Are you looking for one way to clean all your jewelry?
I'm sorry to tell you...there isn't one. Because some stones are hard (like diamonds) and some are soft and porous (like opals and pearls) they cannot be cleaned in the same manner. Throw in some metal and that only makes it more complicated. I have tried to put all the info I've found in it's simplest form.
Gold, silver, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, amethyst, citrine, and garnet can be cleaned simply with a mild liquid detergent and water using a soft brush if needed. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. It is also safe to clean these in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Emeralds, turquoise, peridot, coral, mother of pearl, and opals, should be cleaned first with a soft, damp cloth. If necessary, a mild detergent can be used with a soft cloth, then rinsed and dried. However, they should not be soaked in a liquid and never in an ultrasonic cleaner.
*general rule of thumb: if it's a soft stone, it will absorb liquids and could damage the stone, so use the most gentle form of cleaning possible*
Sterling silver: (without stones or crystals) I highly recommend a silver polish cloth (usually a white cloth sewn together with a blue or red cloth). The white side cleans off the tarnish and the blue/red side polishes. For difficult to clean areas and small chains (although most jewelers would tell you otherwise) I use toothpaste and a soft brush. I've found no other way to get into the small links (unless you have an ultrasonic cleaner). Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
Copper and Brass can be cleaned with a standard copper or brass cleaner. If the piece also contains stones, I would recommend using a mild soap and a soft brush.
Do you love costume jewelry but are disappointed that it doesn't last long? The key is to treat it as well as your good jewelry. Most of us tend to just throw it on a dresser, but with a little care it won't last forever, but will last longer. Clean it gently in a mild liquid soap and water with a soft brush. Dry it with a soft cloth before you place it in a tarnish resistant jewelry box or ziplock bag with antitarnish strips (can be purchased at most bead stores).
*Most important of all is to clean your jewelry before putting it away to keep it looking great.
Below is a picture of a base metal necklace that I made three years ago. It's been kept looking great by cleaning before putting it away for the season.
