Jewelry is a precious investment, so it’s important to care for it properly. That includes cleaning, organizing and even storing your pieces, to protect them from damage and deterioration over time. While most fine jewelry is safe to clean at home, a few simple tips can keep even the simplest pieces looking bright and sparkling.
The easiest way to clean jewelry at home is to use a mild soap. A simple mixture of warm water and gentle soap can cut through lotions, oils and other enemies of sparkle. For silver jewelry, choose a low-abrasion detergent without extra whitening or tartar-control agents. Rub the jewelry with a soft cloth or sponge, rinse, and dry with a lint-free towel. This method is a good choice for most jewelry, but special care should be taken with pearls and porous stones.
For heavily tarnished silver, a solution of baking soda and aluminum foil can be very effective. Line the bottom of a bowl with aluminum foil and fill it up with hot water. Add salt, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of dish detergent. Then place your jewelry in the solution, let it soak for a few minutes, and rinse and dry with a towel. This method can also be used for gold-filled, brass and German (nickel) silver jewelry.
A more complicated but very effective option is to use a silver polishing cloth. These multiuse cloths are specifically formulated to safely remove tarnish from sterling silver and brass. They’re available at most major jewelry stores and come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. They’re a little more expensive than soap and water, but they’ll last a long time.
In addition to cleaning your jewelry, a regular manicure and pedicure can help maintain its shine. You should clean your nails, as well as the cuticles around them. You should also regularly trim your nail beds and remove any dead skin cells that collect.
Using a gentle, alcohol-free polishing pad, or buffing ball, can also help maintain the look of your jewelry. You can find these items at most major jewelry stores and beauty supply stores.
If you’re not comfortable using these methods, you can always visit your local jeweler for professional jewelry cleaning services. While it’s not as cheap as a trip to the drugstore, jewelry cleaning experts are trained to handle all sorts of jewelry and will be able to restore your pieces to their original luster.
For the best results, always follow the label guidelines for your specific jewelry. Generally speaking, only a professional should use high-temperature steam and ultrasonic cleaners on valuable jewelry. But with some careful care and diligence, most jewelry can be cleaned at home with minimal cost. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to enjoy your jewelry for years to come.
