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 Materials
A clean bowl
Lukewarm water
Mild dishwashing liquid or a mild jewelry cleaning solution
Fine mesh plastic or stainless steel strainer (for items with gemstones)
Very soft, clean, dry cloth (any dust or dirt on the cloth may scratch the piece)
Small, soft bristled toothbrush or brush
Toothpick
A word About Jewelry Cleaners
If you are using a commercial jewelry cleaner, always follow the directions for that particular cleaning product. It is also very important to maintain the freshness of the cleaner by storing it in a tightly-sealed container. A stale or contaminated cleaner may be ineffective or even damage your jewelry. Check to see if your jewelry cleaner indicates a shelf-life or expiration date.
Preparation
For older items with gemstones, check the setting(s) to make sure that the stone(s) is secure. Dirt and residue can fool you and act as a "cement," keeping the stone in place even if the setting has been rendered weak from wear. If this is the case, and the residue is removed when cleaning, the loose stone may fall out. If working over or near a sink, plug the drain.
Cleaning
If using a mild jewelry cleaning solution, pour the solution into a clean bowl. You can also make your own solution by combining lukewarm water and mild dishwashing liquid. (2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid to 1 quart of water.)
For items with gemstones, place the piece in a strainer and sit the strainer on top of the bowl so that the solution comes through the strainer and completely surrounds the piece. (The strainer will catch any stones that might possibly fall out.) For other items, simply place the piece in the bowl.
Soak the item for 10 to 20 minutes. (It is important to soak the piece long enough to soften and loosen any residue and dirt.) For items with gemstones, remove the strainer to a large towel and inspect your jewelry to make sure that all the stones are in place. Thoroughly, but gently, brush the top, sides and bottom of the piece with a soft brush to remove the softened residue. For gemstones, you should also brush the underside of the stone. Use a toothpick to reach crevices and other hard-to-reach areas.
Rinse With Clean Water.
Thoroughly dry with a cloth that is soft, dry and clean. If you are to store the piece immediately after cleaning, you should leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure that it is completely dry.
If all of the residue has not been removed, repeat the above steps as needed.
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Amber
How to clean
Splash sparingly with a mixture of mild liquid soap and cool water (1 teaspoon of soap to 1 cup of water).
Rinse quickly with clean, cool water. If rinsing in a sink, be sure the drain is plugged!
Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't soak in water.
Don't expose to extreme heat.
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 Closed-Back Settings
Any item with a closed-back setting requires special care because water can get trapped under the setting, making it very difficult to thoroughly dry.
How to clean
Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean.
Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't soak in water.
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Coral
How to clean
Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean.
Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't soak in water.
Don't expose to cleaning agents or chemicals.
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Cultured Pearl, MabePearl, Mother-of-Pearl, Shell
How to clean
After wearing, wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean in order to remove any perspiration or oil that may have come from the skin, or any other residue. For regular cleaning, wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean.
If you would like to use a cleaning agent, use a mild one that is specifically made for pearl products.
Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't soak in water.
Don't expose to hairspray or any other chemical (unless it is meant for pearl products).
Don't expose to extreme heat.
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Emerald
Although this gemstone is durable, its unique internal characteristics require extra-special care.
How to clean
Use the soaking and brushing method recommended For Diamonds, Gold, Platinum, and Most Gemstones. However, use cool water instead of lukewarm water. Also, instead of soaking for 10 to 20 minutes, soak briefly for no more than 2 minutes.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't expose to heavy pressure.
Don't expose to extreme heat.
Don't expose to harsh or concentrated cleaning solutions. If using a mild cleaning solution, always dilute in water.
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Jade
How to clean
Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean.
Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't soak in water.
Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals.
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Lapis Lazuli
How to clean
Splash sparingly with a mixture of mild liquid soap and cool water (1 teaspoon of soap to 1 cup water).
Rinse quickly with clean, cool water. (If rinsing in a sink, be sure the drain is plugged!)
Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't soak in water.
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Marcasite
Marcasite is often secured in a setting with jeweler's cement. This feature requires special cleaning.
How to clean
Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean.
Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't soak in water.
Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals.
Don't expose to extreme heat.
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Opal
How to clean
Use the method recommended For Diamonds, Gold, Platinum, and Most Gemstones. However, use cool water instead of lukewarm water. Also, instead of soaking for 10 to 20 minutes, soak briefly for no more than 2 minutes.
Dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't expose to extreme heat.
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Oxidized Jewelry
How to clean
Unless the jewelry is in a closed-back setting, use the method recommended For Diamonds, Gold, Platinum, and Most Gemstones. However, do not brush. If the entire surface of the piece is intentionally accented with oxidization, do not use any tarnish-remover product on the piece (e.g., silver polish, paste, dip, etc.). Tarnish-remover could remove the accented finish. If the piece is only partially accented, you can use tarnish-remover on the unaccented areas. However, make sure that the tarnish-remover does not come in contact with any accented finish. For more control when applying tarnish-remover, use a cotton swab.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
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Turquoise
How to clean
Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean.
Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry.
The Don'ts
Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner.
Don't soak in water.
Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals.
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