When it comes to jewelry, even the most beautiful pieces can lose their luster over time. That’s why it’s important to keep your jewelry clean—not only will it look better, but it will be safer for your skin and help protect the value of your jewelry investment.
But how can you clean your jewelry safely at home? Luckily, there are a few household items you can use to clean your jewelry. The best way to start is with a gentle dishwashing soap. Mixing warm water with a teaspoon of mild soap and letting your pieces soak can eliminate the built-up grease, dirt, and oils on your jewelry. Then, rinse your jewelry with cool, fresh water and dry thoroughly.
Another popular method is to use an ultrasonic cleaner. This can remove dirt and debris from crevices, settings and other hard-to-reach places. It also helps to dislodge small diamonds and gemstones from their setting, so it’s best used on jewelry that is not set too tightly. It’s also a great tool for cleaning eyeglasses, watches and other small electronics.
You can find jewelry cleaners at most grocery stores and drugstores. Many are made specifically for cleaning fine jewelry. Some are liquid, others are a gel or powder that you can dip your jewelry into, and still other types are sticks that you can swipe across the surface. Most are formulated for silver, gold or other precious metals, so it’s important to read the label carefully to ensure that your piece is safe.
Using rubbing alcohol is another easy-to-use home jewelry cleaner. It’s a quick and affordable way to quickly remove build-up, but it’s only safe for solid gold, sterling silver or German (nickel) silver. It’s not recommended for pearls or soft gemstones, and it may damage costume jewelry.
Finally, steam cleaning is another option for more difficult to reach areas of your jewelry. Just like the hot water and gentle soap, this can remove oil and grime from your jewelry and leave it shiny and new. It’s also effective for removing tarnish from sterling silver and gold jewelry.
Whether you’re wearing a piece of fine jewelry or working in the industry, it is imperative to keep your merchandise looking its best. That’s why a good, efficient jewelry cleaner is an essential tool for every store and jeweler.
While you can try to clean your jewelry at home, the best choice is to take it to a professional jeweler. Regular cleaning by a professional will not only keep your jewelry clean and shiny, but it can help spot potential issues with the piece that could result in costly repairs down the road. A clean piece of jewelry can last a lifetime and even be passed down to future generations, so it’s worth the investment!
