A jewellery cleaning service is a professional check and deep clean for your rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Using specialist techniques—such as ultrasonic baths, steam cleaning and hand polishing—jewellers remove built-up oils, soap residue and tarnish, then inspect settings, claws and clasps for wear. Where needed, they can buff out light scratches and advise on fixes like tightening stones or rhodium replating. It’s about restoring sparkle safely, protecting gemstones and prolonging the life of your pieces, often in a quick, in-store appointment.

In this guide, you’ll find exactly what a UK jewellery clean typically includes, how different methods work and when they’re used, typical prices and what affects them, how often to book a clean and inspection, and what you can sensibly do at home. We’ll cover add-on services, turnaround times and how to choose a trusted provider near you—plus what to expect from A Star Diamonds in Hatton Garden—so you can compare options and book with confidence.

What a jewellery cleaning service includes in the UK

At reputable UK jewellers, a jewellery cleaning service is more than a quick wipe. Expect a careful assessment, the right mix of professional cleaning methods, and a safety check on settings and clasps before your piece is finished with a polish. Many national chains recommend an annual clean and inspection, with some offering a complimentary in-store clean for eligible pieces.

• Initial inspection and assessment: Your jeweller checks claws, settings and clasps for wear or looseness, noting any issues before cleaning.
• Ultrasonic cleaning (where suitable): A gentle sonic bath shakes loose oils, soap and debris from behind stones and intricate details.
• Steam cleaning: A precise jet lifts remaining residue and brightens metal and gemstones.
• Hand cleaning for delicate pieces: Sensitive items (for example, pearls or certain gems) are cleaned and dried by hand rather than immersed.
• Light polishing/buffing: Fine surface marks are reduced and lustre restored; stones and metal are brought back to brilliance.
• Tarnish removal (especially silver): Oxidation is lifted to recover a crisp, bright finish.
• Final safety check and care advice: The jeweller confirms stones are secure and advises on wear and future maintenance.
• Optional add-ons (quoted separately): Repairs, resizing, stone resetting/replacement and rhodium replating if required.

Jewellery cleaning prices in the UK: typical costs and what affects them

Jewellery cleaning prices in the UK vary by retailer and the work required. Many high-street jewellers offer a quick in‑store clean free on eligible pieces (Ernest Jones states a free cleaning service), while deeper polishing or refinishing is quoted after inspection. National chains such as Goldsmiths and Beaverbrooks recommend an annual clean and check, and some publish service price lists (for example, Fraser Hart), making it easier to compare before you book.

• Level of service: A complimentary quick clean vs a full polish/refinish after assessment.
• Metal type: Silver tarnish removal differs from white gold, where rhodium plating is a separate service.
• Gemstones and setting: Delicate stones (e.g., pearls) need hand-cleaning, affecting time and cost.
• Condition of the piece: Heavy tarnish, residue or visible scratches take longer to restore.
• Repairs required: Loose stones, worn claws, broken clasps or resizing are quoted as additional work.

Ask for a no‑obligation inspection and a written quote. Confirm what’s included (ultrasonic, steam, hand clean, polishing) and what’s extra (repairs, rhodium plating). Some independents include lifetime cleaning for pieces purchased from them—A Star Diamonds offers complimentary cleaning and polishing for life on our UK‑made jewellery.

How jewellers clean your jewellery: methods and when they’re used

Professional jewellers select the method to suit your metal and gemstones after a close inspection. High-street and boutique workshops combine machine cleaning with careful handwork, aiming to lift oils and residue safely, brighten the finish and check security of stones before you leave, with delicate items handled differently to robust diamond pieces.

