How to Clean Necklace Materials: Care Tips for Every Type of Jewelry

Introduction

It’s easy to forget just how much wear our favorite necklaces go through—until the shine starts to fade or a chain suddenly breaks. Maybe it’s a gold pendant you wear every day, or a pearl strand passed down from someone special. Whatever the story, necklaces aren’t just about style; they carry meaning, memories, and often a bit of you with them.

Knowing how to clean necklace materials properly can preserve their beauty and extend their lifespan. Each material—whether it’s a metal, gemstone, or fabric—requires its own specific approach. Using the wrong method can lead to dullness, discoloration, or even permanent damage. In this guide, you’ll learn how to treat your jewelry with care, using gentle and effective methods to clean, maintain, and store a wide range of necklace types.

By understanding how to handle each type of material, you’re not just preserving their appearance—you’re also honoring the craftsmanship and memories each piece carries.

Regular maintenance is a small effort with big returns when it comes to jewelry longevity (American Gem Society, 2023).

Understanding the Different Necklace Materials

Before reaching for a cleaning cloth or polishing solution, take a moment to identify what your necklace is made of. Materials can vary greatly—from high-end metals like 18k gold to softer organic materials like leather or wood. Each type comes with different care instructions and limitations.

For example, how to clean gold necklaces is very different from how to clean sterling silver jewelry. Pearls are sensitive to moisture, while diamonds are highly durable but can lose brilliance if not cleaned correctly. Fashion jewelry, often plated, can easily wear down if scrubbed or soaked.

Common necklace materials include:

• Precious metals: gold, sterling silver, platinum
• Gemstones: diamonds, opals, emeralds, turquoise
• Organic materials: pearls, wood, leather
• Synthetic or plated jewelry: fashion or costume necklaces

Knowing the material helps prevent accidental damage and ensures you use the right tools and techniques. It also helps you store them properly, reducing exposure to tarnish, dust, and other degrading elements.

Identifying the material is the first and most crucial step in proper jewelry care (International Gem Society, 2022).

Caring for Gold Necklaces

Gold necklaces are a timeless staple in many jewelry collections, known for their warm glow and durability. Whether crafted from 24k pure gold or more durable 14k and 18k alloys, gold pieces are generally low-maintenance compared to other metals. However, they are not immune to dirt, oils, and the dulling effects of daily wear.

How to Clean Gold Necklaces

To maintain the luster of your gold jewelry, cleaning it regularly with gentle methods is essential. Here’s how to clean gold necklaces safely at home:

• Create a Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm (not hot) water in a small bowl. This combination helps break down oils without harming the metal.
• Soak the Necklace: Place the gold necklace in the solution and let it sit for about 10–15 minutes to loosen grime and residue.
• Gently Scrub: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or cloth to clean intricate parts of the necklace, especially around clasps or engraved areas.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse under lukewarm water to remove soap residue, then pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, or harsh chemicals such as chlorine, which can weaken gold over time—even 18k and 14k gold are vulnerable to chemical wear.

Even durable metals like gold benefit from regular gentle cleaning to retain their brilliance (Jewelry Institute of America, 2021).

Storing Gold Necklaces

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. Store each gold necklace separately in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent tangling and surface scratches. Keeping gold away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity can help preserve its color and sheen. Also, avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents when wearing gold.

Taking these small steps ensures your gold necklaces stay vibrant and tarnish-free for years, making them ready to wear on any occasion without last-minute polishing.

Long-term exposure to moisture and chemicals can dull even high-karat gold, so smart storage is key (Gemological Institute of America, 2022).

Sterling Silver Necklaces: Avoiding Tarnish

Sterling silver necklaces offer a sleek, elegant look but are prone to tarnishing due to their reactive nature. Composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper), sterling silver can oxidize when exposed to air, moisture, or pollutants, resulting in a dull or blackened surface over time.

Fortunately, with the right cleaning methods and preventative care, tarnish can be removed—and even prevented—without damaging the metal or any attached gemstones.

How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry

Here’s how to clean sterling silver jewelry safely and effectively:

• Use a Polishing Cloth: For light tarnish, gently rub the surface with a silver polishing cloth specifically designed for jewelry. These cloths are treated with anti-tarnish agents and are safe for everyday use.
• Make a Baking Soda Paste: For more persistent tarnish, mix three parts baking soda to one part water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the paste, gently rubbing in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft towel.
• Consider Commercial Cleaners: Silver dips and commercial polishing agents are effective for deep cleaning but should be used sparingly and never on silver pieces with soft or porous gemstones like opals or turquoise.

