From generations past to today’s shine
Passed down from one loved one to another, worn during special occasions, and built to withstand years of love and wear, jewelry is made to last. Whether it’s a jade necklace from your grandmother, your first pair of ruby earrings to celebrate your coming of age, or a diamond ring to signify forever, every heirloom piece carries stories.
But even the most cherished jewelry pieces are not immune to the effects of daily wear. Oils from your skin, dust from the daily commute, and even the lotion you apply to your hands… All that everyday grime can get stuck in the nooks and crannies, which can dim the sparkle of your gems and leave jewelry pieces looking lackluster.
With proper knowledge and care, you can ensure that your heirloom pieces continue to shine, just as brightly as the memories they hold.
Harsh cleaners and chemical-heavy solvents: Avoid at all costs
Harsh solvents can pose a risk, especially when you’re not familiar with what your jewelry is made of. Some can damage treated or enhanced stones like emerald, which are mostly fracture-filled with oil or resin to conceal cracks that come naturally with the way they’re formed.
Meanwhile, alcohol-based solutions can even abrade soft gems like pearls, while ammonia- or chlorine-based cleaners may even remove the plating on your jewelry.
Given the delicate nature of heirloom jewelry and at times, its unknown origins, it’s better to err on the side of caution and use more delicate cleaning methods to restore its pristine condition.
Ultrasonic cleaners: Case-to-case basis
Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency vibrations in a liquid bath to remove dirt and tarnish—even in the most stubborn corners—and while it sounds like a miracle solution for everything, that isn’t the case for heirloom jewelry.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), you should not use the ultrasonic cleaner on:
• Fracture-filled stones: Gems with surface-reaching fractures, cavities, or cracks—often filled with oil, resin, or glass—can have their fillings dislodged or cracks worsened.
• Organic gems: Pearls, mother of pearl, coral, ivory, opal, or amber are porous and delicate, and cannot withstand the heat and vibrations of an ultrasonic bath.
• Coated gems: Some stones, like emerald, jade, opal, or lapis lazuli, are coated in oil, resin, or wax. Ultrasonic cleaning can abrade these coatings or dislodge fillings.
• Heat-treated gems: Rubies and sapphires, especially star rubies and star sapphires, can be damaged by sudden temperature changes and vibrations.
• Temperature-sensitive gems: Tanzanite, opal, and peridot can experience irreversible damage when exposed to heat. Peridot may cloud over, opal can experience crazing (fine cracks), and tanzanite’s color may fade.
Antique jewelry should be treated with extra care, especially those with loose prongs and delicate metalwork, as ultrasonic vibrations can loosen stones or damage oxidized finishes. Make sure to have each piece professionally checked and that any loose settings and stones are secured first before cleaning.
Warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled toothbrush: Safe and effective
A quick and sure way to clean your heirloom pieces (especially since diamonds are a magnet for dirt, grime, and oil—even from one touch of a finger) is by using warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
This applies to any kind of jewelry or gemstone. Just make sure to do it over a bowl or container—not directly over the sink, and close the drain so nothing accidentally falls in. When done, dry your pieces with a soft, lint-free cloth, and you’re good to go.
Ask the professionals
When in doubt, leave it to the professionals. Many jewelers and jewelry shops offer cleaning and routine maintenance services to ensure your heirloom pieces look their best. This includes checking for loose settings, missing stones, or even replating a faded piece.
Ultimately, the right care and repair go a long way—your heirloom pieces will keep sparkling, your memories will keep shining, and you can keep wearing those family jewels with pride.
This story was originally published in RED 2026 Issue 1