• Ultrasonic bath: High-frequency vibrations dislodge dirt from behind stones and intricate settings. Used for robust gems (e.g., diamonds) in sound mounts; avoided for sensitive or porous gems such as pearls, or where a stone shows signs of damage.
• Steam cleaning: A focused jet of steam lifts remaining residue and refreshes lustre. Often follows ultrasonic for a final brighten; not used on fragile organic materials.
• Hand cleaning for delicate pieces: Soft brushes and mild solutions, then a lint‑free dry, are used where immersion isn’t appropriate. Pearls are cleaned carefully by hand and not submerged.
• Tarnish removal (especially silver): Oxidation is gently lifted to restore a crisp, bright tone before the piece is rinsed and dried thoroughly.
• Polishing/buffing: Light surface marks are reduced on a polishing wheel and stones are carefully brightened, as offered by leading jewellers; deeper refinishing or plating is quoted separately.
• Specialist options: Some workshops add magnetic or targeted techniques for metal bracelets and complex links, selected case by case after inspection.

Metal-specific care: gold, platinum, white gold, silver and zirconium

Different metals need different approaches. A good jewellery cleaning service will match the method to your metal to avoid dulling finishes or accelerating wear. As a rule, harsh chemicals and chlorine are the enemy of shine; mild solutions, soft tools and careful drying protect both the look and longevity of your pieces.

• Gold: Generally robust, but many gold pieces include sensitive gemstones. Favour gentle methods and soft brushes; avoid abrasive chemicals. Light buffing restores lustre without thinning metal.
• Platinum: Naturally develops a soft grey patina over time. Clean in a mild, soapy solution, soak briefly, brush gently, rinse in lukewarm water and dry with a lint‑free cloth. Polishing can brighten, but the patina is normal and often loved.
• White gold: Finished with rhodium plating for a bright white look. Daily wear and cosmetics gradually break this down; rhodium replating restores colour and uniform sparkle.
• Silver: Prone to tarnish. Regular tarnish removal and thorough drying keep the crisp, bright finish; a professional polish lifts oxidation from chains and detailed areas.
• Black zirconium: Boasts a permanent dark finish that won’t fade. Clean with mild soapy water, rinse in cold water and dry with a soft cloth; where diamonds are set, use diamond‑safe cleaners or ask in-store.

Gemstone safety and ultrasonic cleaning: what’s safe and what to avoid

Ultrasonic cleaning is superb at shaking loose grime from intricate settings, but it isn’t right for every gemstone. A careful jeweller will inspect your piece first, choose a method to suit your stones and metal, and switch to hand-cleaning where immersion or vibration could risk damage. When in doubt, ask for a hand clean and inspection before any machine work.

• Often suitable (after inspection): Robust stones like diamonds in secure, undamaged mounts may be cleaned ultrasonically, then refreshed with steam for brilliance. Always avoid extreme temperature changes; lukewarm rinses are safest for diamonds.
• Avoid ultrasonic; hand-clean instead:
  • Pearls: Soft and porous; do not submerge. Wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth, then dry and store flat.
  • Delicate/porous gems or organic materials: These are typically cleaned with soft brushes and mild solutions, then dried with a lint‑free cloth.
• Skip immersion if there’s any risk: Loose claws, movement in the setting, visible cracks, or fragile antique mounts are red flags—your jeweller will stabilise or clean by hand first.
• Unsure what you have? If the stone type or treatment is unknown, request a visual check and a non-immersive clean to stay on the safe side.

Professional clean vs at-home care: what you can do yourself

Not every refresh needs a bench. A sensible routine at home keeps everyday grime at bay; a professional jewellery cleaning service steps in for stubborn build‑up, scratch removal, security checks and finishes you can’t replicate safely. Use home care to maintain sparkle—book the pros to restore it.

• Safe at-home care:

  • Mild soapy solution: Warm water + a little gentle detergent, soft brush, lukewarm rinse, pat dry with a lint‑free cloth.
  • Polishing cloths: Non-abrasive cloths for gold and silver to lift fingerprints and light dullness.
  • Diamond top-ups: A diamond cleaning stick (e.g., Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik) for quick brilliance between professional cleans.
  • Pearls: Do not soak; wipe each pearl with a slightly damp soft cloth, dry and store flat.
  • Black zirconium: Wash with mild soap, rinse in cool water, dry with a soft cloth.
  • Everyday habits: Keep away from chlorine, remove for sanitiser, perfume and creams, and store pieces separately.

