Most jewellery gets clean the same way: lukewarm water, a few drops of mild dish soap and a soft brush. This applies to a diamond ring in 14K gold, a pair of ear studs and a tennis bracelet alike. Silver requires a different approach because it tarnishes, and certain stones such as agate and sapphire have their own considerations. Below you'll find how to clean each type, how often it should be done, and what to steer clear of.

The basic method with water and mild soap

For the vast majority of jewellery, a bowl of lukewarm water and a few drops of mild dish soap is all it takes. Place the piece in the water and let it soak for 10-20 minutes so that dirt, skin oils and soap residue loosen. Then brush gently with a soft toothbrush, especially around settings and on the underside of stones, where impurities collect and dull the shine.

Rinse afterwards in clean, lukewarm water so that all the soap comes off. If the piece has been sitting in a sink, close the drain or place a strainer in it before you rinse - small rings and ear studs easily disappear down the trap.

Dry the piece completely with a soft, lint-free cloth or let it air-dry on a towel. Water that's left to dry on its own on metal can leave limescale marks, and moisture that lingers in clasps and behind stones is something you needlessly give yourself.

How to clean a diamond ring without scratching it

A diamond is the hardest natural material that exists, ranking 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means the stone itself can withstand a thorough cleaning without taking any damage, whether it's a lab-grown or a natural diamond - the two have exactly the same hardness and are cleaned in the same way.

What makes a diamond look dull is rarely the stone itself, but a layer of skin oil, cream and soap on the back. Because light has to enter through the stone and reflect back out, even a thin layer of dirt noticeably dims the sparkle. That's why simply brushing the underside clean often makes a clear difference.

Place the ring in lukewarm soapy water, brush gently all the way around the stone and down between the prongs or setting, rinse and dry. On a round pavé ring with many small stones set close together in the surface, the soft brush is especially important, because here dirt settles in the fine gaps that a cloth can't reach. The same applies to an eternity ring, where the diamonds run all the way around the band.

What do you do with diamond necklaces, ear studs and bracelets?

Pendants, necklaces and earrings with diamonds are cleaned on the same principle as rings, but the chains require a little extra attention. Lay a fine chain loosely in the soapy water without bending it sharply, and gently draw it through your fingers afterwards so that the links and clasp also get clean.

Ear studs collect sebum and skin residue right behind the stone and on the post, and it's precisely that layer that causes a pair of otherwise fine prong studs to appear less bright over time. Brush around the setting and wipe the post before you dry them.

A tennis bracelet has a long row of set stones all the way around, and each individual link can trap dirt. Let it soak a little longer in the water and brush systematically link by link. At the same time, check that the clasp is firmly secured while you have the bracelet in your hand.

How to clean silver that has tarnished

Sterling silver behaves differently from gold. It reacts with sulphur compounds in the air and gradually darkens - what's known as tarnishing. It isn't dirt, and it therefore doesn't come off with soapy water alone.

For a tarnished silver piece such as a signet ring or a silver bracelet, a polishing cloth made for silver is the simplest solution. The cloth is impregnated and removes the dark layer when you rub lightly. If the piece is both dirty and tarnished, wash it first in mild soapy water, dry it, and then polish it.

A signet ring with black agate requires an extra consideration. Clean the silver itself with the cloth, but avoid rubbing hard over the stone, and keep the ring away from aggressive silver-dip liquids. Agate is a compact stone, but chemical dips are needlessly harsh on it, and the same goes for a pink sapphire in an ear stud. Water, mild soap and a soft brush are plenty for stones like these.

Silver that's worn often tarnishes more slowly, because contact with the skin keeps the surface in motion. If a silver piece sits unused, it's therefore a good idea to store it in an airtight container.

How often should you clean your jewellery?

Jewellery you wear daily, such as an engagement ring or a pair of ear studs, benefits from a light cleaning roughly every other week. It keeps the shine maintained and prevents dirt from building up into a stubborn layer.

Jewellery that only comes out for special occasions gets by with a cleaning a couple of times a year plus a quick wipe when it's been worn. A short soak in soapy water before it's put back means it's ready the next time.

There's one rule of thumb that saves a lot of cleaning: jewellery on last, off first. Take off rings, bracelets and chains before you use hand cream, perfume or hairspray or take a bath, and avoid wearing them at the pool and while cleaning. Chlorine and aggressive cleaning agents are harsher on both metal and clasps than ordinary use.

What you shouldn't use on your jewellery

Toothpaste and baking soda are often recommended as household remedies, but both act abrasively and can leave fine scratches in gold and in softer stones. Even though a diamond won't scratch, the gold around it will, and scratches in the metal dull precisely the shine you're trying to bring out.

Also keep jewellery away from chlorine-based products and strong chemicals. Chlorine can attack gold alloys over time and weaken the prongs that hold a stone in place. It's cheap insurance to take off the ring before your hands come into contact with cleaning agents.

Be careful with ultrasonic cleaners at home. They clean effectively, but the vibrations can loosen stones set in a delicate mounting, or worsen a crack you can't see with the naked eye. For a clean diamond in a solid setting they can work, but if you're in doubt about how securely a stone is set, stick with the gentle method of water and a brush.

A loose stone is often felt before it's seen. If a diamond sits and moves ever so slightly, or you hear a faint sound from a setting, hold off on cleaning and have the piece checked first.