Baking soda is a gentle yet effective home remedy for removing tarnish from silver jewelry (Clean My Space, 2020).

Storing Sterling Silver Necklaces

Sterling silver is best stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in an anti-tarnish cloth or bag. Keep pieces in individual pouches or compartments to avoid scratches. Silica gel packets or activated charcoal strips can also help absorb excess moisture in jewelry boxes.

Avoid storing silver in humid environments like bathrooms, as moisture accelerates oxidation. If worn regularly, sterling silver benefits from the natural polishing effect of skin contact, but it should still be cleaned and stored correctly between uses.

Pearl Necklaces: The Gentle Touch

Pearl necklaces are timeless and elegant, but they are among the most delicate types of jewelry. Unlike gemstones or metals, pearls are organic, formed within mollusks and composed primarily of calcium carbonate. This makes them particularly sensitive to chemicals, heat, moisture, and even friction.

Daily wear, perfumes, lotions, and sweat can all impact the luster of pearls over time. Because of their fragility, they require extra caution during both cleaning and storage.

Caring for Pearl Necklaces

Here’s how to clean pearl necklaces without damaging them:

• Wipe After Wearing: Always wipe your pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear to remove body oils and sweat, which can eat away at their natural nacre.
• Avoid Soaking: Never soak pearls in water or any cleaning solution. Prolonged exposure can weaken the silk thread and damage the surface of the pearls.
• Use a Mild Soap Solution: If deeper cleaning is needed, prepare a very dilute mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap. Dampen a soft cloth in the solution and gently wipe each pearl. Then, use a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue and let the strand air dry flat on a towel.

Pearls are especially vulnerable to acids and chemicals found in common skincare products (American Gem Trade Association, 2022).

Storing Pearl Necklaces

Store pearl necklaces flat, rather than hanging, to prevent stretching the silk thread. Keep them in a soft cloth pouch or a dedicated compartment of a jewelry box, away from metal pieces that could scratch their surface.

Pearls should be worn occasionally, as the natural moisture from the skin can help keep them from drying out—but only after applying perfumes, lotions, or hairspray, so those substances don’t come into direct contact.

Proper storage and occasional wear are vital for maintaining the luster and integrity of pearl jewelry (GIA, 2023).

Gemstone Necklaces: Know Your Stones

Gemstone necklaces add vibrant color and personal symbolism to any collection, but not all gemstones are created equal. From durable diamonds to delicate opals, each stone has a unique chemical makeup and level of hardness that affects how it should be cleaned and cared for.

Understanding these differences is essential—not only to preserve their beauty but to avoid accidental damage caused by using the wrong cleaning technique.

How to Clean Gemstone Necklaces

Diamonds: Durable but Prone to Dulling

Though diamonds are the hardest known natural material, they can still collect oils, lotions, and dirt that cloud their brilliance.

• Soak in Soap Solution: Place the necklace in a bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 20–30 minutes.
• Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled brush (such as a clean makeup brush or soft toothbrush) to gently clean behind and around the stones.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse under lukewarm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Regular cleaning restores the optical properties that give diamonds their fire and brilliance (GIA, 2021).

Softer Gemstones (Opals, Turquoise, Emeralds)

Stones like opals, turquoise, and emeralds are more porous and prone to scratches, so they must be cleaned with extra care.

• No Soaking: Never soak these stones, as they can absorb water or be weakened by it.
• Damp Cloth Cleaning: Wipe them gently with a slightly damp, soft cloth. If needed, use a tiny amount of mild soap.
• Avoid Abrasives: Never use commercial jewelry cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, or stiff brushes on these stones.

Opals and emeralds rank lower on the Mohs hardness scale and should be treated with extreme caution during cleaning (Smithsonian Institution, 2020).

Storing Gemstone Necklaces

To avoid scratches and chemical damage, store gemstone necklaces in soft-lined boxes with separate compartments. Gemstones can scratch one another, especially if diamonds are stored with softer stones. Wrapping each piece in a microfiber cloth is ideal for long-term protection.

Additionally, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can fade some stones, such as amethyst or turquoise.

Different gemstones react differently to light, temperature, and moisture—tailored care helps maintain their color and clarity (Jewelers of America, 2022).

Caring for Fashion Jewelry and Plated Necklaces

Fashion jewelry—also known as costume jewelry—often features plated metals like gold or silver layered over a base metal such as brass or nickel. While stylish and affordable, these pieces are more susceptible to tarnish, chipping, and discoloration over time. Because the metal plating is very thin, improper cleaning can quickly wear it away.

Learning how to clean fashion jewelry with gentle methods is key to preserving its appearance without damaging the finish.

