Well-crafted jewelry should sparkle and shine each time it’s worn.
But exposure to lotion, soap, dust, and other elements can cause even the finest pieces to lose some of its luster.
For most people, professional cleaning is ideal, but most items in a jewelry box or armoire can also be cleaned at home.
And, if you don’t have a store-bought cleaning solution, it’s important to understand which home remedies are ideal for your precious jewelry.
When your favorite ruby and diamond pendant necklace has lost its shine, use these tips to bring it back to life.
HOW TO CLEAN GOLD JEWELRY AT HOME Gold jewelry such as your favorite 14-karat white gold earrings or the sapphire and diamond 14-karat yellow gold bracelet you wear on date night can be cleaned at home using a mild solution.
Fill a clean bowl with lukewarm water then add a few drops of mild dish soap. Place the jewelry in the cleaning solution.
Allow the jewelry to soak in the solution for five minutes.
Next, lay the pieces on a soft cloth and use a soft toothbrush to gently dislodge any remaining dirt or debris.
Rinse with warm, running water, then buff dry with a soft cloth. Ideally, a polishing cloth should be used during this last step as it has been created to properly treat jewelry.
HOW TO CLEAN TARNISHED JEWELRY AT HOME Gold and platinum jewelry doesn’t tarnish, but silver can.
If you have tarnished silver jewelry that you’d like to wear again, all hope is not lost.
The best way to clean tarnished silver (and keep them from becoming tarnished again) is to use a high-quality silver polish.
Silver polish contains ingredients designed to dissolve and remove tarnish while leaving behind a protective coating.
Using household items like baking soda or toothpaste is a temporary solution but can work if you’re in a hurry or can’t get your hands on silver polish.
Mixing three parts of baking soda with one part water, wet the tarnished silver, and apply the paste with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Use the cloth to work the paste into the details of the jewelry, turning the cloth to a clean spot as tarnish begins to come off.
Rinse well and buff dry with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth.
If you choose to use toothpaste, use a white toothpaste, rather than a gel. Apply the toothpaste to the jewelry and rub gently with your finger or soft cloth.
Rinse well with warm water and buff with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
HOW TO CLEAN GEMSTONES AT HOME Restoring the sparkle of a gemstone is quite simple.
Instead of mixing mild dish soap with lukewarm water, make a solution with plain seltzer water and mild dish soap.
After letting the jewelry soak, brush the jewelry with a soft toothbrush. Then, dip the piece in clear water to rinse away the solution.
Using a soft cloth, buff the jewelry until it has dried, including the gemstone.
This can help keep your amethyst pendant necklace looking brand-new.
But opal and pearl jewelry needs the careful touch of a professional as the gems have porous surfaces and can be quite soft.
TAKING CARE OF FINE JEWELRY If you aren’t able to bring your jewelry in for professional cleaning, it’s important to ensure harsh chemicals or cleaning products are not being used.
Using such products has the potential to damage the jewelry.
It’s also important to use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush similar to what is used for babies. Large brushes with firm bristles can lead to damage.
If would prefer a professional handle each piece, Hannoush Jewelers offers cleaning and inspection services for the lifetime of the purchase.
For more ways to protect your jewelry and additional cleaning tips contact the jewelry experts at Hannoush Jewelers today.
