If you’re like most people, your jewelry box is bursting with all sorts of shiny bling—from everyday pieces to the more special pieces you wear on a regular basis or on special occasions. But over time, all that bling can become dull and tarnished. Fortunately, there are many ways to clean jewelry so that it sparkles just as brightly as the day you bought it.
Most jewelry cleaners consist of a mixture of water and mild detergent or alcohol, and the best one depends on the type of gem or metal you’re trying to clean. Using the wrong cleaner can scratch or damage your jewelry, so it’s important to know how to properly care for different types of jewelry and what cleaning methods are appropriate for each.
For example, a gold ring needs to be cleaned more gently than an amethyst pendant or diamond earrings. That’s because gold is a precious metal and it needs to be treated with care. Fortunately, it’s easy to clean a gold ring at home. Just mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, and soak your jewelry for a few minutes. Then rinse it and pat dry with a cloth or tissue.
Another effective DIY cleaning method involves the use of vinegar and baking soda, both of which create a chemical reaction that eagerly attacks buildup. This method works well for most gold and silver jewelry, but is not recommended for pearls or soft gemstones.
Lastly, there are several commercial jewelry cleaners on the market that are made specifically for removing tarnish. While some of these jewelry cleaners are very effective, it is important to remember that the most effective way to clean jewelry is to visit a jeweler. A jeweler can thoroughly inspect a piece of jewelry for loose stones, cracks, or any other potential issues, and will use a more thorough cleaning process to ensure your piece sparkles as beautifully as possible.
Jewelry cleaning is a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to make your favorite pieces shine like new again. To avoid the need to clean jewelry as often, remove rings when applying beauty products or cleaning the house, and wipe pearls with a cloth after each wearing to remove body oils, perfume, and other chemicals that can yellow them. It’s also a good idea to get valuable jewelry checked regularly by a reputable jeweler to make sure the settings are secure and the stones are still in place. And always wear a jewelry pouch when traveling to protect your treasures from scratches and other damage.