How to Clean Plated Necklaces

• Daily Wipe Down: After each wear, gently wipe the necklace with a soft, dry cloth to remove body oils, sweat, and moisture, which can accelerate tarnishing.
• Use Mild Soap Carefully: If deeper cleaning is needed, dampen a soft cloth with warm water mixed with a drop of mild soap. Gently wipe the necklace, avoiding excess moisture.
• Avoid Soaking or Scrubbing: Never submerge plated jewelry in water or scrub it with a brush. These actions can cause the plating to fade or peel.

Friction and prolonged moisture are the primary causes of damage in plated jewelry (British Jewellers’ Association, 2020).

Storing Plated Necklaces

Store plated necklaces individually in soft pouches, cloth-lined boxes, or small zip-lock bags to minimize air exposure and prevent scratching. Keep them away from humid environments and avoid placing them near genuine metal pieces that may react differently to environmental factors.

Applying perfume or lotion before putting on your jewelry—rather than after—also helps reduce the risk of chemical corrosion.

Proper care can significantly extend the lifespan of fashion jewelry, even when worn frequently (Jewelry Consumer Council, 2021).

Leather and Fabric Necklaces: Handling with Care

Leather and fabric necklaces bring a casual, earthy, or handmade charm to your jewelry collection. These materials, however, are far more absorbent and fragile than metals or stones. They can easily pick up sweat, dirt, and oils, leading to discoloration, stiffness, or even decay if not properly maintained.

Because these materials are porous, how to clean necklace materials like leather or fabric requires gentle and minimal contact with moisture.

Cleaning Leather Necklaces

Leather is durable but sensitive to water and cleaning agents.

• Gentle Wipe: Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe the leather surface. Avoid soaking or rubbing forcefully.
• No Soap or Chemicals: Do not use soap, alcohol, or any chemical cleaners. These can strip natural oils and dry out the leather.
• Leather Conditioner: Apply a small amount of leather conditioner every few months to maintain softness and prevent cracking.

Moisture and sunlight are the biggest threats to leather jewelry—keep both to a minimum (Leather Working Group, 2021).

Cleaning Fabric Necklaces

Fabric necklaces often include woven materials, cotton cords, or ribbon-like strands that are highly absorbent and vulnerable to shape loss.

• Spot Clean Only: Dampen a soft cloth with diluted mild soap solution and dab gently at stained areas.
• Test First: Always test on an inconspicuous area to ensure the fabric doesn’t bleed or fade.
• Avoid Full Immersion: Do not soak fabric necklaces, as they may lose structure or develop odors.

Storage Tips

Store both leather and fabric necklaces in cool, dry areas, preferably in breathable cotton pouches. Avoid sealed plastic bags, which can trap moisture and promote mold or mildew. Hanging them for long periods can also cause misshaping, so laying them flat is usually best.

Proper handling and minimal exposure to harsh conditions are essential for the longevity of fabric and leather jewelry (Craft Council of Australia, 2020).

Wooden Necklaces: Natural and Durable

Wooden necklaces offer a rustic, eco-friendly aesthetic and are often handmade or artisan-crafted. While wood is generally durable, it is also porous and sensitive to changes in moisture, temperature, and handling. Preserving the appearance and integrity of wooden jewelry requires care tailored to its natural properties.

Whether polished, painted, or unfinished, wooden jewelry should be treated with minimal moisture and gentle maintenance to keep its texture and color intact.

How to Clean Wooden Necklaces

• Surface Wipe: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe off dust, skin oils, and surface dirt after each wear. This prevents buildup that could affect the wood’s finish.
• Avoid Water Soaking: Never soak wooden necklaces in water. Moisture can swell or warp the fibers, weaken joints, or crack lacquered surfaces.
• Apply Mineral Oil: For unfinished or dry-looking wooden pieces, a tiny amount of food-grade mineral oil can be applied with a cloth to restore luster and prevent cracking.

Regular conditioning with mineral oil helps maintain the flexibility and appearance of natural wooden surfaces (Woodcraft Magazine, 2020).

Storage and Handling

Store wooden necklaces in a breathable fabric pouch or on a padded surface away from direct sunlight and humidity. Heat and UV light can cause fading or warping, especially for painted or dyed wood.

If your wooden necklace includes other materials like beads or cords, be mindful of how these interact—metal parts can tarnish and stain unfinished wood, while fabric cords can fray or collect moisture from the wood itself.

Wooden jewelry benefits from airflow and should be stored in a well-ventilated space to prevent deterioration (Fine Woodworking Journal, 2021).

