How to Clean Permanent Jewelry

If you have clients asking how to keep their permanent jewelry looking fresh, you are not alone, friends. Even the best gold-filled and sterling silver chains will naturally pick up oils, lotions, and everyday buildup. The good news is that cleaning permanent jewelry is simple, gentle, and totally safe when you use the right approach.

Let’s walk through how you guys can clean your own pieces in the studio and how to guide your clients so their jewelry stays beautiful long after the appointment. Also, sorry for all the bullet points in the paragraph, but I'm trying to do it in a checklist style. 

Why Permanent Jewelry Needs the Occasional Refresh

Permanent jewelry is worn every single day. That means it is exposed to everything your clients are. Think lotion, perfume, sunscreen, gym sweat, hard water, and sometimes chlorine or saltwater. None of this ruins quality metals, but it can make them look a little dull.

This is normal. It happens to every metal over time. The goal is to help your clients maintain that bright, clean look without using anything harsh.

The Best Way to Clean Permanent Jewelry

This is the method we recommend to everyone because it is gentle, effective, and safe for both gold-filled and sterling silver.

You will need:

- Warm water

- Mild soap (baby shampoo or a gentle dish soap like Dawn)

- A soft toothbrush or baby brush

- A microfiber cloth or jewelry cloth

Steps:

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of mild soap.

2. Dip your soft brush into the soapy water.

3. Lightly scrub the chain to lift oils and residue.

4. Rinse with clean warm water.

5. Pat dry with a soft towel, then let the jewelry air-dry completely.

Your clients can do this at home, but having a few brushes and cloths in your studio makes it easy to offer a five-minute refresh service.

Cleaning Gold Filled vs Sterling Silver

Both metals are great for permanent jewelry, but they react differently to daily wear. Here is how you can explain it to your clients in a simple, friendly way.

Gold Filled

Gold-filled holds up beautifully with daily wear. Soap and warm water are enough to clean it. Avoid harsh jewelry dips or abrasive pastes because they can affect the surface over time.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes faster than gold because it reacts to moisture, sulfur, and body chemistry. Tarnish is not damage. It is a normal oxidation on the surface. A polishing cloth works incredibly well to brighten it instantly. Remind clients to keep silver dry whenever possible.

What Not to Use

Permanent jewelry is delicate in appearance, so we want to avoid anything rough or chemical-heavy. 

Please remind your clients not to use:

Toothpaste, Baking soda, Vinegar, Alcohol wipes, Bleach, Harsh jewelry dips, Abrasive scrubbing tools.

These options can dull the finish or affect the welded connection.

How Often Should Permanent Jewelry Be Cleaned

Tell your clients this simple guideline.

• Quick clean: once a week
  

• After heavy exposure like sunscreen, swimming, or long workouts, as soon as possible
  

• Professional polish: every few months for a full refresh

Most people are surprised at how big a difference gcolor chain

Handling Tarnish 

Yes, it happens. Yes, it is totally normal. Sweat, lotions, perfumes, and even pH levels vary from person to person.

Here is a simple approach you can share:

1. Wash with warm, soapy water
   

2. Rinse
   

3. Dry completely
   

4. Polish with a microfiber or polishing cloth
   

For sterling silver, a polishing cloth is usually the magic step. If you need some help Goddard's Silver dip can be use (If taken off of the customer for more stubborn cases of tarnish that a jewelry cloth doesn't fix. 

Studio Tips for You Guys

Here are a couple of things that help keep your studio running smoothly and your clients happy. Obviously, all artists have their own unique ways of doing things, but here are a few things some artists do. 

• Offer complimentary cleanings during re-weld appointments

• Keep polishing cloths on hand to retail or include with care cards

• Gently brush and wipe chains before photographing them for your social media

• Add a cleaning note to your aftercare card to support clients

• Add a jewelry cleaning appointment for an additional fee as a way to bring customers back.

Small touches like this help you build trust and repeat business.

Helping Clients Keep Their Jewelry Looking New

Clients genuinely want to take good care of their jewelry. They just need simple, friendly direction. You can tell them:

• Clean with mild soap and warm water.
  

• Dry thoroughly after showers or sweating.
  

• Avoid heavy lotions and perfumes on the chain.
  

• Always rinse after pool or ocean exposure.
  

• Come back anytime if they want a professional refresh.
  

When you communicate clearly, clients feel informed and confident.

Final Thoughts, Friends

Cleaning permanent jewelry is not complicated, and you can reassure your clients about that. High-quality gold-filled and sterling silver chains respond well to simple, gentle care. When you teach clients how to care for their pieces, you are not just giving aftercare instructions. You are helping them feel supported long after their appointment.