Caring for jewelry is essentially like caring for your wardrobe. You wouldn’t chuck silk pieces in the washing machine the way you would a pair of denim overalls. You might also choose to spot clean wool and cashmere and air-dry cotton lest it shrink in the dryer. There are different dos and don’ts that help you prolong the lifespan of your closet staples, and the same philosophy applies to the cleaning and maintenance of your valuable jewelry—and perhaps more strictly, too.
Items such as pearls, diamonds, gold, and gems—all of which are classic heirloom pieces— have their own careregimens that every responsible jewelry owner should familiarize themselves with.
Here, we outline simple yet effective care practices for keeping different kinds of heirloom jewelry pristine for years and years below.

How to Care For and Store Heirloom Jewelry: 5 Tips
Pearls
Pearls form inside mollusks such as oysters. These sea creatures naturally undergo biological processes that form these prized pieces. All over the world, pearls are beloved for the many colors and shapes they come in, their understated elegance, and their versatility. To care for your pearls the right way, make sure to do the following:
Firstly, wait at least half an hour before putting on any kind of pearl piece when you’re getting ready to go out. Pearls react to strong chemicals that can take away their natural luster. Speaking of pearls’ luster, the best way to maintain it is to wear pearls as often as possible. Pearls like your natural oils; they act as a moisturizer.
After wear, use a gentle cleaning solution (such as fragrance-free soap diluted in water) and a cleaning cloth to remove residual substances that may have been left on them. And finally, store pearl jewelry flat. Never hang them as this can stress the strings holding them together and cause them to snap.
Diamonds
Diamonds are the solid form of pure carbon. It’s the only gem made out of a single element and it’s also the hardest naturally-occurring substance science has discovered. When turned into a piece of jewelry, it’s admired for the magnificent way it reflects light like no other stone can. This is what gives them their sparkle and how they’re able to elevate an outfit of any kind regardless of their cut and size.
Use a straightforward solution made up of warm water and mild dish soap. For pieces that have lots of crevices, you may consider using a soft bristle toothbrush to get to hard-to-reach spots. This method helps remove oil from your skin and dirt collected from the environment (think dust, lint, and even sand and soil). It keeps diamonds clear and allows light to pass through them and be reflected without debris dulling their shine. For drying diamonds, allow them to air dry in a secure spot where they won’t roll over or slip. Use a lint-free cloth to gently polish when completely dry, then store your heirloom piece in its own case.

Gold
Generally, gold jewelry is made from gold and nothing else. However, because pure gold by itself is rather soft and this makes it difficult to form and maintain its shape, jewelry makers might choose to mix it with other metals to increase its hardness and workability. The rule of thumb is the higher the karat, the purer your gold jewelry is, the softer it is, and therefore, the more sensitive it is to harsh cleaning methods. Be gentle when you clean your gold pieces, otherwise, you may end up deforming them or scratching them.
A basic cleaning technique is to soak pieces in a diluted solution (10 parts water to two parts mild, fragrance-free soap) for two to three hours at most. Depending on how big the piece is, adjust the volume of the solution. As usual, choose a lint-free cloth that will not snag on jewelry prongs, clasps, joints, and locks for drying. With gold in particular, never use fabrics that may leave abrasive marks on its surface. Paper towels are a big no. Using toothbrushes and vigorous scrubbing motions are also discouraged for the same reason. If you do need the help of friction to remove stubborn dirt, use cotton swabs or even just your fingertips. As a last step after drying, have a polishing cloth ready to return gold’s shine—just a cloth, no polishing liquid required.
Gemstones
Gemstones, or just gems for short, are formed through the combination of minerals, rocks, and other organic substances (sometimes inorganic substances are present in gems, too). They come in a wide array of colors, cuts, and shapes with some being more valuable than others. Gems can stand alone in a single piece of jewelry, such as a striking emerald necklace, or are combined with others to create a more playful look. Regardless of how you like your gemstone jewelry, there are important cleaning reminders to have in mind when maintaining it.
The general recommendation is to use water, mild detergent, and a soft washcloth or child’s toothbrush for regular gem maintenance. However, experts may add that water can either be cold or warm depending on what kind of stone you’re working on. Furthermore, it’s not recommended to soak gems as some of them are more porous than others; some gems may absorb water and cause irreversible damage. It’s best to ask a trusted jeweler for specifics. After you’re finished gently scrubbing away dirt, rinse again in water to wash away any leftover suds and dry completely before storing.
A final note on ultrasonic cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners have gained popularity in recent years thanks to claims made regarding their germ-killing capabilities. While they’re safe to use to sanitize other everyday items like house keys, cellphone cases, and glasses, this isn’t the case for jewelry. This is because the vibrations these contraptions create can sometimes be strong enough to dislodge stones from their settings, further weaken or loosen compromised parts, and cause other kinds of damage. Avoid them completely to be safe and go old school with the manual, but gentle, cleaning methods we discussed earlier.
While wearing and styling heirloom jewelry is a fun and creative experience, cleaning jewelry can be totally straightforward and quick now that you know better. Store heirloom jewelry properly and maintain their value and beauty.
Have questions?
The value of your heirloom pieces depends on the care you invest in preserving them. Ensure your family’s treasures are well-maintained for top valuation.
If you’d like to have your pearl jewelry appraised, contact Willyn Villarica, the only NAJA-recognized Filipino appraiser.
Send your inquiries via willynvillarica@willynvillaricajewelry.com or through Facebook (Willyn Villarica Jewelry) or Instagram (@willynvillarica_jewelry).