Jewelry cleaner is an important product for your store’s inventory because it helps customers keep their most cherished treasures clean and free from tarnish. However, it is always recommended to have a professional jeweler perform regular cleanings to help maintain the quality of the piece and prevent damage or loss of gems or metal. In the meantime, there are many DIY methods available to clean jewelry at home. These techniques typically call for gentle rubbing, brushing or wiping. However, not all jewellery is created equal and some stones do not take well to certain types of cleaning products or methods.
For example, if a customer has a sapphire ring set with prongs, it is best to avoid the toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners that can cause stone abrasion and weakening. Instead, jewellers recommend using a special solution made with soap and water to gently rub away dirt or tarnish. Similarly, customers should avoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine bleach and ammonia as these can also cause damage or discolouration to their jewellery.
The most common method for cleaning jewellery is the use of mild liquid dish soap and warm water. This is a safe and effective way to get most pieces looking like new again. However, it does not eliminate tarnish and may require multiple treatments to fully remove a layer of grime from silver jewellery.
Alternatively, an ultrasonic cleaner can be used to clean most types of jewellery. Ultrasonic cleaners generate high-frequency sound waves within a tank of water which creates a phenomenon called cavitation. This results in the rapid formation and collapse of microscopic bubbles that can penetrate deep into crevices, cracks or tiny holes. This powerful scrubbing action is one of the main reasons that a jewelry store uses an ultrasonic machine to clean their jewellery.
Another option is to use a mixture of warm water and Windex in a shallow container. Place the jewellery in the solution and let it sit for a few minutes (the longer it soaks, the better). Gently scrub your jewellery with a soft bristle toothbrush (ideally, one that is only used to clean jewelry) and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. For extra dirty pieces, you can also use the toothbrush to loosen any remaining dirt or grit.
A final option is to purchase a professional steam cleaner and follow the instructions on the label carefully. It is recommended that customers inspect their jewellery before trying the steamer to make sure all settings and gems are secure. Also, the high-pressure jet of steam can cause irreparable damage to fragile or porous stones.
The bottom line is that most jewellery, regardless of material or gemstone type, can be cleaned safely at home with the right products. Educating your customers on the best cleaning techniques will allow them to enjoy their jewellery for years to come and reinforces your status as a trusted source of expert knowledge in jewellery care. To further establish your jewelry as an authority, consider offering a private-label jewellery cleaner for your customers with your logo and branding.
