What is the right way to dry jewelry after cleaning?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Pat the pieces dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, being careful not to snag prongs on loose fibres, and then let them air dry fully on a clean cloth before storing. Do not rub hard, do not use high heat, and do not put away damp jewelry, because moisture speeds up tarnish.

What the sources say

Fact GIA says jewelry can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, and that a soft, lint-free cloth can be used. Jewelers Mutual says you can dry a piece with a paper towel or a regular cloth, as long as you take care not to snag the prongs on the fibres. It also says water should not be too hot or too cold, as some gemstones do not take well to drastic changes in temperature.

Fact IGI says to wipe jewelry with a clean microfiber cloth when you take it off, and GIA says sterling silver should be kept in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth.

Step by step

1. Rinse well. Remove all soap, because dried soap leaves a film.
2. Pat, do not rub. Press the cloth against the piece and lift.
3. Use a soft, lint-free cloth. A microfibre cloth works well. Avoid towels with loops that can catch prongs.
4. Reach the gaps. For hollow spaces and the inside of a ring, use a corner of the cloth or a swab.
5. Air dry. Leave the piece on a clean cloth for a short while, in a room-temperature place away from heat.
6. Check it is dry. Look inside settings and in the clasp before putting it away.
7. Store. Put it in a dry pouch or box, with an anti-tarnish strip if you have one.

What to avoid

• Hairdryers and radiators. Heat can harm some materials and a sudden change of temperature may be risky.
• Rubbing with a rough towel. It can snag prongs and scratch metal.
• Storing damp. Moisture shortens the life of the finish and encourages tarnish.
• Compressed air near small stones. A strong jet can blow a loose stone out of its setting. This is our own caution and not a published rule.

Chains and bracelets

Our advice Lay chains flat on a cloth, and pat them dry. Do not hang a wet chain to dry, as it can kink. Check the clasp, because water can stay in the hinge.

Plated pieces

Our advice For plated silver, pat dry gently and avoid polishing, because rubbing can wear the plating.

It depends Many people let jewelry air dry for a few minutes before storing. How long you wait is up to you, as long as it is fully dry.

Related reading: Cleaning Lab Diamond Earrings Without Damaging the Setting · Caring for 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry with Lab Grown Diamond Settings

Sources

• GIA, Tips on caring for jewelry
• Jewelers Mutual, Using a homemade jewelry cleaner? Avoid these 3
• IGI, Never do this with your jewelry

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