There’s nothing quite as beautiful as the pristine sparkle of jewelry on the day that it becomes yours.

The dazzling radiance of gemstones and precious metal as they catch the light is all part of the excitement of owning and wearing such cherished items. Keeping jewelry in its optimum condition is essential to preserving this beauty as well as the value of the item over time. This means not only is it important to store jewelry safely but also to clean it from time to time. This is especially important for items that are worn on a regular basis, as makeup, perfume, hairspray and even the climate around us can all impact on jewelry’s appearance.

Cleaning at home couldn’t be simpler, as long as you have a few household items to hand. Before you begin, gather some dishwashing liquid, a soft-bristled toothbrush and a lint-free cloth, as well as the item you wish to clean. A few handy tips to remember are to avoid using perfumed or dyed dishwashing liquid (clear is best) and never attempt to clean any jewelry item near a sink, just in case you happen to lose it down the drain.

When you have all your items ready, fill a bowl with lukewarm water, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and stir. Next, add your item of jewelry and allow it to soak for three to four minutes. Then, take your toothbrush, dip it in the solution and gently brush your jewelry for a few minutes to dislodge any dirt. Dip your item in a bowl of clean water to rinse off any solution and then dry it gently using the lint-free cloth before storing it in a jewelry box to protect it. You can watch the below video to better understand the steps.