Want to know how to clean jewelry so your favorite pieces stay shiny?
Jewelry has always been part of our culture. Throughout the millennia, it has taken various forms and symbolism. It’s seen as an art form, a gesture of love, a status symbol, and it even evokes dear memories.
It’s always piqued our interest, and it’ll only continue to do so. This is why caring for them and keeping them as good as new is important. It shows that you treasure your things, and it also gives you that extra shine and sparkle when you flaunt them.
Knowing the right ways on how to clean jewelry is the best way to keep them in pristine condition. Different types of jewelry require unique cleaning methods. Read on to discover more about proper jewelry cleaning.
DIY Jewelry Cleaning
You don’t always have to rely on professional cleaners to clean your jewelry. Often, sending them out for cleaning can take one to two weeks. There were also cases where scammers switched precious stones into cheaper fakes.
This is something you shouldn’t risk. Don’t risk losing an important heirloom piece or that prized engagement ring. However, it’s understandable that you might feel intimidated about doing things yourself.
Trying to DIY clean something so delicate and beautiful can be nerve-wracking. Don’t fret; DIY jewelry cleaning isn’t as hard as you think. All you need are the right tools, and some tried and tested tricks of the trade.
Keep your special pieces as good as when you first had them. Here are some tips and techniques on how to clean jewelry.
Cleaning Delicate Jewelry
Delicate jewelry is some of the most challenging pieces to clean. Pearls, opals, and some cameo jewelry are some of the softest gems. They need special care and attention since they are easy to damage.
Make sure you aren’t too rough with them. Dropping them on the floor, or hitting them against a hard surface can result in scratches or cracks. The same goes for using harsh industrial cleaners and brushes.
When cleaning jewelry like these, it’s best to use gentle cleansers. You may opt for a soft polish cloth or a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Pearls and Cameo
Pearls and cameo jewelry are two of the most popular vintage pieces of jewelry nowadays. Pearls are either natural or cultured, while authentic cameo jewelry comes in coral, shell, and even ivory.
They have a very different composition from the harder precious gems. Make sure you wipe them with a soft polish cloth to prevent oil and gunk build-up.
Never submerge them in water for longer than 30 seconds. This may increase their chances of cracking.
As for pearls, soaking them would weaken the silk string they’re strung on, so keep that in mind. If you see a slight discoloration in your pearl and cameo pieces, then use a damp cloth with a gentle cleanser. Gentle dishwashing liquids work well, and so does a specialized liquid jewelry cleaner.
Leftover moisture impacts them over time. This is why wiping them dry before storing them again is also important in preserving them well.
Opals
Opals consist of non-crystalline silica and contain up to 21% water. Opals are the most sensitive to changes in temperature, so caring for them can be tricky. Avoid opals, especially doublets, triplets, and hydrophanes.
Doing so may cause them to lose their luster. Strong chemicals like bleach will seep into the opal’s surface and cause permanent damage. To clean opals, use gentle soaps, lukewarm water, and never brush them.
Cleaning Precious Jewelry
Gold and silver are the two most used metals for jewelry. Cleaning these types of jewelry has varied techniques. Depending on the gems adorning these precious metals, you have to take caution.
Here’s how to clean gold, silver, and gemstones.
Gold
If you’re wondering how to clean gold jewelry, then keep on reading. Gold is one of the easiest precious metals to clean because it doesn’t tarnish like other metals. However, sweat and body oils, creams, and make-up can cause build-up.
Gold jewelry is best cleaned with a gentle dishwashing liquid. Mix the dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
You can also try some high-quality jewelry liquid cleaner. Not only do they clean better, but they also offer a more professional finish.
Silver
Silver isn’t as expensive as gold; that’s why it’s one of the most common metals for jewelry. It’s important to know how to clean silver jewelry well because they tarnish. When tarnished, silver turns into a black or brownish-green color.
Don’t worry, though; silver also has the easiest ways on how to clean jewelry. Three of the most common household items used for cleaning silver jewelry are:
- Baking Soda
- Dish Soap
- Toothpaste
- Lemon Juice
All you’ll need to do is coat your silver jewelry with a small amount of any of these items. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes, rinse well, and wipe it clean. If the stain is too stubborn, you can also try using a toothbrush to scrub your silver pieces.
Once you get the hang of it, polishing and cleaning silver becomes a piece of cake. As long as you don’t use harsh chemicals, it’s also hard to damage it.
Gemstones
Sometimes, some of your precious metal jewelry has ornate gemstones like diamonds, rubies, or sapphires. If so, what are the right ways on how to clean jewelry with these gemstones? Luckily, these gemstones are some of the hardest and most durable ones.
They won’t break or scratch easily, but it’s still important to take caution. Like gold, they’re best cleaned with some drops of liquid detergent and warm water. Don’t scrub or brush them too hard, as they might come loose from their settings.
How to Clean Jewelry Like a Pro
Keeping your jewelry shiny and polished shouldn’t be difficult. You can DIY with everyday items found in your home. Are you still wondering about other ways on how to clean jewelry?
Consider checking out our other blog posts for more tips on taking care of your jewelry. We also have some great guides on jewelry, so you can start building your collection today.
