How to Clean Jewellery

Proper jewellery care is more than maintenance; it is a way of honouring the artistry within every creation. Each piece, from a delicate pendant to a masterpiece of guilloché enamel, carries the story of imagination, precision, and craftsmanship. At Fabergé, we believe caring for one’s jewellery is a celebration of that legacy and an expression of reverence for the creativity that defines our world.

Beyond its beauty, consistent care ensures longevity. Regular cleaning safeguards the integrity of metals, the brilliance of gemstones, and the radiance of enamel. This guide offers the knowledge to preserve your Fabergé creations, ensuring that each one continues to enchant for generations to come.

Understanding Jewellery Cleaning Fundamentals

The Importance of Regular Jewellery Cleaning

Every Fabergé piece is designed to be lived with, loved, and worn but even the most exquisite artistry requires mindful upkeep. Daily wear exposes jewellery to a host of invisible aggressors: environmental pollutants, humidity, natural oils, and cosmetics. Over time, these elements can soften the gold’s gleam and diminish the vibrancy of enamel and gemstones.

The subtle darkening that appears on metals, known as tarnish, occurs when gold or silver reacts with sulphur and oxygen in the air. While natural, this process can be gently reversed through regular cleaning, ensuring each piece retains its light and brilliance.

Key Terms to Understand:

• Tarnish: Surface discoloration from chemical reactions
• Oxidation: Metal reaction with oxygen causing darkening
• Patina: Natural aging that develops character over time

Our artisanal pieces at Fabergé are crafted with the expectation of generational ownership. Each element, from the carefully selected gemstones to the precision of the setting, is designed to withstand the test of time when properly maintained, preserving the extraordinary narrative embedded within each creation.

The benefits of consistent care extend far beyond monetary considerations:

• Preservation of monetary value through maintained brilliance and structural integrity.
• Prevention of permanent damage from accumulated grime and chemical exposure.
• Maintenance of colour vibrancy especially crucial for coloured gemstones.
• Extension of piece longevity ensuring treasured items endure through generations.

Recommended Cleaning Frequencies:

• Daily Wear: Monthly Gentle Clean after inspection, looking out for signs of tarnishing/dirt or wear and tear.
• Occasional Wear: Quarterly gentle clean after inspection, looking out for signs for tarnishing/dirt or wear and tear.
• Stored Pieces: Annual Inspection / professional clean if required after inspection, looking out for signs of tarnishing/dirt or wear and tear.
  
  

Professional cleaning every few months allows for a detailed inspection, helping to identify loose stones or early signs of wear before they compromise the beauty of the piece.

Essential Cleaning Supplies and Workspace Setup

True artistry demands precision, and so does proper jewellery care. Preparing a safe, organised workspace is vital to allow each step to be performed with calm, focus and care.

For routine cleaning, we recommend:

• Mild dish soap: A gentle, ammonia-free option that lifts oils and dirt without harming delicate finishes.
• Soft-bristled brush: Ideal for reaching into the intricate details of Fabergé designs.
• Microfibre cloths: Perfect for drying and polishing, leaving a luminous, streak-free surface.
• Distilled water: Prevents mineral spotting and preserves the purity of the metal.
  
  

Safety Tip: Always work over a padded surface and use lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that may damage your jewellery’s artistry.

Harmful Materials to Avoid:

• Toothpaste and baking soda (abrasive)
• Vinegar and lemon juice (acidic)
• Bleach and chlorine (corrosive)
• Ammonia-based cleaners
• Harsh detergents

For deeper cleans, ultrasonic or steam devices may be used although we advise consulting a professional for Fabergé pieces. Our enamel, miniature painting, and gemstone settings require nuanced handling that only trained artisans can provide.

Steps to get in touch with Fabergé regarding professional cleaning:

·       Get in touch with the wholesale partner/boutique you purchased your Fabergé piece from for further information, they will be able to guide you on next steps regarding professionally cleaning your piece.

·       Get in touch via the website, where one of the team will be able to provide next steps.

Cleaning Methods by Jewellery Material

Gold Care

Gold’s timeless beauty lies in its warmth and purity, qualities that deserve gentle preservation. The karat of gold determines its care needs: lower karat gold, such as 9k, contains a higher percentage of alloy metals, making it more durable but also more susceptible to tarnish. Conversely, higher karat gold like 22k and 24k is purer and softer, demanding a gentler approach to avoid scratches, while 18K gold is more resilient but still requires refined handling.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is radiant, enduring, and steeped in history. Its warm hue is created by a natural alloy of pure gold and subtle traces of silver and copper. Unlike plated or treated metals, yellow gold’s colour runs deep, offering a consistent glow that matures beautifully over time.

