A sparkly diamond ring or a gleaming gold necklace can be the focal point of an outfit. But when these pieces get dull and dirty from daily wear, lotions, hair spray and even chlorine from swimming pools, it can ruin the look of your jewelry. Thankfully, a quick cleaning can restore your jewelry to its original shine. The best Jewelry cleaner will not only leave your jewelry looking like new, but also will prevent tarnishing and damage to the metals and stones.
There are many types of Jewelry cleaners available, including liquids, wipes, cloths, and machines that use sound waves or steam. But before you purchase a commercial Jewelry cleaner, always check the label and follow the directions. Often, these products contain ingredients such as benzyl alcohol, parabens, phthalates and fragrance that can be absorbed through your skin or cause irritation. Also, some products may not be safe for porous gemstones or clarity-enhanced diamonds. Some may contain ammonia, which can damage certain types of silver.
Some of the best Jewelry cleaners will clean both gold and sterling silver, as well as non-porous gems. However, some cleaners are gentle enough for costume jewelry and gold-plated pieces, while others are formulated to be more powerful for use on tarnished or dull pieces. The most effective products will usually remove a variety of discolorations including oxidation, rust, and general wear-and-tear.
For a simple home-based Jewelery cleaner, combine baking soda or effervescent heartburn tablets with water to create a chemical reaction that eagerly attacks the buildup of dirt and grime on your jewelry. Simply place your jewelry in the solution and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, rinse it off and dry with a soft cloth.
If your jewelry has mild stains or tarnish, regular dishwashing soap is also a safe and simple Jewelry cleaner. Add 1 tsp of soap to a cup of hot water and soak your pieces for a few minutes, scrubbing if necessary. But this method isn’t strong enough for rust or major spots.
Another alternative is to buy a commercial jewelry cleaner, such as Brilliant’s liquid Jewelry cleaner that’s named for its ability to bring a sparkle to dull and cloudy jewelry pieces. This product does not contain abrasives and is safe for most metals, including sterling silver. But it’s not recommended for platinum or some non-porous gemstones, and should be used only in conjunction with a cleaning cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush for those hard-to-reach crevices.
For an extra-sparkling finishing touch, rub your cleaned jewelry with a soft, dry cloth to remove any remaining traces of the cleaning solution. And if you’re really serious about keeping your jewelry looking its best, make sure to schedule an appointment with your local Jewelry cleaner every few months to keep your precious stones and metals looking their very best.
