Cleaning jewelry requires knowing the type of piece, tools needed, and how to protect it from damage. Start with a dry cloth or soft brush, then use mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive substances, and inspect the jewelry before cleaning. Different stones and metals require different cleaning methods.
The most important things to know about jewelry cleaning are usually related to what type of piece you are cleaning, what tools you will need, and what you can do to protect yourself from damage. Some of this is little more than common sense, but it also tends to require a bit of research and planning. Cleaning a diamond, often a bit different from polishing tarnished silver, for example, and different chemicals and abrasives can be safe for one type of metal or stone but very harmful for another. Most experts recommend that you start very simply, usually with a dry cloth or soft brush, then continue with mild soap and water. Depending on what you’re working with some solvents and chemical cleaners can be used after this point, but it’s usually a good idea to start very slowly and make sure things dry completely before trying anything new. Spending a little time planning your cleaning session and coming up with a strategy and order for your approach is one of the best ways to ensure that you end up with polished, damage-free jewelry.
useful tools
Gathering your tools is a good place to start. Some items that may be helpful include a mild detergent, a clean toothbrush, a soft, dry cloth, and a lint-free cloth such as microfiber. Some experts also recommend a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner, but a lot of this depends on what exactly you’re working with. This type of product can be purchased at many jewelers, as well as some pharmacies.
In almost all cases, you’ll want to start by simply washing, drying, and polishing your piece with clean water and clean rags or brushes, so having these tools readily available will make things easier. The softer the touch, the better for protecting the surface from scratches or other pressure marks.
thinking about chemicals
It’s important not to subject jewelry to unnecessary chemicals or abrasive substances, particularly not before you’ve tried less intensive options. Some home remedy experts recommend using toothpaste or certain baking soda solutions to clean jewelry, particularly metal, but this is not usually something that professionals say is a good idea. The chemicals in these and other products around the home can cause surface level damage like hairline scratches. These are not always visible, at least not always immediately, although they can wear the piece down over time. A non-chemical way to clean jewelry is simply with a polishing or silver cloth. This method requires a little more time and effort, but in most cases, your jewelry will stay brighter for a longer period of time.
protect and inspect
Before you begin, it’s also generally a good idea to check your jewelry to make sure all clasps and prongs are secure. If you notice cracks or weak spots, you’ll need to be especially careful, as these could be further weakened if you use a lot of pressure in the course of cleaning. Composite pieces, which basically include any type of jewelry made of more than one substance, may also require special care. If you’re worried about damaging a particular stone or setting, covering it with a loose cloth or plastic while you clean the rest can sometimes help.
know your stone
Different stones have different needs and tolerances, and knowing what you’re dealing with before you start can save you a lot of headache later on. For example, it is not recommended to put porous stones such as pearls, turquoise, or gemstones in a jewelry cleaning solution, even one described as “gentle” or “non-abrasive.” These stones can absorb the solution, which could corrupt them from the inside. Instead, rub the jewelry with a soft, damp cloth.
Diamonds can also present some special concerns. When cleaning these stones, it is generally recommended that you first soak the diamond in vodka or alcohol to dissolve any grease that has built up over time, although just a few minutes is usually all you need. Diamonds are remarkably durable, but they can scratch or dull with misuse. If in doubt, have these stones professionally cleaned.
Metal Considerations
Knowing a little about your metal and its characteristics can also improve your results. When cleaning silver, the best method is often to coat the piece with a non-abrasive professional silver jewelry cleaner. Experts generally advise clients to apply the polish to the metal with a soft cloth and remove any stains, then wipe off any excess with a lint-free cloth until shiny. The more you wear silver jewelry, the longer it will keep its shine. When not in use, it can be stored in a plastic bag to reduce oxidation, the reaction with atmospheric oxygen that causes fogging.
Gold generally requires a slightly softer, softer approach due to its malleability. Professional jewelers often recommend soaking jewelry in two cups (about 0.47 liters) of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. After 15 minutes, rinse the jewelry under warm running water and dry with a lint-free cloth until shiny. It is really important not to use harsh abrasives on this type of metal to avoid scratches.
When cleaning jewelry made of copper, a solution of lemon or lime juice with a pinch of salt will often restore it to its original condition. Afterward, it’s a good idea to rinse the jewelry and dry it well with a soft cloth. Copper jewelry can also be buffed with a polishing cloth to produce a shiny finish.
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