Its softness is part of its allure, allowing artisans to sculpt it into intricate, expressive forms. Yet that very malleability calls for gentleness: care routines must be delicate, designed to maintain its surface and preserve its inherent warmth rather than polish it into sterility.

Rose Gold

Rose gold is an alchemy of gold and copper that yields a tender, blush tone. Romantic and modern in equal measure, it is celebrated for its versatility and soft luminescence against the skin.

Over time, its surface may deepen slightly in tone, a natural evolution that enhances its charm rather than diminishes it. This living quality is what makes rose gold distinct: it should be maintained thoughtfully, never stripped of its patina. The copper content that gives it life also demands care, as exposure to harsh elements can subtly affect its shade.

White Gold

White gold is an alloy of gold blended with palladium or nickel, often finished with a luminous rhodium layer that enhances its silvery brilliance. Its appeal lies in contrast: the strength of its tone balanced by a subtle, fluid glow.

This rhodium coating requires periodic renewal to sustain its mirror-like surface. As the finish naturally softens over time, the underlying metal’s slightly warmer hue may emerge, lending character and individuality to the piece. It is this gentle metamorphosis that defines the material’s sophistication, which is an understated evolution rather than a flaw.

Gold Jewellery Cleaning Tips

• Begin with gentleness. Use only mild, ammonia-free soap diluted in warm water to cleanse gold’s surface without disrupting its natural lustre.
• Polish with purpose. A soft microfibre or specialist jewellery cloth restores warmth and sheen without abrasion.
• Mind the details. Use a soft-bristled brush to reach intricate settings, taking care not to disturb enamel or gemstones.
• Avoid extremes. Keep gold away from harsh chemicals, chlorine, or abrupt temperature changes, all of which can dull or weaken the metal.
• Rinse with refinement. Distilled water prevents mineral residue, leaving the surface flawlessly clear.
• Dry with care. Pat gently rather than rub to prevent surface scratches.
• Preserve through practice. Regular, light cleaning maintains brilliance and prevents build-up of oils and dust.
• Separate and protect. Store gold pieces individually in soft-lined compartments to prevent contact with harder materials.
• Trust the artisan’s touch. For heirloom or enamel-adorned Fabergé creations, seek periodic professional cleaning to preserve every detail and layer of artistry.

Platinum

Platinum is a noble metal of extraordinary density and strength, chosen for its quiet permanence. It resists tarnish and corrosion, standing as the ultimate guardian for gemstones and enamel alike.

Unlike gold, platinum does not wear away; instead, it develops a graceful satin patina that speaks of time and experience. Many collectors prize this finish, as it tells the story of a jewel’s journey. Care routines for platinum therefore aim to preserve its integrity, not erase its history so treat this material with light touch rather than going for relentless shine.

Silver

Silver is reflective, luminous, and forever responsive to light. It has the rare quality of changing subtly with its environment, deepening in tone as it reacts with air and moisture. This natural tendency to tarnish is not a flaw but a reminder of its organic nature.

Its brightness can be revived with minimal intervention, yet the goal is balance: to retain its character while maintaining clarity. Each polish should enhance, not over-perfect, allowing the metal’s living surface to retain its quiet poetry.

For our more intricate creations where enamel, engraving, or gemstones play their part, we recommend avoiding submerging the entire piece. Instead, focus on targeted cleaning and light polishing to protect every detail.

Polishing and Professional Finishing

The final step to restoring a jewel's innate lustre involves meticulous polishing. Professional finishing removes microscopic scratches and restores a brilliant, mirror-like shine that simple cleaning alone cannot achieve.

Hand-polishing is a delicate art. Experts employ specific methods tailored to each metal, ensuring a flawless finish without causing damage.

• Gold and Platinum: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth with gentle, circular motions to lift away any lingering dullness, revealing the metal's inherent warmth and brightness.
• Silver: A specialised silver polishing cloth is ideal. This method effectively removes oxidation while protecting the delicate surface from abrasion.

For deeper imperfections such as major scratches, commercial polishing is the best option as this demands a skilled hand, to precisely smooth the surface, restoring the original high-gloss finish intended by the artisan.

When handling antique pieces, the approach shifts dramatically. Preserving the patina, the soft, subtle sheen that develops over decades, is paramount. Aggressive polishing is strictly avoided. Instead, a very gentle wipe with a designated soft cloth maintains the piece's historical integrity. This careful maintenance honours the original artisanal craftsmanship, ensuring that legacy pieces retain their unique character and value for future generations.

Gemstone-Specific Cleaning Techniques

Diamond and Hard Gemstone Care

Diamonds and other enduring gemstones such as sapphires and rubies thrive on light and clarity. Regular cleaning ensures that their fire and brilliance remain undiminished.

