Jewelry is one of our intimate and treasured belongings. comprehensive guide to cleaning jewelry at home may be a nerve-wracking experience. Understanding how to care for and safeguard your priceless jewelry may go a long way toward preserving its beauty and keeping our valuables gleaming.
Did you know that you should clean your jewelry at least once a month? Jewelry that’s not cleaned will start to erode, change in color, and become less hygienic. However, how do you clean and care for jewelry? Don’t worry, we have a Comprehensive Guide To Cleaning Jewelry! From taking care of your gold jewelry to protecting your diamonds, you can learn the ins and outs of jewelry cleaning.
Comprehensive Guide To Cleaning Jewelry
Here are some tips to clean jewelry at home:
1. Be careful with light and heat
Light and heat may influence the durability and color of colored gemstones in the same way the sun’s excessive rays can harm human skin. Some gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz, and shell cameos, can fade or be damaged over time if used excessively under prolonged exposure to light.
Excessive heat and rapid temperature changes can also cause gems to shatter. The inherent moisture that these gems require to maintain their brilliance is readily removed by heat. For example, pearls can dry up, split, and discolor with time. Opals can become white or brown with time, develop small fractures, and lose their shade.
2. Safely store your jewelry
Jewelry safekeeping is frequently ignored. Jewelry should never be thrown into a drawer or placed on top of a dresser, since this may result in scratches and gem damage.
The majority of jewelry comes in a box or bag from the retailer, which is a perfect place to store it. For example, sterling silver should be stored in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth. Jewelry boxes with individually cushioned rings holes and posts for hanging necklaces and bracelets are also great.
Because opals and pearls absorb moisture from the air, keeping them in a dry environment, such as a safe deposit box, can sometimes cause more harm than benefit.
Protect your jewelry from scratches and other impact damage by cushioning it in a separate box or container when traveling.
Cleaning Jewelry3. Avoid chemicals with your jewelry
Chemical exposure may degrade or discolor precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, as well as some colored gems. Even everyday products like hairspray, lotion, perfume, and other cosmetics can contain chemicals that adversely harm the surface of pearls and other porous or fragile jewels (like turquoise). Before jumping into a chlorinated pool or using home cleaners, fine jewelry should be removed. Many of these cleaners include ammonia, which can damage delicate jewels and old jewelry.
4. Use ultrasonic cleaners carefully
With a professional ultrasonic cleaner, you should be aware that not all gems and jewelry can be cleaned properly with it.
The following items should not be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners:
- Gems with surface-reaching breaks that have been filled with a substance such as oil, polystyrene, or a glass-like material
- Gems that have been coated with a non-permanent material such as plastic or wax
- Some heat-treated gemstones
The machine’s vibrations can occasionally shake away diamonds or shatter gems. This sort of jewelry cleaning is best for jewelry specialists who are familiar with various gem materials and know when and how to appropriately use an ultrasonic cleaner.
5. Jewelry polishing Cloth is the most effective solution
Jewelry cleaning cloths of good quality are loaded with chemicals that remove tarnish while remaining soft enough not to damage the metal. These clothes can be used until they are completely black.
When it comes to removing tarnish from precious metal jewelry, this is usually the safest approach. Rub your jewelry carefully with a polishing cloth to remove tarnish, making sure to get into crevices. As the tarnish is removed, you’ll see black streaks on the fabric. Lint-free flannel, microfiber, or a soft, non-abrasive cloth are more alternatives. Paper towels and tissues should be avoided where possible since they contain filaments that damage silver.
6. Warm water & mild dishwashing soap for everyday cleaning
The simplest method to learn how to clean sterling silver jewelry is to use common household items. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to warm water to begin. Soak the jewelry for 5-10 minutes after mixing until bubbles appear. After soaking, clean any crevices with a soft-bristle brush. After rinsing with warm water, dry the jewelry with a microfiber towel.
7. Ammonia is used for deep cleaning
If you haven’t cleaned your solid gold jewelry in a while, ammonia may be an ideal choice for deep cleaning. It’s crucial not to use this chemical too frequently because it might harm the metal. Ammonia should also not be used on platinum or pearls. Add one-part ammonia to six parts water and mix gently to clean thoroughly. After that, soak the jewelry for a maximum of one minute in the solution. Rinse well under running water. Using a clean polishing cloth, carefully dry your jewelry.
8. White vinegar and baking soda are used to remove heavy tarnish
If you’re wondering how to clean your silver ring, this mixture is a wonderful cleanser for serious tarnish removal. Soak your tarnished jewelry in a mixture of half cup white vinegar and 2 teaspoons baking soda for 12 hours. This combination fizzes, so be careful. Rinse and dry your sterling silver after two to three hours in this solution.
Bottom line
Take a little time out of your busy schedule (maybe a weekend).
Also read; Cleaning Jewelry At Home
