The best way to care for fine jewellery is to protect it from chemicals, impact, excessive heat and abrasive surfaces; clean it using a method suitable for its particular metal and gemstones; store pieces separately; and have frequently worn jewellery inspected periodically by a professional. Different gemstones require different care, so a method that is suitable for a diamond may not be appropriate for an emerald, pearl or opal.
Fine jewellery can carry considerable financial and emotional value. Whether it is a gold ring worn every day, an heirloom necklace or a piece of luxury jewellery set with rare gemstones, thoughtful care helps protect its appearance, setting and structure for years to come.
At Adler Joailliers, gemstones are central to the creative process. The Maison’s in-house gemmologists study and select stones, while the gemstones are adjusted and set by hand according to the requirements of each creation. Adler itself notes that individual gemstones require particular care. Adler Joailliers, Geneva, Switzerland
Why does jewellery need special care?
Even exceptionally well-made fine jewellery is designed to be worn, which means it naturally encounters skin oils, cosmetics, dust, moisture and everyday knocks.
Gold and precious stones also behave differently. A diamond is exceptionally hard, but it can still chip if struck in a vulnerable direction. Pearls, by contrast, are relatively soft and can be affected by cosmetics and chemicals. Emeralds commonly contain natural fractures and may have clarity treatments that make aggressive cleaning unsuitable. gia
The most important principle is therefore simple:
Do not assume that one jewellery-cleaning method is suitable for every piece.
How should you care for gold jewellery?
For everyday gold jewellery, prevention is often more important than intensive cleaning.
Perfume, hairspray, lotions, household cleaning products and chlorine can affect jewellery. The GIA specifically advises removing fine jewellery before using household cleaners or entering chlorinated swimming pools because chemicals may damage or discolour precious metals and certain gemstones. gia
Everyday gold jewellery care
A sensible routine is to:
- Remove jewellery before swimming, exercising, gardening or heavy household work.
- Apply perfume, creams and hairspray before putting your jewellery on.
- Wipe frequently worn pieces gently after use with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Avoid toothpaste, abrasive powders and harsh household cleaners.
- Store gold pieces separately to reduce scratching and tangling.
This is particularly important when gold jewellery contains gemstones, enamel, pearls or specialised surface finishes. The correct method should always be determined by the most delicate component of the jewel.
Can you clean fine gold jewellery at home?
Yes, some fine gold jewellery can be gently cleaned at home, but the safest method depends on the gemstones and treatments present.
For appropriate pieces, warm water with mild soap and gentle cleaning can remove ordinary oils and dirt. A very soft brush may help reach areas behind securely set, durable gemstones.
However, do not automatically place precious jewellery into a domestic ultrasonic cleaner.
The GIA warns that ultrasonic cleaning can damage or loosen certain gemstones and treatments. It should be avoided for organic materials such as pearls and for many treated, porous or heat-sensitive stones. The vibration itself can also contribute to loosening gemstones in vulnerable settings. GIA 4Cs
When the history or treatment of a stone is uncertain, professional advice is the safer option.
How to care for different precious stones
A gemstone’s appearance tells only part of the story. Hardness, toughness, treatments and sensitivity to chemicals or temperature can all affect how it should be worn and cleaned.
| Gemstone | Key care consideration | Generally safe approach |
| Diamond | Hard but can still chip; settings can loosen | Warm water, mild soap and gentle cleaning |
| Ruby & sapphire | Highly durable, but treatments matter | Warm soapy water is generally safe |
| Emerald | Often contains fractures and clarity treatments | Warm soapy water and gentle cleaning |
| Pearl | Soft and sensitive to cosmetics and chemicals | Wipe with a very soft cloth; gentle occasional cleaning |
| Opal | Sensitive to scratches, heat and temperature change | Warm soapy water only |
| Tourmaline and other coloured stones | Care depends on variety and treatment | Check stone-specific advice before intensive cleaning |
Professional gemmological guidance becomes especially important with high jewellery containing multiple gemstone varieties.
How should you care for diamond jewellery?
Diamonds are renowned for their hardness, but hardness is not the same as indestructibility.
The GIA notes that diamonds can still fracture or cleave after a sufficiently hard blow. For routine cleaning, warm water, mild soap and gentle brushing can be suitable, while aggressive home cleaning methods are not recommended. gia
For diamond rings worn frequently:
- Check periodically whether any stone appears to move.
- Avoid knocking the ring against hard surfaces.
- Remove it before strenuous manual tasks.
- Keep creams and oils from building up behind the stone, where they can reduce brilliance.
Fine pavé or intricate high-jewellery settings deserve additional care because many small stones and setting points may be involved.
How should emerald jewellery be cleaned?
Emerald jewellery is best cleaned gently with warm, soapy water rather than steam or ultrasonic cleaning.
Emerald scores approximately 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, but its toughness is more important when considering care.
The GIA notes that a large proportion of natural emeralds have surface-reaching fractures that may contain oil, resin or other fillers. Ultrasonic vibration and steam can therefore affect the stone or its treatment. gia
Adler’s own jewellery highlights the importance of this distinction: emeralds appear prominently across its high-jewellery creations, and its gemmologists study the origin, dimensions, colour and quality of stones before they are incorporated into designs. Adler Joailliers, Geneva, Switzerland
For valuable emerald pieces, professional inspection before deep cleaning is advisable.
What about rubies and sapphires?
Rubies and sapphires belong to the corundum family and rate 9 on the Mohs scale, making them among the harder gemstones commonly used in jewellery.