Delicate and Organic Gemstone Maintenance

Pearls, opals, turquoise, coral, and amber are the poetry of nature; organic, beautiful, and fragile. Their surfaces are porous and should never be immersed in water or exposed to chemical agents.

After each wear, gently wipe pearls and other organic gemstones with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For pearls worn often, professional restringing every six months ensures their continued grace.

Store these delicate gems in breathable pouches, away from heat and sunlight, allowing them to rest as elegantly as they are worn.

Pearl Care Essentials: Pearls require the most delicate treatment. After each wear, gently wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove body oils and cosmetic residues. Never submerge pearls in water or use cleaning solutions.

Professional Restringing Schedule:

• Frequent wear: Every 6 months
• Occasional wear: Annually
• Stored pieces: Every 2 years

Temperature and Moisture Sensitivity Table:

Advanced Cleaning Techniques

Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaning

For certain modern gold and gemstone pieces, ultrasonic and steam cleaning can achieve a remarkable brilliance. However, such methods should be reserved for durable jewellery and always performed by experts familiar with Fabergé’s craftsmanship.

Materials to NEVER clean ultrasonically:

• Pearls, coral, amber
• Emeralds (often oil-treated)
• Antique pieces with loose settings
• Watches with leather straps

Never use ultrasonic or steam methods on enamel, pearls, or antique creations. These require a far gentler approach to preserve their irreplaceable artistry.

Polishing and Professional Finishing

Polishing helps the jewel regain its mesmerising glow. Using a soft microfibre cloth in circular motions revives gold’s warmth and platinum’s quiet strength. For silver, a specially treated polishing cloth removes tarnish without abrasion.

Antique or heritage pieces must be treated differently. Their soft patina tells a story that should never be erased. Instead, a light hand and a soft cloth honour their history while maintaining their natural grace.

Cleaning Routines and Professional Care

Daily Maintenance and Seasonal Deep Cleaning

Consistency is the essence of preservation. Jewellery should be the final touch added each morning and the first piece removed each evening, protecting it from cosmetics and perfumes.

For frequent wearers, a weekly light cleaning will maintain radiance. Every few months, we recommend a professional service to ensure settings remain secure and finishes stay flawless.

Preventative Care and Storage

Daily Wear Guidelines

Be mindful of when you wear your jewellery. Avoid wearing your Fabergé pieces during activities where they might come into contact with harsh chemicals, such as swimming or cleaning. Apply your cosmetics and perfumes before putting on your jewellery to prevent residue buildup.

Proper Storage Solutions

When not in use, store your Fabergé jewellery in a dry, cool environment. Humidity control and anti-tarnish strips are highly recommended for preserving gold and enamel pieces. When storing, wrap each piece individually in a soft cloth or pouch, kept in a cool, dry place; a small ritual that ensures enduring beauty.

Store organic gemstones separately in breathable pouches, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Maintain moderate humidity levels to prevent cracking.

Maintenance Schedule

While Fabergé jewellery is designed to last a lifetime, regular maintenance is key. Have your pieces professionally inspected periodically to ensure they remain in perfect condition.

Antique Care & Restorations

Antique Fabergé pieces embody history, emotion, and exquisite craftsmanship and cleaning such treasures demands reverence. Avoid ultrasonic or steam methods entirely. 

When gemstones or structural elements show signs of wear, seek professional restoration. Our artisans understand how to protect the legacy and maintain the integrity of each creation without compromising its authenticity. 

Assessment Criteria for Professional Restoration:
Seek professional help when pieces show:

• Loose or missing stones.
• Broken clasps or damaged prongs.
• Significant tarnish that home methods cannot address.
• Historical value requiring expert conservation.

Emergency Techniques:

·       Use the cleaning cloth provided to gently wipe any residue or surface grime.

·       Get in touch via our website for support.

Proper care ensures these treasures continue to tell their enchanting narratives, preserving the artisanal mastery and vibrant character that makes each piece extraordinary. This stewardship honours both the original craftsman's vision and the piece's journey through time.

Antique Pieces Cleaning via Fabergé:

·       Follow the same process as getting in touch for professional cleaning - the place in which the piece was purchased or one of our Faberge team will be able to assess the piece and offer expert advice on next steps.

Through careful stewardship, these extraordinary pieces continue to tell their stories of craftsmanship, colour, and imagination for generations to come.

Timeless Care for Timeless Creations

Caring for your jewellery is an act of continuity, a dialogue between the present and the past. A consistent cleaning routine is the key to longevity. Each time you clean or polish a Fabergé piece, you honour the hands that created it and the artistry it embodies. For treasured heirlooms and valuable acquisitions, seeking professional expertise is a wise investment, safeguarding against unseen damage. This diligent care ensures these items transcend time.

With mindful care and periodic professional attention, these remarkable creations will continue to inspire and delight, their beauty shining as vividly as the day they were imagined.