How To Clean Your David Yurman Jewelry At Home
Jul 14, 2025
Tips on Caring For The Pieces You Love Most
Whether it’s a signature Cable bracelet, a classic pearl necklace, or a mixed-metal ring, each David Yurman design is made to be worn effortlessly and loved for years. But daily wear, exposure to elements, and natural oils from your skin can dull your jewelry’s brilliance.
With the right techniques, you can maintain the radiance of your jewelry, whether it’s crafted with yellow gold, white gold, sterling silver, platinum, or gemstones. Here’s a guide to caring for your David Yurman pieces, from at-home cleaning to knowing when to seek professional care.
Before You Clean, Understand Your Jewelry's Materials
The first step in caring for your jewelry is understanding its materials — each one requires a specific approach to maintain its brilliance and prevent damage.
18K Gold
Sterling Silver
Platinum
Titanium
Mixed Metal
Whether 18K gold, sterling silver, platinum, titanium, or mixed metal jewelry, using the right cleaning method is essential to preserving the beauty and longevity of every piece of jewelry in your collection.
Essential Cleaning Tools and Products
You don’t need high-tech equipment or professional cleaning solutions for safe and effective at-home cleaning. A soft-bristle toothbrush, mild dish soap, and a fresh, soft cloth can work wonders.
If you need to stock up on your cleaning supplies, a David Yurman cleaning kit includes a jar of gentle jewelry cleaner, a four-ply polishing cloth, and a basket and brush.
While some may wonder how to clean gold jewelry with baking soda, it’s important to note that baking soda is a mildly abrasive substance, which can potentially scratch or dull precious metals. The key is to use gentle yet effective materials that lift away dirt and buildup without compromising the integrity of your pieces.
For Best Results, Gather the Following Supplies Before You Begin.
- A soft-bristle toothbrush or jewelry brush for delicate scrubbing.
- Mild dish soap, free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, or a gentle jewelry cleaner.
- A microfiber cloth to polish and dry your jewelry.
- A bowl of lukewarm water for soaking and rinsing.
- A jewelry polishing cloth, ideal for sterling silver pieces.
- A soft towel for drying and preventing water spots.
With these essentials in hand, you’re ready to restore your jewelry’s shine and preserve its luster.
The Do's and Don'ts Of Jewelry Care
The Do's and Don'ts Of Jewelry Care
Do
- Clean your jewelry regularly to prevent natural buildup from skin oils, lotions, soap residue, hard water deposits, sweat, chlorine, and makeup.
- Store pieces separately to avoid scratching.
- Use a professional polishing cloth designed for fine jewelry.
Don't
- Expose jewelry to harsh chemicals or household cleaners.
- Wear jewelry in chlorinated pools, while showering, or in salt water.
- Use abrasive materials that could scratch metals and gemstones.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry
Every piece of gold jewelry that David Yurman designs—whether a cuff from the iconic Cable collection or a sculptural DY Madison® chain—is crafted to be worn for a lifetime. 18K gold is prized for its warmth and durability and doesn’t tarnish or corrode easily. That said, exposure to oils, lotions, and daily wear can create a subtle film on any piece of fine jewelry, dulling its luster. Regular care helps preserve the radiance of each twisted Cable strand, bold gold link, or diamond-accented setting.
Every piece of gold jewelry that David Yurman designs—whether a cuff from the iconic Cable collection or a sculptural DY Madison® chain—is crafted to be worn for a lifetime. 18K gold is prized for its warmth and durability and doesn’t tarnish or corrode easily.
How to Clean Gold
Here’s how to clean gold jewelry so your pieces stay luminous.
- Wipe away impurities: Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the jewelry, removing surface oils and buildup.
- Clean with mild soap: Mix a few drops of mild, diluted soap with warm water and gently cleanse the piece.
- Rinse thoroughly: Submerge briefly in lukewarm water to remove any remaining residue.
- Dry completely: Pat dry with a soft cloth and allow the jewelry to air dry fully before storing.
- Store with care: Place the jewelry in the provided David Yurman pouch to protect it from scratches and exposure to air.
Tips For Gold Jewelry
- Avoid using toothpaste or baking soda, as they can be too abrasive.
- Store gold jewelry separately to prevent scratching.
- Buff gently with a microfiber cloth for a final polish.
Cleaning Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a defining element of David Yurman’s design language. It can be polished to a brilliant shine or oxidized for a rich patina, as seen in the Blackened Silver Renaissance® Cable bracelet.
