Jewelry cleaner is a solution that removes residue from a piece of jewelry and restores its shine. There are both liquid and ultrasonic jewelry cleaners available, as well as wipes, brushes, and polishing cloths. Which one to choose depends on the type of jewelry and how hands-on you want to be with cleaning it.
A simple, safe jewelry cleaner that is good for most types of jewelry (but not emeralds, soft gemstones, organic materials like opal and turquoise, doublets, and resin inlay) is a mixture of 1 cup warm water and a teaspoon of mild dish soap. Soak the jewelry for at least 30 minutes and rinse it thoroughly. For a deeper clean, you can scrub gently with a cellulose sponge or microfiber cloth. If tarnish is still present, rub the jewelry with a little more baking soda and repeat the process.
Toothpaste is an effective jewelry cleaner for silver and some gemstones but it is abrasive and can scratch the surface of softer stones. To avoid scratches, use a low-abrasion toothpaste that doesn’t contain extra whitening or tartar-control agents and apply it sparingly with a cellulose sponge. Be sure to rinse the jewelry and dry it carefully with a clean, lint-free cloth.
An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is an electronic device filled with a cleaning solution that uses high-frequency sound waves to create and collapse microscopic bubbles that agitate the jewelry to remove dirt and residue. These devices are especially helpful for removing hard-to-reach places in settings and crevices of delicate stones. It’s important to note that ultrasonic cleaners can damage some softer gems and some organic materials, such as moonstone, opal, and coral.
If your jewelry contains peridot, a gentle non-ammoniated cleaner is the best option. This is because sudden temperature changes can cause peridots to fracture. They’re also fragile, and it is easy to scratch them with abrasive jewelry cleaners and brushes.
When storing pearls, be sure to separate them from other jewelry. This protects them from scratching and allows each piece to breath, which reduces tarnishing and keeps them looking their best. To keep your jewelry organized, store it in a felt pouch or box to prevent it from becoming tangled or damaged.
