Fine jewelry can have great value, both sentimentally and monetarily. Routine jewelry maintenance and cleaning are important in maintaining the value and preserving its beauty. This article contains some great tips for those who would like to clean their collection – check out the following info.
What’s the best homemade jewelry cleaner?
Gold and silver jewelry, including plated and rose- and white- gold metals, can be cleaned with warm water and several drops of dish detergent, according to Kimaï founders of Sidney Neuhaus and Jessica Warch. The water and the dish detergent should be mixed in a bowl, and the jewelry can be left to soak in the solution for about fifteen minutes. The next step is to lightly scrub the item with a baby toothbrush or a cotton swab to get into all the crevices. Finally, it will need a rinse with water dried off with a cloth or a hairdryer with a low heat setting to prevent any water streaks from appearing.
Another very good way of cleaning dull silver jewelry at home is to lay it on aluminum foil in a bowl, add baking soda and boiling water, and let it sit for about thirty minutes. The aluminum reacts with the baking soda, and the pieces will look brand new.
For those who don’t have a spare 15 minutes to do a thorough soak, a polishing cloth can also do wonders on gold, silver, brass, copper, and platinum and brings back lost luster. There are also polishing sprays and creams that can be used along with the cloth for extra measure.
What about diamonds and other stones?
A solution made from warm water and dish detergent is a precious stone’s best friend. The only thing that should be remembered here is that the water has to be warm, not hot because these stones can crack if the water is too hot.
What about fake or costume jewelry?
Warch and Neuhaus recommend using a cotton cloth or swab to gently clean it, but other common household items like toothpaste, baking soda, and even ketchup are sworn to rejuvenate its appearance.
Protection from scratching or tarnishing
Matchett explains that unnecessary scratches can be prevented if it is stored properly. Some tarnishing is inevitable in most jewelry because it is a reaction of the metal to the air, moisture, or specific chemicals – but storing it correctly can help delay this process.
Following these simple maintenance tips will help you preserve the beauty and value of your most precious bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, etc.