stone, as it will make the surface look dull. So it's better not to use it on gemstones; instead, you can clean the metal with this method.   

  • Add baking soda to a bit of water and make a paste 
  • Rub it lightly on the gold or silver part.
  • Rinse fast and dry.

Read More: Care and Cleaning of Red Coral Gemstone

3. How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry Naturally with Vinegar 

Vinegar is acidic and may discolor the gemstone. The best way to use it is to mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water in a bowl. Keep the gemstone jewelry in it and gently brush it clean.   

However, one should avoid using vinegar for gemstone cleaning, as its acidity can cause the stone to discolor. Use diluted vinegar for cleaning metals to prevent damage to the jewelry. 

How to Clean Opals 

Opal is beautiful but super sensitive. Here’s the correct way to clean them:  Don’t soak it for long, as opal stone are porous gemstones that absorb liquids through their tiny spaces. 

  • Use a slightly damp soft cloth.
  • If there is dirt behind the stone, dip the ring in soapy water for just a few seconds.
  • Brush the metal only, not the opal.

If your opal is a doublet or triplet (assembled opal stone), do not soak it in soapy water; instead, use a damp cloth with a bit of soap. Ruby gently on the gemstone surface and then clean it with a wet cloth. 

Read More: Caring For Opals - How to Clean, Care & Store Opal Jewelry

How to Clean Opal in Gold Jewelry

  • If your opal is set in gold:
  • Clean the gold part with mild soapy water.
  • Keep the opal dry as much as possible.
  • Don’t scrub the stone.
  • Dry the entire ring gently with a soft cloth before storing.

Opal ring

How to Clean Rings With Stones

Rings collect the most dirt because we wear them every day. To clean them:

  • Take warm water + a little soap.
  • Brush softly around the stone and under it.
  • Rinse with clean water, then dry with a soft cloth. 

This is the best way to clean sapphire rings ( blue sapphire ring , yellow sapphire ring, etc) as they are durable and scratch-resistant.   

Easy steps to clean Gemstone Jewelry

Learn More: The Ultimate Guide to Blue Sapphire Cleaning: Expert Tips and Tricks

How to Take Care of Gemstone Jewelry

Here are some simple tips to keep your everyday gemstone jewelry safe. 

  • Don’t spray perfume or apply lotion on jewelry.
  • Remove rings when cooking, swimming, washing dishes, or going to the gym.
  • Store each piece in a separate pouch so stones don’t rub each other.
  • Don’t keep jewelry in water for too long, as it can cause discoloration of the stone. 
  • Wipe jewelry with a clean, wet cloth after wearing to remove sweat and oils.
  • Get stones checked once a year so they don’t fall out.

How to Clean Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds 

  • Sapphire

Very strong stone. Can handle warm soapy water and brushing. Ultrasonic cleaners are best for untreated sapphires, but for treated sapphires, one should stick to the soapy water technique only.   

Gemstones like white sapphires can become cloudy over time. The best way to clean a white sapphire is to use a wet cloth with soapy liquid. Rub it gently, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.   

  • Ruby

Same as sapphire. Very tough stone. Just avoid harsh chemicals.  

Ruby Pendant

  • Emerald

Soft inside because of natural cracks and oil filling. Clean gently, don’t soak long, don’t scrub too much.

Final Thoughts

Gemstone cleaning must be done with utmost care and precision. The slight carelessness can hamper the beauty of your piece. Mild Soap and warm water are best for cleaning gemstone jewelry. This is the most natural and safest way to keep your jewelry clean and shiny for a long time. 

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

×

Your Shopping Bag


Your shopping cart is empty.