Recommendations for cleaning jewelry
To preserve the brilliance of gemstones and the overall appeal of your jewelry, and to extend its lifespan, there are several cleaning methods that can help. Among other things, many people have a few bracelets that they wear regularly but don’t always clean. When mixed together with costume jewelry, precious pieces can lose their shine, get scratched, and lose their beauty over time.
In this article, we’ll explain how to properly clean and care for jewelry made from different metals.
Gold
Household cleaning supplies you already have at home can be very effective for removing dirt:
- In 200 ml of warm water, dissolve three tablespoons of salt. Soak the ring overnight, then rinse and dry it in the morning.
- Make a solution from water, 5 ml of ammonia, and 20 grams of powder. Soak the chain in this mixture for two hours.
- Use a soft pencil eraser to gently rub off any tarnish.
- Dampen a cloth with vinegar, lemon juice, or onion juice, and clean the piece.
- Apply a drop of dishwashing liquid to a brush and clean the jewelry under running water.
- Mix crushed chalk with ammonia to make a paste and rub it onto the ring.
- For a unique method, create a mixture of egg white and beer. Dampen a cloth with the liquid and polish the jewelry to restore its shine.
Note: These methods are not suitable for white gold. For delicate white gold pieces, place them in a cup of diluted sugar for 10 hours, then rinse and dry them. For matte gold, soak it in ammonia and rinse it afterward.
Silver
Silver rings are commonly found in jewelry boxes as they are more affordable yet still beautiful and durable. However, silver tarnishes over time. Here’s how to remove tarnish:
- Use toothpaste to clean the tarnish.
- For smooth rings and bracelets, use lipstick. Apply the lipstick to the surface, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe it off with a cotton pad.
- The tarnish will come off along with the lipstick.
- Polish the jewelry using a paste made from baking soda.
- In a pot of water, add four tablespoons of citric acid and heat it. Wrap the jewelry tightly with copper wire, then submerge it in the solution and heat until clean.
- For matte silver, wash it in a soapy water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals as they can damage the surface.
Note: Avoid using abrasives on oxidized silver. A delicate layer can get scratched. Instead, soak the pieces in a mixture of baking soda and soap solution for 20 minutes.
Pearls
Natural or artificial pearls are delicate and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Do not use boiling water, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol. Here’s how to clean pearls gently:
- Apply potato starch to a cloth, wrap the pearls, and gently rub them with your hands.
- Place salt in a linen bag, put the pendant inside, and rinse it in water until the salt dissolves.
- Apply olive oil to a cotton pad and gently rub the pearls.
- Use a specialized cleaning gel for pearls, which removes dirt while preserving their luster.
A popular gentle method is using diluted baby soap. Rub the pearls with it, and briefly soak brooches. Wipe away excess moisture with a soft cloth.
How to Clean Gemstone Inlays
To clean the stones in your jewelry:
- Diamond, Ruby, Alexandrite, Sapphire: Soak these stones in a warm, soapy water bath, then dry them with a soft cloth.
- Emerald: This stone is fragile and coated with essential oils and resins for protection. Strong alkalis are harmful, so gently wash it under running water with mild soap or take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning.
- Amber: Wipe gently with a soft cloth and foam.
- Turquoise: This stone doesn’t like moisture, so the best way to clean it is by polishing it with flannel or wool.
- Opal: Wipe it with cotton and mild soap.
- Cubic Zirconia: Restore its shine by cleaning it with ammonia.
Note: Avoid using boiling water, hard brushes, or bleach on gemstones.
How to Care for Your Jewelry
Always remove jewelry before showering, cleaning, cooking, or washing dishes. Keep it away from sunlight and moisture by storing it in velvet boxes or pouches, and separate jewelry by metal type and karat. Avoid placing multiple items together; for example, keep brooches, rings, and pendants spaced out in your jewelry box.
If it’s time to tidy up your home but you don’t want to leave your precious items in the box, you can always rely on the professional cleaning services of Cleaning Life. We’ll help declutter your office or apartment and provide tips on how to care for and clean your jewelry properly.