Jewellery is a fashion accessory that can elevate any outfit and give you the perfect amount of sparkle to turn heads. It’s also an expensive investment, so it’s important to take care of it properly to keep it looking its best and avoid costly repairs.
Cleaning jewelry is easy and safe with the right techniques and products. A good quality jewelry cleaner will restore the shine and protect the metals from corrosion.
Use a soft toothbrush or a small jewelry brush to gently scrub away dirt from crevices and chains, as well as around gemstones. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
Using dish soap and warm water is an effective DIY jewelry cleaner for silver, gold and silver alloys. Place pieces in a small strainer before soaking; larger pieces can be placed directly in the bowl and soaked for up to five minutes to dislodge dirt trapped in the crevices.
Some types of jewelry may need a little more effort than others, so it’s a good idea to research which materials and gems are compatible with the cleaning product you choose. For instance, ammonia-based products aren’t suitable for pearls or opals, while some softer stones aren’t easily cleaned with acid-based solutions.
The best way to keep your precious gems clean is to regularly visit a professional jeweler for a professional-grade cleaning. Your local jewelry store will know how to treat different stones and metals, and they’ll also have a comprehensive list of instructions on how to care for your gem.
While most people use a mild solution of dish soap and warm water to clean their jewelry, some materials need more thorough attention, especially if they’ve been sitting around for years. For example, if you have diamonds that have lost their luster, you can soak them in a mixture of half a cup of ammonia and one cup of warm water for up to 10 minutes.
Another option is to use a commercial jewelry cleaner. These can be pricey and often contain chemicals that you don’t want near your skin, but they can also be extremely effective.
A more budget-friendly alternative is to buy a jewelry wipe that you can wipe your pieces on. These wipes are great for removing surface tarnish, and they’re safe for most metals. They come in sets of 30 for a low price, and they’re available from several different brands, so you can pick the right one for your collection.
For more stubborn stains, try a steam cleaner. They’re great for removing lotion, hairspray, grease and oil, and they’re safe for most metals.
But be sure to read the product’s directions carefully. Some steam cleaners aren’t safe for certain types of jewelry, like opals, pearls or emeralds.
You can also purchase a jewelry cleaner kit that comes with a dip tray and a small brush to help you get into the crevices of your jewelry. A kit like this from Connoisseurs Dazzle Drops Advanced includes an 8-ounce bottle of jewelry cleaner and a dip tray for your jewelry pieces.