Warm soapy water is generally safe. However, treatment still matters. The GIA advises more cautious cleaning for fracture-filled, cavity-filled or dyed material; some treated stones should only be cleaned using a damp cloth. gia
This is why knowing what you own — including any gemstone treatments — is an important part of responsible luxury jewellery care.
How should you care for pearls?
Pearls require a markedly gentler approach.
Pearl has a Mohs hardness of approximately 2.5, which means it can scratch much more easily than diamond, sapphire or emerald. Pearls can also be affected by perfume, cosmetics, hairspray, acids and excessive heat. gia
A useful rule is:
Pearls should be among the last things you put on and the first things you take off.
After wearing them, gently wipe pearls with a clean, very soft cloth. If deeper cleaning is required, warm soapy water can be used carefully, but steam and ultrasonic cleaning should be avoided. Strung pearls should be allowed to dry completely before being worn again. gia
Adler’s Divine Pearls collection combines pearls with diamonds, with the Maison noting that each pearl is selected for characteristics including size, shape and lustre. Adler Joailliers, Geneva, Switzerland
How should opal jewellery be cared for?
Opal deserves particular attention.
GIA places opal at approximately 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and notes that high heat or sudden temperature changes can cause damage. Warm soapy water is considered the safest cleaning method. gia
Avoid:
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Steam cleaning
- Excessive heat
- Abrasive cleaners
- Hard impacts
This is especially relevant to distinctive designs such as Adler’s Nebula collection, which uses individual opals whose play of colour forms the centre of each piece. Adler Joailliers, Geneva, Switzerland
Can perfume damage fine jewellery?
Yes. Perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and lotions can affect certain metals, pearls and porous or delicate gemstones.
Rather than spraying fragrance while jewellery is already being worn, apply cosmetics and perfume first and allow them to settle before putting on your jewellery.
This simple habit also reduces residue accumulating on gold surfaces, gemstone settings and the backs of stones.
How should luxury jewellery be stored?
Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to reduce avoidable damage.
Fine pieces should ideally be kept in their individual boxes, compartments or soft pouches rather than placed together loose in a drawer.
GIA recommends keeping jewellery protected from scratching and impact, including during travel. gia
A simple jewellery-storage checklist
Rings: Store individually or in padded ring slots.
Necklaces: Keep separated to avoid tangles.
Earrings: Secure pairs together without allowing gemstones to rub.
Pearls: Keep away from abrasive pieces and excessively dry conditions.
High jewellery: Use its original fitted case wherever possible.
Diamonds can scratch other gemstones, so separating different pieces matters even inside a jewellery box.
When should fine jewellery be professionally inspected?
Frequently worn jewellery benefits from periodic professional inspection, particularly rings and pieces with multiple stone settings.
The GIA suggests checking jewellery approximately every six months, although the appropriate interval depends on how often a piece is worn and its construction. gia
Seek expert attention sooner if you notice:
- a gemstone moving in its setting;
- a damaged or bent claw;
- a clasp that no longer closes securely;
- unusual movement in articulated components;
- a stretched pearl thread;
- scratches, dents or an unexpected change in a gemstone’s appearance.
Avoid continuing to wear a piece once a loose stone or structural problem becomes apparent.
Fine jewellery is designed to be enjoyed
Good jewellery care should not make you afraid to wear treasured pieces.
It is about understanding the materials and treating them accordingly. A diamond ring, an emerald jewel and a pearl necklace may all belong in the same collection, but each requires a slightly different approach.
This philosophy is especially relevant to Adler’s creations, which bring together gold, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, pearls, opals, tourmalines and innovative materials across its jewellery and high-jewellery collections. Adler Joailliers, Geneva, Switzerland
With attentive handling, appropriate storage and professional advice where necessary, fine jewellery can continue to carry its beauty, and the stories connected with it, through generations.
Discover Fine Jewellery at Adler Joailliers
For jewellery shaped by exceptional gemstones, craftsmanship and distinctive design, explore Adler Joailliers’ fine and high jewellery collections.
Discover the collections, find an Adler boutique or arrange a private consultation at Adler.ch. Adler currently offers in-person boutique consultations as well as appointments with its advisers. Adler Joailliers, Geneva, Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean fine jewellery at home?
For many suitable pieces, warm water, mild soap and gentle cleaning are sufficient. However, the correct method depends on the gemstones, treatments and setting. Pearls, emeralds, opals and treated stones may require greater caution. gia
Can you use toothpaste to clean gold jewellery?
It is better to avoid toothpaste and other abrasive household products. Abrasives may scratch metals or damage surface finishes.
Can gold jewellery be worn in a swimming pool?
It is advisable to remove it. Chlorine and other chemicals may affect precious-metal alloys and certain gemstones. gia
Can an ultrasonic cleaner be used for all jewellery?
No. Ultrasonic cleaners are unsuitable for many gemstones and treatments, including pearls, opals and many fracture-filled stones. They can also contribute to loosening stones in vulnerable settings. GIA 4Cs
How often should fine jewellery be professionally checked?
For frequently worn pieces, periodic inspection is worthwhile. GIA guidance suggests jewellery can be checked around every six months, although frequency should reflect the piece and how often it is worn. gia
How should pearls be stored and cleaned?
Keep pearls away from abrasive jewellery and harsh chemicals. After wear, wipe them gently with a soft cloth. Steam and ultrasonic cleaning should be avoided. gia
Should emerald jewellery go into an ultrasonic cleaner?
Generally, it is safer not to. Natural emeralds commonly contain fractures and may contain clarity-enhancing fillers that can be affected by ultrasonic or steam cleaning.