Whether you have a few pieces of fine jewelry or a massive collection, taking good care of them is essential to preserve their beauty. Cleaning, storage and even insurance all play a role in caring for your bling.
If you’re unsure of how to care for your jewelry, or simply need a quick and easy clean, look no further than non-abrasive soap and water. This classic cleaning combo will safely remove oil, dirt and tarnish from most metals. Just be sure to test a small part of your piece of jewelry with the cleaner first to make certain it can handle the solution and not be damaged by it.
When shopping for a Jewelry cleaner, it’s important to look for user-friendly controls and preset modes. Check to see if the machine shuts off automatically or requires manual shutting, and whether the tank is detachable for cleaning and easily accessible. It’s also helpful to find out how easy the machine is to maintain and how much time it takes to clean.
Jewelry with stones requires extra attention because of the risk of loosening or even falling out. The best way to keep your gemstones safe is to wash them as needed, but no more than once a week. You should also avoid using a Jewelry cleaner that contains ammonia, which can damage some stones.
Another option is to use a Jewelry cleaner that uses an ultrasonic sound wave to scrub your jewelry clean. This type of cleaner eliminates the need for abrasive chemicals or brushes, and it’s ideal for most gems, including pearls. Look for a Jewelry cleaner with a variety of settings that can be adjusted to the type and size of jewelry being cleaned.
If you have a large quantity of jewelry to clean, consider buying an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner machine that has a chamber that holds several pieces at once. This can save you time, and it’s more efficient than cleaning one piece at a time. Many of these machines are portable, so they can be used in your sink or a bowl of water.
A common DIY Jewelry cleaner involves mixing a cup of warm water with some dish soap and letting the jewelry soak in it for about five minutes. This is an excellent option for silver and gold pieces, but it’s not suitable for jewelry with a sturdy stone setting or other delicate materials.
For a more gentle home remedy, try adding some jewelry brightener to a basin of warm water and allowing the pieces to soak for 15-30 minutes. This helps remove oxidation from gold and silver, and it also protects against future tarnishing. You can also use this method on costume jewelry, though it may weaken the glue. Be sure to rinse and dry the jewelry thoroughly afterward, as a little soapy water can leave behind unsightly stains on some fabrics and surfaces.
