Jewelry is made to be worn and enjoyed, but smudges, oil buildup, and tarnish can all degrade its original shine and beauty. Frequent rinsing and vigorous rubbing can also damage precious metals and gemstones, so cleaning is essential to protecting your jewelry investment.
While there are many jewelry cleaner products on the market, an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is one of the safest and most effective ways to clean your pieces at home. These machines generate 42,000 Hz of ultrasonic sound waves that create millions of microscopic bubbles, forcing out dirt and residue from even the most hidden crevices. They are also safer for people to use than harsh chemicals and will not leave an odor or residue in the air. Some models also come with added bonus features, like a digital display, different cleaning modes, and automatic shut-off.
To use an ultrasonic cleaner, simply place your jewelry in a basket and lower it into the tank. Run the machine for a full cycle and then remove the basket and jewelry. Repeat the process if necessary for especially dirty or heavily tarnished jewelry. Some ultrasonic cleaners can handle using only water as their cleaning solution, but for heavier maintenance, you will want to use a gentle soap or detergent solution, or a jewelry cleaner spray.
While most everyday jewelry can be cleaned with a mixture of warm water and dish soap, a jewelry cleaner spray is a more convenient option. A specialized cleaner, like Brilliant Jewelry Cleaner, is designed to be safe for most precious gems and metals, while removing tarnishing quickly and easily. It can be sprayed directly onto the piece or soaked into the jewelry and then gently scrubbed with a toothbrush.
Another great way to clean your jewelry is by soaking it in isopropyl alcohol. Fill a small container with the alcohol, place your jewelry inside, and let it soak briefly before removing it. This method is quick and easy, and it works well for most gold and silver jewelry. Just make sure that you don’t soak pearls or other delicate gems in this solution, as it can damage them.
Although a little bit of routine maintenance is a good thing for all types of jewelry, it’s essential to keep certain pieces separate from each other and to clean each piece according to its specific needs. Exposure to lotions, makeup, and oils can cause smudges on some pieces while other materials, such as pearls and opals, are more delicate and require special care. Keeping these tips in mind will help you enjoy your jewelry for years to come!
