Jewelry Care & Cleaning Guide: Diamonds, Gold & Watches

By the team at Ralph's Jewelers · Sacramento's jeweler for decades

A little care keeps fine jewelry sparkling and helps prevent lost stones and broken chains. Here's how to clean and care for diamond rings, gold jewelry and watches at home, and when it's time to see a jeweler.

Cleaning Diamond Jewelry

1. Soak for 15–20 minutes in warm water with mild dish soap.
2. Brush gently behind the diamond, where lotion and oils build up.
3. Rinse in a bowl (not over an open drain) and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Diamonds attract oil, so a ring can look dull within days. A quick weekly clean keeps it bright.

Cleaning Gold

• Use the same warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
• Dry fully before storing to prevent tarnish on lower-karat alloys.
• 21K and 22K gold are softer, so avoid scrubbing hard and store pieces separately.
• White gold may need rhodium plating refreshed over time.

What to Avoid

• Chlorine and bleach, including pools and hot tubs, which can weaken gold alloys.
• Abrasive cleaners such as toothpaste or baking soda, which can scratch metal.
• Ultrasonic cleaners at home for pearls, opals, emeralds, treated or fracture-filled stones, or pieces with loose stones.
• Wearing rings during the gym, gardening or heavy lifting.

Storage

• Store pieces separately so diamonds don't scratch other jewelry.
• Hang chains or lay them flat to prevent tangles and kinks.
• Keep watches away from strong magnets and extreme heat.

Watch Care

• Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft cloth; clean bracelets with mild soapy water only if the watch is water-resistant and the crown is fully closed.
• Have water resistance pressure-tested before swimming, especially on older watches.
• Replace quartz batteries promptly; a dead battery left inside can leak.
• Service mechanical watches periodically. See watch repair in Sacramento.

When to See a Jeweler

• A stone feels loose, rattles or catches on clothing.
• Prongs look flat, thin or bent.
• A clasp doesn't close firmly or a chain has a weak link.
• Your watch gains or loses time, stops, or shows fog under the crystal.

Our on-site jewelry repair team handles inspections, cleaning and repairs.

Bring In Your Jewelry Jewelry Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean a diamond ring at home?

Soak it in warm water with mild dish soap, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse in a bowl and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Can I wear gold jewelry in a pool?

It's best not to. Chlorine can weaken gold alloys over time, so remove jewelry before swimming in pools or hot tubs.

How often should I have my ring inspected?

Regular inspections are recommended, and anytime a stone feels loose or prongs look worn.

Can I use toothpaste to clean jewelry?

No. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch gold and other metals. Use mild soap and water instead.

Keep Reading

• Jewelry Repair in Sacramento
• Watch Repair in Sacramento
• Hollow vs. Solid Gold Chains

Visit Ralph's Jewelers in Sacramento & Carmichael

Ralph's Jewelers has been Sacramento's jeweler for decades, with one of the largest selections of fine diamond and gold jewelry and fine Swiss timepieces in the Sacramento area, shown in a high-end, luxury showroom atmosphere at two locations: Arden Way in Sacramento and Madison Avenue in Carmichael.

Serving Sacramento, Carmichael, Arden-Arcade, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Roseville, Rocklin, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, Folsom, Natomas, West Sacramento and Davis. Email info@ralphsjewelers.com · Instagram @RalphsJewelers