What is the right way to clean your jewelry? There are commercial solutions you can purchase in which to soak your jewelry but if you are like me (I save $ whenever I can) using a mild dishwashing liquid like Joy will suffice. You can clean your gold jewelry by soaking it in warm water and dishwashing liquid. Be careful though, since not all jewelry can be cleaned the same way. Pearls, for instance, should not be soaked since the liquid can cause the string to stretch. The best way to clean your pearls is to use a soft cloth dampened with a solution of warm water and a drop of dishwashing liquid. Rub each pearl with the soft cloth and let air dry. For diamonds and platinum, soak in 1 part warm water with 1/4 part ammonia. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the nooks and crannies of your jewelry. Rinse with warm water and air dry.