How to Clean Indian Jewelry Without Damage – Expert Tips

Indian jewelry is more than just an accessory—it is a symbol of tradition, culture, and elegance.

From grand weddings to festive celebrations, Indian bridal jewelry holds deep sentimental value and enhances every special occasion. 

However, over time, jewelry can lose its shine due to dust, sweat, and moisture.

To keep your precious pieces looking new, it’s important to follow proper Indian jewelry care.

Regular cleaning and proper storage can prevent tarnishing, scratches, and damage. 

Whether it’s gold, silver, or gemstone jewelry, taking care of it the right way will ensure it lasts for generations.

At JewelleryByMash, we not only offer exquisite Polki, Kundan, and Meenakari jewelry, but we also guide you on the best jewelry cleaning techniques. 

In this guide, we’ll show you easy and safe ways to clean and store your jewelry so it stays beautiful for years to come.

Understanding Different Types of Indian Jewelry

Indian jewelry comes in various styles, each requiring specific care to maintain its beauty and shine.

Let’s look at some of the most popular types and how to clean them properly.

Polki Jewelry – Delicate & Precious

Polki jewelry is made from uncut diamonds set in gold, giving it a raw and elegant look. However, it is delicate and requires extra care. 

Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive moisture, as they can weaken the setting. Instead, use a soft jewelry cleaning cloth to gently wipe away dirt and oils.

Kundan Jewelry – No Water Cleaning

Kundan jewelry, known for its intricate designs, features gemstones set in gold or silver. Since it often has lac or wax filling, soaking it in water can damage the structure. 

Instead, clean it with a dry cotton cloth or a mild soap solution on a soft brush.

Meenakari Jewelry – Handle with Care

Meenakari jewelry is famous for its colorful enamel coating, which makes it stand out. However, the enamel can chip if not stored properly. 

Keep it in a jewelry keepsake box lined with a soft cloth and avoid rough handling.

Temple Jewelry – Regular Polishing Helps

A favorite in South India, temple jewelry is made of high-quality gold and is often used in religious ceremonies.

To maintain its shine, it should be polished regularly using professional jewelry cleaner or a DIY jewelry polish.

Navratna Jewelry – Store Separately

Navratna jewelry is unique because it features nine different gemstones, each with distinct properties. 

To avoid scratches, store each piece separately in soft pouches or use anti-tarnish strips to maintain its brilliance.

Factors That Affect Indian Jewelry Longevity

Indian jewelry is precious and timeless, but without proper care, it can lose its shine and durability. 

Several factors can impact its lifespan, and understanding them can help you take better care of your pieces.

1. Environmental Factors – Protect from Moisture & Heat

Exposure to moisture, humidity, and extreme temperatures can cause tarnishing and weaken delicate settings. 

Silver jewelry, in particular, reacts with air and turns black over time. To prevent this:

• Store jewelry in humidity-controlled storage with silica gel packs.

• Keep it away from direct sunlight and damp areas.

• Use anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box.

2. Chemical Exposure – Avoid Perfumes & Harsh Products

Everyday products like perfumes, cosmetics, hairsprays, and household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can dull or damage jewelry and, in some cases, cause skin discoloration. 

If you’ve ever noticed jewelry turning your skin green, learn why this happens and how to prevent it. Gold-plated jewelry and Meenakari jewelry are especially sensitive to these chemicals. To protect your jewelry:

• Always wear jewelry after applying makeup and perfume.

• Remove jewelry before swimming or using cleaning products.

• Clean it with a soft cloth instead of chemical-based cleaners.

3. Handling & Storage – Prevent Scratches & Breakage

Rough handling, improper storage, and tangled chains can cause scratches, broken clasps, and loose stones. 

Gemstone jewelry, such as Polki jewelry and Navratna jewelry, needs extra care because the stones can chip or fall out. Follow these simple steps:

• Store each piece separately in jewelry storage pouches or a jewelry keepsake box.

• Use soft-bristled brushes for gentle cleaning.

• Inspect your jewelry regularly for loose stones or clasps.

By avoiding these common hazards, you can keep your jewelry shining for years.

