I am frequently asked how best to clean jewelry.
The answer depends on the materials in the jewelry piece. Here are the best jewelry cleaning methods depending on the jewelry materials. Although, cleaning is important it is not the only way to care for your precious accessories. For more info on the best ways to care for your jewelry read {Love} Your Jewelry…How to care for it!
Tarnished silver jewelry with crystalline gem stones (diamonds, emeralds, rubies, Swarovski crystals etc)
- Drop your diamond ring or other crystalline and silver jewelry in a cup with some dissolved alka-seltzer.
- Lightly scrub your silver with toothpaste and an old toothbrush. Try not to scrub the gem stones too much. Gently rinse with water.
- Drop your jewelry in a tall glass of club soda and soak overnight.
Tarnished silver jewelry with opaque or porous semi-precious stones (opal, turquoise, amber, etc)
- Soak your jewelry in baking soda and warm water, in a aluminum foil lined container. Make sure the silver is touching the foil.
Pearls
Pearls are a totally different story. They are porous and very sensitive, not to mention they are usually strung or knotted with thread. Read more about How to Care for your Pearls.
Costume Jewelry
- Gently rub with toothpaste and then rinse with cold water and pat/air dry.
Jewelry Cleaning Product I Recommend
Connoisseurs Jewelry Wipes are dry disposable wipes for cleaning your gold and silver. I use this particular product almost everyday and carry it with me and my jewelry wherever we go! I have found they do a great job cleaning base metals (non-precious metals) as well as any stones, pearls, crystals and glass. They are dry wipes, so it is a super light weight container and can be used without creating any mess. The wipes are non-toxic and contain an anti-tarnish substance. I can’t say enough about this product! (I have included a link to Amazon. I do not make anything on the sale of this product. It is just awesome, and you need to know about it!)
Do you have a favorite method for cleaning your jewelry? Leave me a comment below.
See you soon,
As a jewelry designer totally agree with your information. So important to store and care for your handmade jewelry. Pinned to my Jewelry Tips and Bead boards.
Great advice! I feel the urge to go clean all my jewelry now!!
Thanks for sharing.
Wow
Great Post.I feel that it is extremely important to care for your handmade jewellery. Useful advice Emily. Reading your blog, I have realised that cleaning one’s jewellery items is essential. I will clean all my jewellery with immediate effect. Thanks a lot.
Regards;
opal Mineaus