Precious vs. Semi-Precious Gemstones + General Cleaning Tips

Gemstones come in many forms, but they are typically classified into two categories: precious and semi-precious. Understanding this distinction not only informs their value but also their care needs. Whether you’re dealing with a ruby necklace or one made with amethyst, knowing how to clean gemstone necklaces properly is key to preserving their clarity and brilliance.

Precious vs. Semi-Precious Stones

• Precious gemstones include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. These are typically harder, more durable, and often require less frequent care.
• Semi-precious gemstones such as garnet, peridot, topaz, and amethyst are more varied in composition and hardness. They can be more sensitive to heat, light, and chemicals.

Hardness affects how prone a stone is to scratching or breaking, while porosity determines how much it might absorb moisture or chemicals. For example, emeralds, although classified as precious, are softer and more porous than sapphires, requiring gentler handling.

The Mohs scale of hardness helps determine how to clean and store various gemstones safely (Mineralogical Society of America, 2019).

General Tips for Cleaning All Gemstones

Regardless of classification, these practices can help ensure all your gemstones stay in top condition:

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Household cleaners, bleach, and alcohol can erode gemstone finishes or loosen adhesive settings.
• Use a Soft Brush: Gently clean settings and stone surfaces with a soft-bristle brush dipped in a mild soap solution. Be cautious not to scrub too hard, especially around settings.
• Inspect Regularly: Check for loose prongs, cracks, or signs of damage. Catching issues early prevents loss or costly repairs.
• Dry Thoroughly: Always pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Let the necklace air-dry completely before storing.

Periodic inspection and gentle cleaning can double the life of gemstone jewelry and protect its value (Jewelers of America, 2022).

Conclusion

Learning how to clean necklace materials properly is more than just a way to keep your jewelry looking nice—it’s an investment in its longevity and sentimental value. Each necklace, whether made of precious metals, organic pearls, vibrant gemstones, or unique materials like wood or fabric, requires tailored care to preserve its original beauty and structure.

Gold and sterling silver can maintain their luster for decades when stored properly and cleaned with gentle methods. Pearls and soft gemstones benefit from light, moisture-free touch-ups, while fashion jewelry demands extra caution due to its delicate plating. Organic and natural materials like leather and wood need minimal moisture and breathable storage.

No matter the material, the key to lasting jewelry is consistency: wipe down after wear, inspect frequently, and store with care. By taking the time to understand your jewelry’s specific needs, you ensure that your favorite pieces stay as vibrant and cherished as the day you first wore them.

A thoughtful approach to cleaning and storing jewelry makes all the difference between a short-lived trend and a lifelong treasure (American Gem Society, 2023).

FAQs – How to Clean Necklace Materials: Care Tips for Every Type of Jewelry

References

American Gem Society. (2023). Jewelry care tips: How to protect your precious pieces. https://www.americangemsociety.org/jewelry-care

American Gem Trade Association. (2022). Pearl care and cleaning. https://agta.org/pearl-care

British Jewellers’ Association. (2020). Fashion jewelry maintenance guide. Retrieved from https://www.bja.org.uk

Clean My Space. (2020). How to clean silver jewelry. https://cleanmyspace.com/how-to-clean-silver

Craft Council of Australia. (2020). Care instructions for handmade jewelry. https://craft.org.au/jewelrycare

Fine Woodworking Journal. (2021). Protecting and preserving wooden accessories. https://finewoodworking.com/wooden-jewelry-care

Gemological Institute of America. (2021). Diamond care and maintenance. https://www.gia.edu/diamond-care-cleaning

Gemological Institute of America. (2023). Pearl durability and care. https://www.gia.edu/pearl-care

International Gem Society. (2022). Jewelry material identification guide. https://www.gemsociety.org/jewelry-materials

Jewelry Consumer Council. (2021). Caring for fashion and costume jewelry. Retrieved from https://jewelrycouncil.org/fashioncare

Jewelry Institute of America. (2021). Gold cleaning methods: What to avoid. https://www.jewelryinstitute.org/gold-care

Jewelers of America. (2022). Gemstone cleaning and storage tips. https://www.jewelers.org/gemstone-care

Leather Working Group. (2021). Guidelines for leather jewelry care. https://www.leatherworkinggroup.com/care

Mineralogical Society of America. (2019). Mohs scale of hardness explained. https://www.minsocam.org/mohs

Smithsonian Institution. (2020). Guide to gemstone fragility. https://naturalhistory.si.edu/gem-care

Woodcraft Magazine. (2020). Maintaining wooden jewelry. https://www.woodcraft.com/wooden-jewelry-care