We know everyone is busy these days and sometimes you can't get into the jewelry store to have your jewelry cleaned. Sometimes you want your jewelry to sparkle before a special occasion or you want to bring the sparkle back. Not all jewelry can be cleaned the same but you really don't need much to keep them all looking like new. We have some great tips you can use at home to keep your jewelry sparkling and doesn't necessarily require a jewelry cleaner, ultrasound, or steamer.
Tips for diamond & colored gemstone jewelry:
We've heard from clients that say they read that state toothpaste is a great way to clean your jewelry. Please do not use toothpaste because it's abrasive to jewelry. That's one thing you definitely should NEVER use on jewelry or any harsh chemicals.The best in home care you can use on jewelry is soft dish soap like Dawn or Palmolive dish soap with a very soft bristle toothbrush. Lightly scrub your jewelry with the toothbrush and soap under warm water. After that, rinse under warm water and wipe with a soft clean cloth (preferably a jewelry cloth).
Tips for precious metals:
Whether it is gold chains or platinum bands, there is a way to clean precious metals to give some kind of luster. Of course, you can't remove all the scratches. Only a jeweler or someone who has a buffer can remove the deep scratches. But if you want to shine it up a bit, a simple jewelry cloth will work perfectly. Run the jewelry cloth a few times over the precious metal; whether it be platinum, gold or palladium. It will add a light polish to the jewelry, buff out, and clean the surface area. You can also use the dish soap and toothbrush first before wiping it through the jewelry cloth for an extra shine.
Tips for silver:
As many of you know, silver can tarnish over time and is an extremely soft metal. Keeping it clean and vibrant can be difficult. These days most silver has a rhodium plating or made with Argentium silver which helps prevent tarnishing. Even with the newer production methods, keeping it clean can be difficult. One way to keep silver clean and radiating is to use a silver cleaner or cloth. This will help shine up the piece. When cleaning silver, only use silver cleaner or a cloth. Don't mix them with the same methods of diamonds or precious metals. Keep in mind to store silver in a box and away from other pieces to preserve it from being scratched or tarnished.
Tips for pearls:
"It's the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off," is a great tip to keep in mind when wearing pearls. Pearls are organic gems and are vulnerable to chemicals. Now, how do you clean it and keep the luster on the pearl? That's a question many ask. One thing, never use an ultrasonic cleaner for pearls. Pearls are very soft and fragile stones.They were made in the depths of the oceans. The safest way to shine up your beautiful pearl jewelry is with a soft cloth. If necessary, you can use a light soap with freshwater. You will need to make sure to lightly rinse with freshwater and wipe with a soft cloth. Any form of harsh chemical or acid touching the pearl will change the nacre on the pearl. Never submerge your pearls in water.
These are some great tips for keeping your jewelry clean and bright. In the end, you can always bring your jewelry to a jeweler and they'll clean it like new. A few times a year is all you need to keep the ring looking great.