Over time, silver naturally develops a patina that deepens its character, but exposure to air, moisture, and daily wear can accelerate tarnishing. Regular polishing, using the complimentary cloth provided with any sterling silver jewelry purchased from David Yurman, will help maintain the radiance of your collection.
How to Clean Sterling Silver
Here’s how to clean silver jewelry to keep your most treasured sterling silver pieces luminous for years to come.
- Gently remove buildup: Use a soft cloth to wipe away surface oils and any accumulated residue.
- Wash with mild soap: Create a solution of warm water and a few drops of gentle soap, then carefully clean the jewelry.
- Rinse well: Briefly dip the piece in lukewarm water to eliminate any lingering soap.
- Thoroughly dry: Use a soft cloth to pat dry, then let the jewelry air dry completely before storing.
- Store properly: Keep the jewelry in the designated David Yurman pouch to safeguard it from scratches and exposure.
Avoid These Mistakes With Silver Jewelry
- Never use paper towels or rough cloths, as they can scratch the surface.
- Do not store silver in humid areas; moisture accelerates tarnishing.
- Avoid chlorine and household cleaners, which can cause discoloration.
Cleaning Diamonds
Pavé or bezel-set, brilliant or cushion-cut, David Yurman diamonds are carefully selected and set by hand into jewelry for maximum radiance. Though exceptionally hard, diamonds can collect oils and residue that dull their luster. With regular care, diamonds in your jewelry collection will maintain their sparkle.
How to Clean Diamonds
Here’s how to keep your diamonds pristine and radiant.
- Clean gently: Use a soft cloth to wipe the diamond jewelry clean. If needed, use mild diluted soap with warm water to remove impurities. Rinse thoroughly and dry before storing. Note: For styles featuring prong settings or pavé-set diamonds, wipe with a soft bristle baby toothbrush instead of a polishing cloth, as a polishing cloth can snag or shift prongs or loosen diamonds.
- Avoid harsh treatments: Do not use abrasive cleaners, steamers, or ultrasonic machines, as these can damage the stones or settings.
- Store properly: Keep diamond jewelry in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and protect its brilliance.
- Professional maintenance: Bring your jewelry to a David Yurman boutique for professional cleaning at least once a year to maintain its sparkle and longevity.
Cleaning Gemstones
Many David Yurman designs feature vibrant, hand-selected gemstones, each with distinct characteristics that require specialized care. From the rich hues of sapphires and emeralds to the iridescent glow of pearls and opals, these stones bring brilliance, depth, and symbolism to sculptural settings.
While durable, gemstones can be sensitive to heat, moisture, and harsh chemicals, making proper maintenance essential to preserving their color, clarity, and shine.
How to Clean Specific Gemstones
Here’s how to care for your gemstone jewelry to protect its beauty for years to come.
Diamonds & Translucent Gemstones
(E.g., sapphires, rubies, aquamarine, amethyst, citrine)
Use a soft cloth to gently wipe clean, then remove any remaining impurities with mild diluted soap. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.
Opaque Gemstones
(E.g., turquoise, malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx):
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, heat, and direct light. Clean with a soft, dry cloth.
Pearls
Gently wipe with a slightly damp cloth after wearing. Avoid contact with perfumes, cosmetics, and household chemicals. Never use ultrasonic cleaners.
When To Seek Professional Cleaning
Knowing how to clean jewelry at home isn’t always enough. For delicate, intricate, or heavily tarnished pieces, professional cleaning is recommended. Consider cleaning your jewelry professionally at least once a year to maintain its shine. All David Yurman designs are eligible for complimentary cleaning in our stores—simply walk in at your convenience or book an appointment.
Tarnish that won’t come off with gentle polishing.
Dullness that persists after at-home cleaning.
Loose gemstones or weakened clasps.
Storage And Long-Term Maintenance
Proper storage ensures your jewelry remains radiant over time.
Best Practices
- Store jewelry in a soft-lined jewelry box or individual pouches.
- Avoid exposing pieces to extreme humidity or direct sunlight.
- Remove jewelry before applying lotions, perfumes, or engaging in rigorous activities.
- Regularly inspect clasps and settings for any signs of wear.
- Keep a David Yurman cleaning kit on hand for effortless jewelry care.
Will cleaning jewelry make it shine?
When done correctly, regular cleaning can help restore your jewelry’s natural brilliance. David Yurman jewelry is designed to be worn, loved, and passed down for generations. With the right care, each piece will maintain its brilliance, allowing you to enjoy its beauty for years to come.
