How to Restore the Shine of Jewelry You've Kept in Storage

Have you ever picked up a piece of jewelry after some time and thought, “It seems a little duller than when I first bought it...”? In most cases, the cause is oil from the skin or cosmetics that has built up on the surface. With the right care, you can restore its original beauty and brilliance.

<Before You Begin>

① Pearls, opals, coral, and turquoise
These gemstones are delicate. Avoid water and abrasives; wipe gently with a soft, clean cloth instead.

② Diamonds
Diamonds have an oil-attracting (oleophilic) nature. Soak in lukewarm water with a few drops of neutral detergent for about 3 minutes, then gently clean the underside of the stone and around the prongs with a soft toothbrush. This restores their natural clarity and brilliance.

③ Plated accessories
We don't recommend washing plated pieces with water. If the plating is scratched, moisture can seep in and cause corrosion; we recommend caring for these with a soft cloth instead.

④ On alcohol disinfection
Ethanol (70% alcohol content or higher) is safe to use. Chlorine-based bleach (sodium hypochlorite), however, can cause discoloration and should be avoided. If you're unsure of an ingredient, please remove your jewelry before use.

⑤ Materials safe for water washing
Gold, platinum, and silver pieces without gemstones can be safely washed at home.

If oil has built up over a long period, mix a little water into baking soda to form a slightly firm paste, and gently buff the surface. As the grime lifts, you'll notice the baking soda gradually turning gray.

Afterward, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. You don't need a specialty cleaner — with a few things already in your home, you can restore that beautiful brilliance.