Many pawn shops thoroughly clean and inspect their jewelry before placing it on the sales floor. Still, once you bring a piece home, it’s perfectly reasonable to want to clean it again — especially if it’s pre-owned or has been sitting in storage.
The key is knowing which cleaning methods are safe for your specific jewelry. Different metals and gemstones react differently to cleaning solutions, and using the wrong method can cause permanent damage. Below is a practical guide to safely cleaning pawn shop jewelry at home, along with professional options when you’re unsure.
1. Professional Jewelry Cleaning
If you’re uncertain about the materials or condition of your jewelry, the safest option is professional cleaning.
Many pawn shops have an in-house jeweler who can clean your piece quickly and safely. You can also take the jewelry to a local jewelry store for ultrasonic cleaning, polishing, or inspection.
While most professionals charge a small fee per piece, professional cleaning:
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Eliminates guesswork
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Protects gemstones and settings
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Restores shine more effectively
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Helps identify loose stones or weak prongs
This is especially recommended for diamond jewelry, antique pieces, or high-value items.
2. Soap and Water (Best for Gold & Silver)
For basic cleaning, mild soap and warm water is one of the safest and most effective methods — particularly for solid gold and silver jewelry.
How to do it safely:
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Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm (not hot) water.
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Let the jewelry soak for about 10–15 minutes.
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the piece.
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Pay special attention to prongs, stone settings, and the inside of rings, where dirt collects.
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Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft towel.
⚠️ Avoid this method for soft or porous gemstones like opals, pearls, turquoise, or emeralds.
3. Ammonia Solution (Gold & Silver Only)
Ammonia can restore shine to gold and silver jewelry, but it must be used carefully.
Safe steps:
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Mix ½ cup clear ammonia with 1 cup water.
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Soak jewelry for no more than 10 minutes.
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Remove and gently pat dry with a soft cloth.
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Allow the piece to air-dry completely.
❌ Do not use ammonia on:
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Opals
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Pearls
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Porous gemstones
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Platinum jewelry
Improper use can dull surfaces or weaken settings.
4. White Vinegar (Solid Metal Only)
White vinegar is a natural cleaner that works well on solid gold or silver jewelry without stones.
How to use:
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Soak jewelry in white vinegar for 15–20 minutes.
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Gently scrub with a toothbrush or microfiber cloth.
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Rinse thoroughly and allow to air-dry.
⚠️ Never use vinegar on gemstones, pearls, rhinestones, or plated jewelry. Its acidity can permanently damage them.
5. Salt and Aluminum Foil (Silver Jewelry Only)
This method is effective for tarnished sterling silver, but it should only be used on plain silver pieces with no stones.
Instructions:
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Line a bowl with aluminum foil (shiny side up).
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Add hot water to the bowl.
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Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt until dissolved.
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Place silver jewelry in the bowl for a few minutes.
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Remove, rinse, pat dry, and let air-dry.
This chemical reaction removes tarnish without scrubbing.
6. Toothpaste (Use with Caution)
Toothpaste is sometimes used for gemstone-heavy jewelry, but only non-abrasive, plain toothpaste should be used.
Steps:
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Mix toothpaste with a small amount of water to form a paste.
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Gently scrub using a soft toothbrush.
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Rinse thoroughly and dry.
⚠️ Avoid whitening or gritty toothpaste — these can scratch metals and stones.
Final Tips for Safe Jewelry Cleaning
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Always identify the metal and gemstone type before cleaning
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Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools
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When in doubt, choose professional cleaning
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Inspect prongs and clasps after cleaning
Pawn shop jewelry can look just as stunning as brand-new pieces when properly cared for. With the right cleaning method, you can safely restore shine while protecting your investment for years to come.
