How to Clean Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

Cubic zirconia jewelry is sparkling and shiny. We are attracted by them—some people are even cubic zirconia jewelry fans. But how should we clean them after wearing them for a while? Check out our guide to learn how to take care of them.

What Is Cubic Zirconia Jewelry?

Cubic Zirconia is a man-made gemstone that looks very similar to a diamond—sparkly, clear, and brilliant—but it's made from zirconium dioxide in a lab. It's one of the most popular diamond alternatives in jewelry. It is much less expensive than real diamonds and has many different colors and shapes to choose from. It also has a lot of brilliance and shine and is good enough for daily wear.

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When Is the Right Time to Clean Cubic Zirconia Jewelry?

After we wear cubic zirconia necklaces, earrings, and cubic zirconia rings, how often should we clean them? If you wear your cubic zirconia jewelry daily (like rings, earrings, or necklaces), clean it once a week. Sweat, skin oils, cosmetics, and pollution can dull its sparkle fast. For pieces worn only on special occasions, a cleaning every 2–4 weeks is usually enough. Every 1–2 months, it is better to do a deeper clean to remove buildup in settings and behind stones.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Cubic Zirconia Jewelry?

To keep your cubic zirconia jewelry sparkling like new, it's just as important to know what not to do:

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and acetone can damage the setting and dull the stone’s shine.
• Skip ultrasonic cleaners: The strong vibrations may loosen stones or damage delicate settings.
• Don’t use abrasive materials: Toothbrushes with hard bristles or rough cloths can scratch both the stone and the metal.
• Avoid soaking for too long: Prolonged soaking, especially in hot water or soapy mixtures, can weaken adhesives in certain settings.
• Never use toothpaste or baking soda: These are too abrasive and can cause fine scratches.

How to Clean Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

High-quality cubic zirconia jewelry is usually made with sterling silver or brass and plated with 18k yellow or white gold. It’s important to clean it carefully to maintain its shine and quality. What tools do you need to clean cubic zirconia jewelry? If it is too much trouble to go to a jewelry store and too expensive to do it, you can also clean it at home by your own.

Here are some tools you will need:

• Mild dish soap
• Lukewarm water
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Lint-free or microfiber cloth

Here are the guides step by step:

1. Mix a bowl of lukewarm water with a few drops of dish soap.
2. Soak your jewelry for 5–10 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
3. Gently brush the CZ stones and settings, especially under the stones where grime collects.
4. Rinse with clean lukewarm water.
5. Pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid paper towels—they can scratch the surface.

How to Keep Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Looking New

Cubic zirconia sparkles best when it’s cared for regularly. Here’s how to keep it looking like the day you got it:

• Clean it gently and often: Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or brush to remove buildup and restore shine.
• Store it safely: Keep your jewelry in a soft-lined box or fabric pouch to prevent scratches and reduce exposure to air and moisture.
• Avoid contact with chemicals: Remove your jewelry before applying lotions, perfumes, hairspray, or cleaning products.
• Put it on last, take it off first: This simple rule helps protect your pieces from cosmetic and skincare residue.
• Handle with care: Don’t wear cubic zirconia jewelry while swimming, showering, or exercising—it can loosen settings and attract grime.

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