How to care for precious metal earrings

Earrings are one of the most visible pieces of jewellery that women wear. They frame the face, they attract attention. Whether they are stud, dangle or hoop earrings, they last like new thanks to cleaning and care.

How to clean earrings

Taking care of earrings is not time-consuming, yet it has a major impact on their longevity and appearance. Regular and proper cleaning is essential. Ideally, you should clean your earrings after each wear, before you put them on.

You will need a soft, clean cloth to gently run over the surface of the earrings. This will remove sweat, cosmetic residue and other dirt that could cause the material to turn grey or become damaged. If these are earrings with intricate designs, you can use a very soft brush (similar to a toothbrush).

For a more thorough cleaning, a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water is suitable. Soak the earrings in it for a few minutes, then gently scrub them with a soft brush and rinse them in clean water. It is essential that you dry them thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Each precious metal requires a specific approach that respects its unique characteristics:

• Gold earrings

Gold earrings of all colours - yellow, white and pink - are durable but not indestructible. White rhodium-plated gold can lose its vibrant shine over time, revealing a softer yellow undertone. In this case, it is advisable to visit a professional to have it re-plated with rhodium.

When cleaning gold earrings, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives that could damage the surface of the metal. To maintain the shine, it is ideal to use special cleaning solutions designed specifically for gold jewellery.

• Platinum earrings

Platinum is an extremely durable metal that retains its natural white luster for decades. Unlike white gold, it does not require a refinishing process. Over time, however, it can acquire a patina - a dull film that some owners consider a sign of character.

Clean platinum earrings in a similar way to gold, using mild detergents. If you wish to restore the original high shine, leave your platinum earrings in the hands of a professional for an expert polish.

• Silver earrings

Silver is subject to oxidation, which results in a blackened surface. You can prevent this process by wearing them regularly (the natural oils from the skin act as protection) and storing them properly in sealed containers.

Special solutions are available for cleaning oxidized silver. However, for earrings with precious stones, it is always recommended to entrust the cleaning to a jeweller.

How to care for set gemstones

• Although diamonds are the hardest natural material, they can also crack if hit hard. They also attract grease, which reduces their sparkle. You can clean them with a solution of lukewarm water and spring, using a soft cloth.
• Sapphires and rubies are quite durable, yet should not be exposed to sudden temperature fluctuations. Clean them in a similar way to diamonds.
• Emeralds are more fragile and often contain internal cracks. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning and use only lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Pearls require special care. They are organic in origin and can be damaged by chemicals including perfumes, hairsprays and cleaning products. Clean them only with a lightly dampened soft cloth and never immerse them in water.
• Opals contain water and can crack when dry. Keep them in stable humidity and never expose them to heat.

What the jewellery box you store your earrings in should meet

How you store your earrings when you are not wearing them greatly affects their durability and appearance. The ideal storage space, a jewelry box, should meet several criteria:

• Protection from moisture - Excessive moisture can cause corrosion of metals and damage to some gemstones.
• Restriction of air access - especially for silver earrings, which oxidize easily.
• Scratch prevention - earrings should not touch other jewellery which could cause scratches.
• Stable temperature - extreme temperature fluctuations can damage some gemstones.

We recommend investing in a good quality jewellery box with separate compartments lined with soft material. For earrings with pearls or opals, it is advisable to provide a slightly humid environment, for example by placing a small container of water near the storage compartment.

When to leave earrings in the hands of professionals

Although you can handle routine maintenance yourself, there are situations when it is better to seek professional help. These include loose stone settings, damaged clasps and other visible deformities.

It is ideal to reach for professional cleaning at least once a year. Professionals have special equipment such as ultrasonic cleaners (not suitable for some stones) and steam cleaners. Earrings may also sometimes need a new rhodium plating.

At BENY, cleaning is part of the lifetime jewellery guarantee

All jewellery purchased from us comes with a lifetime guarantee, including professional cleaning. We recommend a jewellery inspection every two years.

Service includes:

• thorough cleaning with ultrasound and special products
• checking the setting of the stones and reinforcing loose parts
• polishing of the surface and removal of minor scratches
• checking the overall condition of the jewellery and preventing possible future problems

We look forward to seeing you in the BENY boutiques in the centre of Prague.