A jewelry collection can be one of the best ways to express your personal style. Between different earrings, necklaces, and rings and all the different types of jewelry metals and gemstones, the sky’s the limit. But another thing that comes with a beloved and frequently worn jewelry collection is frequent cleanings.
Taking care of your jewelry is an important and often overlooked task. Before you dive into cleaning up each of your pieces, learn the best ways to clean different metals and gems to be sure you don’t damage any of your treasured designs.
Sterling silver jewelry is wonderful to have in your collection because it wears well and can stand the test of time. But with extensive wear also comes tarnish. Cleaning up your sterling silver jewelry at home is simple and easy and only requires a few tools.
The simplest way to clean your sterling silver jewelry is with a jewelry cleaning cloth. Rub the piece of jewelry with the cleaning cloth, and it will slowly remove the tarnish build-up. Once it’s clean, run the piece under warm water and pat it dry. If the jewelry cleaning cloth isn’t doing the trick, you can also try a silver cleaning polish. The polish formula is made to clean and shine your jewelry, while also protecting it from future tarnish.
If you don’t have a jewelry cleaning cloth or silver polish, you can try using dish soap. Mix a few drops of the soap into warm water, and use a warm cloth to rub the tarnished areas. In a pinch, you can also use toothpaste, which will help remove stains from the silver. Simply thoroughly rinse after you’ve buffed the area with toothpaste and gently pat dry.
If you’ve tried all of these options and are still struggling to get your jewelry clean, try sending it to your local jeweler. They will have professional-grade tools to more easily remove extensive tarnish and other wear and tear.
Gold jewelry tends to be more delicate and softer than sterling silver, so the cleaning method is slightly different. To clean your gold pieces, mix warm water with dish soap. Take your gold jewelry and put them into the soap solution to soak. After leaving them submerged for a few minutes, carefully remove your jewelry from the bowl.
Take the soaked jewelry and carefully brush it with a toothbrush. This will help remove any dirt and debris from the jewelry that can get stuck between links or in clasps with frequent wear.
Once you’ve brushed the jewelry, rinse it again under warm water to completely remove any dirt. If you have smaller jewelry pieces like earrings or rings, try putting them in a fine mesh strainer before running under the water so that no pieces end up down the drain. Once you’ve rinsed the jewelry, buff it dry with a soft cloth to maintain its shine.
Cleaning your gemstones regularly is an important step to help them keep their beauty, shine, and luster. But when it comes to cleaning gemstones, it isn’t one-size-fits-all. Certain gemstones, like diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires can easily be cleaned at home with the proper tools. Others like opals and pearls, however, are more delicate and should be sent to a professional to be cleaned along with most antique jewelry. If you’re unsure if you can clean your gems at home, consult your local jeweler.
To clean your gemstones, mix warm water and a mild soap like dish soap. Take a toothbrush and gently brush the gemstones. Then rinse in warm water. Repeat if necessary to get off any dirt or residue. Once you’ve finished, simply rinse the gems and buff dry with a soft cloth. You can also opt for chemical jewelry cleaner, but be sure to check the fine print. These cleaners sometimes have harsh chemicals like ammonia that will damage more sensitive gemstones.
Along with at-home cleanings, it’s also wise to send gemstones and fine jewelry to your local jeweler every so often for a more thorough cleaning. Alternate between cleaning at home and passing it off to the pros.
No matter what type of jewelry you need to be cleaned, Finer Custom Jewelry is an expert in the industry. As a top-quality jeweler in Dallas, Houston, and Scottsdale, Finer Jewelry can help with any of your needs. Whether you’re looking to clean or repair existing jewels or on the market for new designs to add to your collection, Finer Jewelry can help.
Do you have a vision for your custom engagement ring, but aren’t sure how to make it a reality? Allow us to guide you through the process of how to create truly exceptional rings. Schedule your design appointment today and see how Finer Custom Engagement Rings and Diamonds will bring your vision of an engagement ring to life.
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