Jewelry is one of the many ways we hold special memories close to our hearts, which is why it is important to keep your jewelry just as shiny and beautiful as it was the first time you saw it. Cleaning jewelry might appear daunting initially, however, it is straightforward and can be accomplished in the convenience of your own home. A lot of jewelry cleaning tactics are similar to each other, so after reading this blog, you’ll become a pro at cleaning all types of jewelry!
When Should You Clean Your Jewelry
It is recommended that you clean your jewelry once a month. Some major signs that means your jewelry needs to be cleaned is loss in color, dullness, and build up such as dirt, oils, makeup, etc. A few ways you can avoid having to clean so frequently, is to not sleep or shower in your jewelry. Some materials are more delicate than others and this can cause your jewelry to tarnish. Also avoid getting substances such as oils, lotions, makeup, sunscreen, and chemicals like chlorine, these all can cause build up to form on your jewelry.
Cleaning Gold, Silver Jewelry, and Diamond Jewelry
You will need: Gentle dish soap, a clean polishing cloth, soft bristle brush
In a bowl, mix lukewarm water with a few drops of gentle dish soap to create a cleaning solution. Once you have made your solution, put your piece in the solution and let it soak. After a few minutes, take the piece out and gently scrub it with a soft bristle brush to remove build up that may be stuck on it. Repeat this process if needed. Make sure to rinse off any excess soap. Once it’s clean, let it air dry and polish it using a polishing cloth or microfiber cloth.
Cleaning Pearls
You will need: Gentle dish soap, 2 clean microfiber cloths
Mix together lukewarm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap in a bowl to make the cleaning solution. Dip one of the microfiber cloths into the cleaning solution and gently wipe the pearls until they are clean and use the dry microfiber cloth to dry the pearls. Be careful and make sure the water is not too hot or too cold, extreme temperatures can damage the pearl. Once cleaned, it is important to lay the pearls out to dry on a clean cloth. Do not hang the pearls.
Cleaning Gemstones
You will need: Gentle dish soap, soft bristle brush
Once again, mix together lukewarm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap to make your cleaning solution. Put your jewelry into the solution and let it soak for a few minutes. After you take it out, use a soft bristle brush to scrub and loosen any build up on the piece. If you don’t have a soft brush you can use a clean, unused toothbrush. Rinse the jewelry off in lukewarm water to remove excess soap and any build up residue. Gently dry and polish with a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning Tarnished Jewelry
You will need: Shallow dish, aluminum foil, baking soda, boiling water, microfiber cloth
Cleaning tarnished jewelry is a bit more challenging, but not to worry! Put a layer of aluminum foil on your dish and then sprinkle a small scoop of baking soda on the foil. Next, lay out your jewelry on top of the baking soda and carefully pour boiling water on the jewelry until it is fully submerged. Let it soak for about 5 minutes and rinse off the solution and the residue. Finally, take your microfiber cloth to dry and polish your piece. Depending on how tarnished your jewelry is, if this didn’t get it fully clean, you may need to consider taking it to a jewelry cleaner to restore its beauty.
Maintaining clean and sparkling jewelry not only enhances its beauty but also ensures its longevity. With the simple yet effective cleaning methods listed above, you can easily restore your pieces to their former glory in the comfort of your own home. While it is important to keep your items clean regularly, we recommend bringing your items to Komara Jewelers every six months for a thorough cleaning and inspection. This will ensure nothing needs repaired, and you can wear your favorite jewelry for years to come!
