Caring For Your Jewelry
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Most jewelry you buy probably comes with a very expensive price tag, so it makes perfect sense to care for your jewelry as much as possible. This means finding out how to clean jewelry properly depending on what type of jewelry it is.
Cleaning Jewelry
Believe it or not, cleaning jewelry doesn’t mean wearing your best diamond ring while washing the dishes. If you want your precious gemstones to continue looking their best for years to come then following some basic jewelry cleaning procedures is absolutely essential.
One thing worth pointing out right from the start is that The Jewelry Box doesn’t recommend using the latest, must have, ultrasonic jewelry cleaners. These work by using sound waves to shake the dirt away from your jewelry. Unfortunately, the dirt may not be the only thing that is shaken away. The vibrations can also cause serious damage to your stones and their settings.
Diamond Cleaning
Cleaning diamonds is relatively easy. The important thing to remember is to use a soft bristled brush. Wash them using a solution of water and mild ammonia. Take care to remove any build up around the prongs, and try to avoid touching the diamond as much as possible, or you will simply leave a layer of oil, which will detract from the shine of the diamond.
Gemstone Cleaning
Soak your gemstones in a bowl of warm, soapy water and clean with a soft bristled brush. Don’t rinse them in the sink, unless you are willing to risk losing them down the plughole. There isn’t usually a need for specialist cleaning solutions but your jeweler should be able to advise you if necessary.
Pearl Cleaning
Because pearls are organic, they are extremely soft by jewelry standards. Only use the mildest cleaning solution when cleaning cultured pearls. And don’t do overdo it.
Metal Cleaning
Soap and water, along with a soft bristled brush will take care of most of your cleaning needs for jewelry mountings and bands. Do take care when cleaning metals to avoid any damage from scratching the surface, especially gold, which is very susceptible to scratching.
When drying your jewelry after cleaning, use a soft, lint free cloth. The last thing you want is to leave behind lots of fluff or threads after you’ve just spent time cleaning your jewelry to restore it’s sparkle and lustre.
A professional clean every couple of years is a good idea, even though you may regularly clean your jewelry yourself. It also helps to ensure that any possible problems with your jewelry are discovered early and can be put right before more serious problems develop.
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Tags: basic jewelry care, cleaning jewelry, diamond cleaning, gemstone cleaning