Practical guide

How to clean a necklace

Gold, silver, pearls, diamond chains: each material has its own method. This complete guide explains how to clean and care for your necklaces so they sparkle for a lifetime.

A necklace accumulates creams, perfumes, perspiration and dust on its surface. For chains with articulated links or necklaces with set pendants, residues lodge in the recesses and invisibly dull the metal and stones' brilliance.

This expert guide walks you through step by step: methods tailored to each material, mistakes to avoid and tips for keeping your necklaces in perfect condition.

01 — Basic cleaning

Cleaning a gold necklace

750 gold (18ct) does not oxidise or rust, but it accumulates greasy residues that dull its shine. Regular home cleaning keeps the chain sparkling between jeweller visits.

Warm soapy water bath

Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild washing-up liquid. Immerse the necklace for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen deposits.

Gently brush the links

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean between the links and around the pendant. Residues accumulate at the joints.

Rinse and dry

Rinse with clean warm water. Dry with a microfibre cloth and allow to air-dry completely before storing. A poorly dried chain can leave water marks.

Good to know: For a white gold necklace, the rhodium surface coating wears away over time. If your necklace develops a yellowish tint, ask your jeweller to re-plate it.

02 — The special case

Cleaning a silver necklace

Sterling silver 925 naturally oxidises on contact with air and external agents. Silver necklaces tend to tarnish more quickly at the articulated sections, where the metal is in closer contact with the skin.

Soapy water (regular maintenance)

Immerse the necklace in warm water with mild washing-up liquid for 5 to 10 minutes. Gently rub with a soft cloth, rinse and dry.

Bicarbonate paste (heavy tarnishing)

For heavily tarnished silver necklaces: prepare a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply gently with a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly and dry. Do not use on aged silver or sensitive stones.

Silver polishing cloth

For plain chains without stones, a silver polishing cloth impregnated with anti-tarnish product is very effective at restoring shine.

03 — Delicate materials

Cleaning a pearl or gemstone necklace

Pearl, emerald, opal or turquoise necklaces require particular care. These materials are sensitive to cleaning products, heat and prolonged moisture.

Pearls: Never immerse a pearl necklace in water. Use only a slightly damp cloth. Dry immediately and store in a soft fabric pouch. Always put on pearl jewellery last, after applying perfume and hairspray.

Emeralds and opal: Sensitive to thermal shock and detergents. A damp cloth is sufficient. Consult your jeweller for professional cleaning.

Tip: For a cultured pearl necklace, have the thread checked by your jeweller every 2 to 3 years. A worn thread can break and cause the pearls to be lost.

04 — What you should never do

Mistakes to avoid

Bleach and abrasive products

They damage gold alloys and silver, and can dissolve setting adhesives. Absolutely forbidden in jewellery care.

Boiling water

Thermal shock can crack stones (especially emeralds) and expand settings. Always use warm water.

Perfume sprayed directly on the necklace

The alcohol in perfumes attacks silver and degrades the lustre of pearls. Always put on your necklace after applying perfume.

Storing several necklaces together

Chains that tangle scratch each other. Store each necklace separately in its box or an individual pouch.

05 — Cleaning frequency

How often should you clean your necklace?

Necklace type	Home frequency	Jeweller visit
Gold chain worn daily	Once a month	Once a year
Silver necklace worn regularly	As soon as tarnishing is visible	Optional
Diamond or gemstone necklace	2 to 3 times a month	Once a year
Pearl necklace	After each wearing	Every 2–3 years (thread check)

06 — Frequently asked questions

FAQ – Necklace cleaning and maintenance

How do I clean a gold necklace at home?

Immerse your gold necklace for 10 to 15 minutes in warm water with a few drops of mild washing-up liquid. Gently brush the links with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse with clean water and dry with a microfibre cloth.
How do I clean a silver necklace that has turned black?

The blackening of sterling silver 925 is reversible surface oxidation. For light tarnishing, warm soapy water. For heavy tarnishing, a bicarbonate paste applied gently with a soft cloth is very effective — except on enamel or intentionally aged silver.
How do I clean a pearl necklace?

Never immerse pearls in water. Use only a soft cloth slightly dampened with water to gently wipe each pearl. Dry immediately and store in a soft fabric pouch. Avoid contact with perfumes, hairspray and cosmetics.
Can I clean a necklace with ultrasound?

Ultrasound is very effective for gold and diamond necklaces without treated stones. It is expressly inadvisable for pearl, emerald, opal or turquoise necklaces. Always consult your jeweller before using this method.

Jewellery made to last — and to shine

Solid gold 750, silver 925, certified diamonds, cultured pearls: our necklaces are easy to maintain and handed down through the generations.

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