• Leave to the professionals:

  • Ultrasonic/steam cleaning of stone-set jewellery after inspection.
  • Deep polishing/refinishing to reduce scratches and restore lustre.
  • Rhodium replating for white gold.
  • Heavy tarnish removal, intricate chain restoration and detailed work.
  • Security checks and repairs: Loose or worn claws, moving stones, damaged clasps.
  • Delicate, antique or unknown gemstones/treatments where hand-cleaning and expert assessment are essential.

How often to book a jewellery cleaning and inspection

Plan a professional clean and inspection once a year to keep sparkle high and settings secure—this is the cadence recommended by leading UK jewellers. Between appointments, gentle at‑home care helps, but only an in‑store check will spot worn claws, loosened stones or hidden wear.

• Book sooner if: you wear a ring daily (engagement/wedding), as grime and micro‑abrasion build faster.
• You notice dullness or tarnish: especially on silver or intricate pavé settings.
• After a knock, snag or heat/chemical exposure: gym work, pool chlorine, sunscreen or cleaning products.
• For delicate items: pearls and certain gemstones benefit from regular hand‑checks.
• Before milestones: proposals, weddings or photos—then again after a busy holiday season.

As a rule, do quick home cleans monthly, wipe pearls after each wear, and schedule that annual professional clean and inspection. A Star Diamonds clients enjoy complimentary lifetime cleaning and polishing on our UK‑made jewellery—simply book your yearly visit.

Add-on services: polishing, rhodium plating, repairs and turnaround times

Beyond a standard jewellery cleaning service, most UK jewellers offer specialist add-ons that restore finish, colour and security. These are quoted after inspection and carried out by trained goldsmiths, with national chains and independents alike providing polishing, plating and repair options to suit your piece’s condition and metal.

• Professional polishing/refinishing: Light scratch reduction and lustre restoration on rings, bracelets and pendants, performed on dedicated polishing wheels by specialists.
• Rhodium plating (white gold): Recoating restores the bright white finish that naturally fades with wear, sanitiser and cosmetics; discussed and priced separately after assessment.
• Stone tightening/resetting/replacement: Secures moving stones or replaces lost/damaged ones; essential if claws or mounts show wear.
• Ring resizing: Sizing up or down to improve fit; often paired with a clean and polish for a seamless finish.
• Chain and clasp repairs: Fixes breaks, worn jump rings and faulty clasps on necklaces and bracelets.
• Turnaround times: Simple polishing may be scheduled quickly if facilities are on-site; plating and structural repairs usually require workshop time. You’ll be given a firm quote and timeframe at drop‑off.
• A Star Diamonds clients: Enjoy complimentary lifetime cleaning, polishing and resizing on our UK‑made jewellery, with advice on when plating or repairs are appropriate.

What to expect in-store: appointment length, while-you-wait and drop-off

A jewellery cleaning visit typically starts with a quick conversation and inspection so the jeweller can choose the safest method for your piece. Where appropriate, they’ll proceed with ultrasonic and steam cleaning (as used by leading UK jewellers), or switch to hand-cleaning for delicate stones. If extra work is needed, you’ll be advised and quoted before anything goes ahead.

• While‑you‑wait cleans: Many stores offer a swift in‑store clean and check (some, like Ernest Jones, even offer complimentary cleaning), subject to staff and equipment availability.
• Drop‑off items: Pieces needing polishing/refinishing, rhodium plating, repairs or specialist attention are left with the workshop; you’ll get a clear timeframe on receipt.
• Collection and care advice: On return, expect a final security check, a bright finish and simple guidance on at‑home care and when to book your next annual clean (as recommended by major chains such as Goldsmiths).

