For harder gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires that are set in solid gold or platinum, you can disinfect your jewelry with regular household isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, according to an expert from Simon G. Jewelry. “Take care with any other kind of stones and use a gentler form of cleaning,” they suggest. Soft stones like opal, kunzites, pearls, tourmalines, and emeralds cannot withstand this type of cleaning process. The brand also notes that while, yes, hand sanitizers can be used when wearing gold or platinum jewelry, simply rubbing it on your hands won’t necessarily sanitize the jewelry itself. Given the fact that most jewelry contains multiple surfaces and small crevices, germs can easily stay hidden on rings and bracelets. To truly disinfect your jewelry, the brand advises that you remove and sanitize it before putting it back on. “Pearls and opals should absolutely be kept away from alcohol, which means hand sanitizers,” advises Yi Guo, the founder of jewelry brand Yi Collection