How to Clean Jewelry?

Jewelry or ornaments such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings enhance one's beauty and charm. Though everybody likes jewelry, it is mostly the females who adore it most. However, the time comes when your enchanting piece of jewelry may lose its earlier shine! After wearing for a few days, the piece of bright and shining jewelry may lose its charm and glitter. Do you want to know why this happens? This is due to dust, dirt and the body lotions that we use. Jewelers often advise us to clean jewelry carefully on a daily basis. A good cleaning can turn a dull piece of jewelry into a charming and eye-catching one.

Tips for Cleaning Jewelry

Before cleaning your jewelry, you should make sure of certain things, such as the stones should be fitted properly. Make sure that mounting and all the clasps, prongs, etc. that fasten the piece together are tight enough to clean. If you are not sure about how to clean your delicate jewelry piece, it is important to talk with your jeweler before using any homemade cleaning solution on it. Now, the question comes to our mind is how to clean the jewelry? To answer this, let me tell you that there are various ways of cleaning jewelry. Jewelry can be cleaned at home too.

Cleaning Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry like earrings, finger rings or necklaces should always be cleaned with soft cotton or flannel cloth.

• A silver cleaning cloth may help in quick cleaning your silver jewelry, as it has anti-tarnish ingredients.
• A smooth toothbrush can be used to clean the intricate scroll work of the jewelry.
• A mixture of small amount of liquid detergent or soap in warm water can also used to clean dirt.
• Rinse the piece of jewelry in warm water, wipe with a cloth and allow it to dry.
• If you have used a toothbrush, then scrub gently and rinse it.
• Use a silver dip (liquid cleaner) or baking soda paste to remove tarnish.

However, it is better to avoid using silver dip in cleaning gemstones, as the stones may get damaged due to chemical reactions.

Cleaning Gold Jewelry
To clean gold jewelry such as necklaces, finger rings, bracelets studded with beautiful stones - soak the piece for 10 to 15 minutes in hot soapy water. Now scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, rinse it in lukewarm water and allow it to dry. Add a few drops of ammonia into the soapy water to remove the tarnish. In addition to this, dirt can be removed from your gold piece by dipping it into alcohol. In case of cleaning white gold jewelry, ultrasonic jewelry cleaning can be used, under the assistance of a jeweler.

Cleaning Diamond Jewelry
Every girl wants to own atleast one piece of diamond jewelry. Like other jewelry, it too may lose its shine after frequent wearing. To bring the sparkle back to your diamond jewelry, you should know how to clean the pieces. Here are some tips for cleaning your diamond jewelry:

• Soak your diamond earring, necklace, etc. in a solution of warm water and ammonia or mild detergent.
• Now scrub gently with a smooth toothbrush.
• A toothpick may help you to get hard-to-reach areas.
• Allow it to dry on a clean cloth or tissue paper.

While cleaning your diamond jewelry, don't use any homemade chlorine bleach as it may damage the charm and dazzle of the piece.

Cleaning Pearls
To clean jewelry made of pearls, use soft and clean cloth and wet it in soapy water. Now rub the piece with this dampened cloth. Rinse it gently and allow it to dry. Do not soak your pearl jewelry in soapy water, as it may cause it to stretch. Pearl jewelry should be worn after cosmetics and perfumes are applied.

These jewelry cleaning tips may help you regain the shine of your jewelry. It is advisable not to use abrasive or other alcoholic mixtures while cleaning pearl jewelry, as alcohol may damage it. For better results or professional cleaning, you may approach a professional jewelry cleaner to polish your necklace or bracelet.