How To Clean Jewelry At Home
Your jewelry is an investment and one that you need to take care of properly. Most likely you have these items insured and keep an inventory of exactly what you have. Don't let this be the only step you take to protect your jewels. You should also clean and inspect your jewelry on a regular basis to catch minor problems before they get worse.
Cleaning jewelry at home is very easy to do. Although you won't get the same results as you do when you take these items to a professional, home cleanings help to keep your jewelry nice between professional cleanings. This is also a great way to save money during these trying economic times.
Start by choosing a cleaning solution. Many choose to purchase a cleaning solution at a jewelry store. This is one option or you can choose to make your own. All you will need to do is mix one part ammonia to three parts water.
To clean gold jewelry, drop your items into this solution. Allow them to sit in this solution for a moment to help loosen any debris. Finish up by taking a soft bristle toothbrush and running it over the jewelry. Use it to scrub any debris from cracks and crevices that remain after the soak in the solution. For silver jewelry, it is best to use silver polish available in most grocery and discount stores.
If you have gemstones and/or diamond jewelry, it is best to speak to a professional jeweler before attempting to clean these items at home. If he or she feels this would be beneficial between professional cleanings, follow the steps used above for gold jewelry. Take care when using the toothbrush on the gemstones so you do not scratch them. Opal, coral, turquoise and other soft gems need special care so they do not become damaged.
Pearls need to be cleaned using a different method. It is recommended that you wear pearls as often as possible as this actually benefits them. When you do go to take them off, brush them with a soft chamois cloth. This is all that is needed to keep them looking beautiful. Always remember to store them by themselves so they do not become scratched by other jewelry.
Once or twice each year you should take your jewelry in for a professional cleaning. Reputable jewelers make use of an ultrasonic cleaner as this provides the best results. Be sure to ask though as not all gems can be cleaned in this manner. Your jeweler can best recommend how you clean those items.