How to choose a trusted jewellery cleaning provider near you

The right jeweller pairs careful inspection with the correct methods for your metal and gemstones, then gives clear pricing and turnaround before they start. Use these quick checks to compare a jewellery cleaning service locally and book with confidence.

• Expertise and methods: Look for trained jewellers/goldsmiths using ultrasonic, steam and hand-cleaning, with polishing/refinishing available when needed.
• Safety-first process: Inspection before cleaning; gemstone-safe protocols (e.g., pearls not submerged, delicate pieces cleaned by hand).
• Transparent pricing: Ask what’s included and get a written quote for any add-ons; many chains publish service price lists.
• Turnaround and convenience: While‑you‑wait cleans for simple work; clear timelines for plating, polishing and repairs.
• Aftercare and advice: Annual clean and inspection recommended, plus practical care guidance you can follow at home.
• Reputation and guarantees: Consistent reviews, clear communication, and helpful benefits (e.g., ongoing cleaning for pieces bought there).

A Star Diamonds jewellery cleaning service (Hatton Garden, London)

At our family-run Hatton Garden studio, your jewellery is cleaned and checked by in-house goldsmiths who designed and craft our pieces in the UK. We combine ultrasonic, steam and careful hand-cleaning (selected after inspection) to lift residue safely, restore lustre and confirm your stones and clasps are secure. For clients, our UK‑made jewellery comes with complimentary lifetime cleaning, polishing and resizing, so keeping your ring sparkling is always simple.

• What’s included: Expert inspection, gemstone‑appropriate clean (ultrasonic/steam/hand), light polish/tarnish removal, final security check and care advice.
• Add‑ons (quoted): Rhodium replating for white gold, repairs, stone tightening/resetting.
• Who it’s for: A Star Diamonds engagement rings and wedding bands—natural or lab‑grown.
• How to book: Schedule an appointment or contact us via phone or WhatsApp for friendly guidance and availability.

FAQs about jewellery cleaning services in the UK

Got questions before you book a jewellery cleaning service? Here are straight answers based on common UK practice at reputable jewellers. Use them to decide what can be done while you wait, when workshop work is needed, and how to keep your pieces sparkling safely between professional appointments.

• How often should I get my jewellery cleaned? Once a year is widely recommended; book sooner for daily‑worn rings or after knocks/chemical exposure.
• How long does a professional clean take? Quick in‑store cleans are often while‑you‑wait; polishing, plating and repairs need workshop time.
• Is ultrasonic cleaning safe for my stones? Often for diamonds in secure mounts; avoid for pearls and delicate/porous gems—your jeweller will inspect first.
• Will cleaning remove scratches? Cleaning restores sparkle; light polishing reduces fine marks. Deep scratches or rhodium replating are separate services.
• How much does a clean cost? Many jewellers offer complimentary quick cleans; polishing, plating and repairs are quoted after inspection, with some price lists published.
• What can I safely do at home? Mild soapy water, soft brush, lint‑free dry; polishing cloths for metal; wipe pearls only—never soak—and avoid chlorine.

Key takeaways

A professional jewellery cleaning service restores sparkle safely, checks settings and prolongs the life of your pieces. Most UK jewellers advise an annual clean and inspection, with simple at‑home care in between. Prices vary by method and condition, so ask for a clear quote before any polishing, plating or repairs.

• Book annually: Especially for daily‑worn rings; add quick home cleans monthly.
• Match method to piece: Ultrasonic/steam/hand used as appropriate; never submerge pearls.
• Know what’s included: Many offer complimentary quick cleans; plating/repairs are extra.
• Mind the metal: White gold may need rhodium; silver needs tarnish removal; platinum patina is normal.
• Choose well: Look for inspection‑first, transparent pricing and clear turnaround.
• A Star benefits: Clients get lifetime cleaning, polishing and resizing on UK‑made pieces.

Ready to bring back the sparkle? Book your clean with A Star Diamonds in Hatton Garden.