Jewelry Cleaning Tips

What is the most suitable way to clean jewelry? That is a question that lot of people ask. The primary reason for this is that jewelry is a delicate thing. Most pieces of jewelry have precious stones that are fragile or can scratch. Like a piece of art, you wish to treat your jewelry with care. Would you wear your favorite cocktail dress or evening dress outside to weed your flowerbed? I'm hoping you wouldn't. The same is with jewelry, maintain it and it will last - and look great - for a very long time.

Okay, on to tips on how to keep your jewelry clean and sparkling. There are different ways to ideally clean various metals, diamonds, and gemstones. Follow these tips and you will turn your dull jewelry into ones that will be noticed immediately!

Gold:

In a plastic container place a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent in one cup of warm water. Let the jewelry soak in this about 15 to 20 minutes. Then use a unused soft bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the piece (previously used toothbrushes could still have toothpaste in them that could scratch the diamond/setting). Rinse with warm water and allow to air dry on a towel.

Platinum and Palladium:

You may do the same as gold (see above) or for a better cleaning, use a fourth of a cup of ammonia in place of the dishwashing detergent.

Sterling Silver:

Clean sterling silver by rinsing it with warm water (be sure to cover the drain before starting!). To remove the tarnish, use a polishing cloth designeded for silver or silver cleaning fluid.

Diamonds:

In a plastic container combine one cup of warm water with a fourth of a cup of ammonia. Let the jewelry soak in this about 15 to 20 minutes. Then time period, use a unused soft bristle toothbrush to gently scrub around the diamond (s) and the setting (previously used toothbrushes could still have toothpaste in them that could scratch the diamond/setting). Rinse with warm water and allow to air dry on a towel.

Pearls:

Pearls are delicate and can scratch or have their finish removed easily. Make a solution of a cup of warm water and a few drops of baby soap (PH neutral). Dampening a soft cloth with the solution, gently rub each pearl on the strand. Let the strand air dry on a towel. Avoid placing the strand in the solution as this will cause the roping to stretch.

Gemstones:

Clean gemstones in a similar fashion as pearls (see above). Be careful not to soak gemstone jewelry (especially softer gems like opals and turquoise) as the stone might absorb chemicals. Be careful using ultrasonic cleaners with gemstones other than diamonds and sapphires as softer gemstones can crack.

Now you will always have shiny jewelry that will catch the attention of everyone! Though it takes a little effort and time, it is simple to keep jewelry looking its best.