How do I clean a pave pendant without loosening stones?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Use warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap and a very soft brush, work gently, rinse in a bowl rather than under a running tap, and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic, steam and anything abrasive on a pave piece unless a jeweller has checked the setting. Check the stones before and after.

Before you start

1. Check the pendant. Hold it near your ear and tap lightly. Any rattle means a loose stone, and the piece should go to a jeweller before you clean it.
2. Look under light. Check that each tiny stone sits level, and that no bead of metal is missing or flattened.
3. Prepare a safe spot. Work over a bowl or a towel, not a sink with an open drain.

The gentle method

Fact IGI advises cleaning diamond jewelry in a secure place, not near a sink where a piece can slip down the drain, using a soft brush only, never sharp or hard objects, and warm water with mild detergent, then rinsing under running water. GIA advises rinsing jewelry in a glass of water instead of the sink, because you risk losing loose stones, or even the whole piece, down the drain.

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl.
2. Soak the pendant for a few minutes.
3. Brush gently with a new, soft, baby-size toothbrush, using small strokes across the surface and around the edges. Do not push into the stones.
4. Rinse in a second bowl of clean, lukewarm water.
5. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, taking care not to snag the beads on loose fibres.

What to avoid

Fact GIA warns that the vibration of an ultrasonic cleaner can sometimes shake gems loose, and that stones should be checked for security before and after cleaning.

Fact Jewelers Mutual advises against abrasive cleaners such as baking soda and against old toothbrushes that carry toothpaste residue.

Our advice Also avoid toothpicks and pins to pick out dirt, as they can catch a bead and lift it. Do not use hot water, harsh chemicals or polishing cloths on the stones.

After cleaning

• Check again for rattle and for any stone that is higher or lower than its neighbours.
• If a stone is missing, look in the bowl and on the towel first.
• Store the pendant in a dry pouch.

When to see a jeweller

A jeweller can inspect the setting under magnification, tighten loose stones and clean the piece professionally. Do this once or twice a year, or sooner if you see any movement.

It depends A pave piece that is worn every day will need cleaning more often than one worn occasionally. How often depends on your skin, your products and your climate.

Related reading: Caring for a Lab Diamond Necklace: Cleaning and Storage · Lab Grown Diamond Pendants: Solitaire, Halo and Bezel Styles

Sources

• IGI, Never do this with your jewelry
• GIA, Tips on caring for jewelry
• GIA 4Cs, Can ultrasonic cleaners damage gems?
• Jewelers Mutual, Using a homemade jewelry cleaner? Avoid these 3

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.