From everyday studs to stately pendants and rings, jewelry can attract a lot of debris that makes it dull or even tarnished. Regular, gentle cleaning can lift buildup and keep your pieces in pristine condition. However, over-cleaning can damage delicate materials and knock loose stones out of place. To avoid damaging your precious treasures, follow these tried-and-true tips from jewelers and industry experts.
Invest in a Jewelry cleaner that is safe for your specific materials. Many commercially available solutions are suitable for gold-filled, brass, sterling silver, and more. However, it’s important to always check the label to be sure you’re not using a solution that will cause damage. Additionally, make sure you don’t use too much cleaner; if your jewelry is too saturated with liquid, it could become watermarked and brittle over time.
It’s a good idea to store jewelry individually, or in soft pouches and compartments to prevent scratches and tangling. It’s also wise to remove your jewelry before applying beauty products, washing dishes, or swimming. Certain chemicals (like chlorine) can have an adverse effect on some types of jewelry.
Consider having your jewelry professionally cleaned at least once a year to get it in tip-top shape. This will allow the jeweler to identify any areas that may need repair or attention before they start to degrade.
In addition to professional cleaning, you can also clean your jewelry at home with a variety of DIY solutions. One simple option is to combine a small amount of hand sanitizer with baking soda and water. Soak your jewelry in this mixture for a few hours and rinse thoroughly. You can also try a homemade ultrasonic cleaner, similar to those used in jewelry stores. However, these can be bulky and don’t really get into some crevices.
Another easy way to clean jewelry is to simply soak it in a bowl of hot water. This works great on a wide range of materials, but it isn’t recommended for emeralds or amber because they can be discolored by water. It’s also a good idea to rinse your jewelry well, as any soap residue can leave behind an unpleasant scent and cause corrosion or dulling over time.
You can also purchase a jewelry-specific steam or ultrasonic machine to clean your gems and metals at home. However, these aren’t as effective as the DIY cleaners listed above and should be avoided if you have any delicate gemstones or metals (like amber and opal) that are sensitive to heat.