Best Practices for Cleaning Indian Jewelry

Keeping your Indian jewelry clean ensures it remains bright and beautiful for years.

A regular cleaning routine, combined with occasional deep cleaning, can help maintain its shine. Here’s how you can do it properly:

Daily Cleaning Routine

Everyday wear exposes jewelry to oils, dirt, and sweat, which can dull its shine. A simple daily cleaning habit can prevent buildup:

• Gently wipe jewelry with a soft, dry cloth after each use.

• Avoid touching jewelry with oily or dirty hands.

• Store jewelry in a clean, dry place to prevent dust accumulation.

Deep Cleaning Methods for Different Types of Jewelry

Some jewelry types need extra care due to their delicate materials. Here’s the best way to clean them:

• Gold Jewelry – Use mild soap and warm water to clean gold jewellery without damaging its finish. Soak for a few minutes, gently rub with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage gold.

• Silver Jewelry – Over time, silver develops tarnish. Use silver polish and a jewelry polishing cloth to restore its shine. Anti-tarnish strips in the storage box help prevent discoloration. If your silver jewelry looks dull, here’s how to clean silver jewelry properly.

• Gemstone Jewelry – Some stones, like Kundan jewelry and Navratna jewelry, are sensitive to moisture. Wipe them with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid soaking or scrubbing to protect the settings.

DIY Cleaning Hacks

If professional jewelry cleaners aren’t available, you can use homemade jewelry cleaner methods:

• Baking soda + water paste – Gently rub on tarnished areas and rinse with warm water.

• Vinegar + water mix – Soak jewelry for 5–10 minutes for deep cleaning.

• Lemon juice for brass and copper jewelry – Restores shine naturally.

• Toothpaste for light tarnish – Use a small amount and wipe gently with a soft cloth.

• Aluminum foil + dish soap soak – Place tarnished silver jewelry on aluminum foil in a bowl, add warm water and dish soap, and let it soak for a few minutes.

These simple and effective methods will help keep your jewelry in excellent condition. 

How to Store Indian Jewelry Properly

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning Indian jewelry. If not stored correctly, jewelry can become tarnished, scratched, or tangled.

Follow these simple storage tips to keep your precious pieces in perfect condition.

Use Jewelry Storage Pouches & Boxes

Use jewelry storage pouches & boxes to prevent scratches and moisture damage. 

If you’re traveling with valuable jewelry, it’s important to know whether you can carry jewelry in hand luggage and the best ways to store it securely.

Soft velvet or satin-lined boxes are ideal for delicate jewelry like Polki jewelry and Meenakari jewelry.

Anti-Tarnish Measures

Tarnishing is a common issue, especially for silver jewelry and gold-plated jewelry. To prevent this:

• Store jewelry with silica gel packs to absorb excess moisture.

• Use anti-tarnish strips inside the jewelry box to slow down oxidation.

• Wrap individual pieces in soft cloth or tissue paper to avoid air exposure.

Separate Compartments for Each Piece

To prevent tangling, scratches, and damage:

• Store each piece in separate compartments to avoid gemstone friction.

• Keep Kundan jewelry, Navratna jewelry, and Polki jewelry apart, as gemstones can scratch each other.

• Use small zip-lock bags for delicate items, making sure to remove excess air before sealing.

Avoid Sunlight & Humidity

Direct sunlight and high humidity can cause jewelry to fade, weaken, or tarnish.

• Keep jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Avoid storing jewelry in bathrooms or humid areas, as moisture accelerates tarnishing.

By following these storage tips, your Indian jewelry will remain beautiful for years.

Preventative Care for Indian Jewelry

Taking care of Indian jewelry doesn’t just mean cleaning it properly—it also means protecting it from damage before issues arise.

Follow these simple tips to keep your Polki, Kundan, Meenakari, and Temple jewelry shining for years.

Wear Jewelry After Applying Makeup & Perfume

Many cosmetics, perfumes, and hair sprays contain chemicals that can cause tarnishing and weaken delicate settings. To avoid this:

• Apply makeup, perfume, and lotions first, then wear your jewelry.

• Keep Polki and Kundan jewelry away from alcohol-based products, as they can loosen the settings.

