All jewellery needs some care and attention to be kept at its sparkling best. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Keep in mind that some methods work best for certain types of jewellery. Soft gemstones, for example, can’t stand up to the harsher cleaning methods designed for gold and platinum. Make sure you know exactly what your jewelry is made of, and if you have any uncertainty, err on the side of caution and always handle your jewelry with care.
How to Clean Silver Jewellery
Tarnish on silver jewellery is often caused by a chemical reaction. Try this method:
- Fill a bowl with hot water,
- Add a tablespoon of salt
- Stir until dissolved.
- Place ribbons of aluminium foil in the bowl, Followed by your silver jewellery.
- Let it sit for a couple of minutes to remove sulphur from the silver, then rinse with water.
How to Clean Gold Jewellery
Gold jewelry is more resilient and can be cleaned with dish soap, ammonia glass cleaner, or even just hot water. As with silver, you can give it a good scrub when necessary, but be sure to use a soft toothbrush or other small brush designed specifically for jewelry.
How to Clean Jewellery with Gemstones
Jewelry with gemstones requires extra care, as each stone has its own setting, and these settings can loosen over time. Before cleaning these pieces at home, we recommend taking them to a jeweler for a once-over to confirm all settings are sturdy and there are no loose stones.
Hard gemstones (such as diamond, ruby, sapphire, and quartz) can be cleaned with at-home methods, while soft gemstones (including pearls, opal, and jade) should be treated with special care and only cleaned with a very gentle soap and lukewarm water.
How to Clean Jewellery with Hot Water
- Pour water over your jewelry pieces and let them soak for a few minutes.
- Wipe away grime with a clean cloth after soaking.
- Let the jewelry air-dry or wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
How to Clean Jewellery with a Toothbrush
- Scrub lightly with a soft-bristle toothbrush for light spots.
- For tougher buildup, use in conjunction with homemade jewelry cleaners.
- Rinse with water and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Jewellery with Household Ingredients
- Use a DIY jewelry cleaner made with household ingredients for quick and safe cleaning.
- Options include antibacterial cleaner, baking soda, heartburn tablets, dish soap, and glass cleaner.
- Always research the type of metal or stone before cleaning to ensure compatibility.
Remember to always handle your jewellery with care and store it properly to maintain its beauty and longevity.