Remove Before Swimming & Physical Activities

Exposure to water, sweat, and chemicals can damage your jewelry.

• Remove jewelry before swimming—chlorine can dull the shine of gold and gemstone jewelry.

• Take off rings and bangles before exercising to avoid scratches, bending, or loosening stones.

Handle with Clean, Dry Hands

Oils, dirt, and moisture from your hands can affect the luster and longevity of your jewelry.

• Always handle jewelry with clean, dry hands to prevent buildup.

• When removing jewelry, hold it by the edges or chain, not by the gemstones, to avoid loosening settings.

Regular Inspections & Professional Cleaning

Even with the best care, jewelry can develop loose stones or scratches over time.

• Check for loose gemstones in Navratna jewelry, Kundan jewelry, and Polki jewelry before wearing them.

• Schedule professional jewelry cleaning services for deep cleaning and polishing at least once a year.

By following these preventative care tips, you can enjoy your beautiful Indian jewelry for generations.

Common Jewelry Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, many people unknowingly damage their Indian jewelry while trying to clean or store it. 

Avoid these common mistakes to keep your Polki, Kundan, Meenakari, and Temple jewelry in top condition.

1. Soaking Kundan & Polki Jewelry in Water

• Never soak Kundan or Polki jewelry in water! These pieces are made using lac (a natural resin), which can weaken when exposed to moisture.

• Instead, gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and oils.

2. Using Harsh Chemicals or Abrasives

• Using harsh chemicals or abrasives can damage gemstones and gold. This is especially true for gold-plated jewelry, which can tarnish over time if not cared for properly. Here’s everything you need to know about whether gold-plated jewelry tarnishes.

• Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or harsh jewelry cleaners, as they can strip the shine from gold, silver, and gemstone jewelry.

• Toothbrushes with hard bristles can scratch delicate Meenakari and gemstone jewelry.

• Use a mild soap solution for gold jewelry and a soft polishing cloth for gemstones.

3. Improper Storage

• Throwing jewelry into a single box can cause scratches, tangling, and gemstone damage.

• Always use separate compartments, jewelry storage pouches, or anti-tarnish strips to protect your pieces.

4. Skipping Regular Cleaning & Maintenance

• Waiting until jewelry looks dull or tarnished before cleaning can cause permanent discoloration.

• Wipe jewelry after every use, do a deep clean once a month, and get professional cleaning annually for valuable pieces.

By avoiding these mistakes, your Indian jewelry will stay in excellent condition for years.

Professional Jewelry Cleaning & Maintenance

While DIY cleaning methods help maintain your jewelry, professional cleaning ensures deep cleaning and restoration. 

If you own valuable or antique Indian jewelry, regular expert care is essential. Also follow general cleaning guidelines to prevent and control infection caused by some substances.

1. JewelleryByMash Professional Cleaning Services

JewelleryByMash offers expert cleaning and maintenance services to restore shine, remove deep stains, and preserve intricate designs. 

Their professional techniques ensure your Kundan, Polki, and Temple jewelry remains in pristine condition.

If you own luxury pieces like Pandora jewelry, here’s the best way to clean Pandora jewelry safely.

2. Ultrasonic & Steam Cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to gently remove dirt and buildup from gold and gemstone jewelry.

Steam cleaning is ideal for intricate pieces, ensuring every corner is free from dust and residue.

3. Jewelry Polishing & Repairs

• Polishing services restore the shine of gold and silver jewelry, removing minor scratches and tarnish.

• Stone re-setting and repairs ensure that gemstones remain secure, preventing accidental loss.

Regular professional cleaning helps extend the life of your jewelry, keeping it looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.

Final Thoughts on Caring for Indian Jewelry the Right Way

Caring for Indian jewelry the right way ensures its longevity, shine, and beauty for years to come. 

By following proper cleaning techniques, safe storage practices, and regular maintenance, you can keep your Kundan, Polki, Meenakari, and gemstone jewelry looking as stunning as ever.

For those looking to invest in high-quality Indian jewelry, JewelleryByMash offers premium collections and expert care products to help you maintain your precious pieces effortlessly.

Explore JewelleryByMash today for exquisite Indian jewellery and professional cleaning solutions!