How to Clean Antique Jewelry

Maintaining the luster and appeal of your antique jewelry is probably important to you, especially if your jewelry holds sentimental or monetary value. Some methods for jewelry cleaning can be harsh on precious metals and stones, even causing them to be stained or dulled in appearance. Cleaning your antique jewelry can be fairly easy when you follow a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. Grab a soft, unused toothbrush or a very soft, clean, unused cloth. The softer the better.

2. Apply a small amount of window cleaner, mild soapy water or a solution formulated for cleaning jewelry to the cloth or toothbrush.

3. Stroke your jewelry gently with your toothbrush or soft cloth and remove all visible dirt. Use a damp cotton swab or your soft toothbrush for hard-to-reach places.

4. Leave your jewelry out to dry for at least an hour after you've cleaned them.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you don't submerge your jewel in water or directly apply liquid to it, stones may still fall out on occasion. This is an easy repair job. Just consult your local craft shop or jewelry store for the best kind of glue because there are some varieties that work only for metal-to-metal bonds.

• Don't submerge your jewelry into water or run it under a faucet. Also refrain from spraying your piece directly with a window cleaning solution. This may cause too much of the bonding glue to dissolve and stones may fall out.

• Don't use vinegar for cleaning jewelry because the acid is harmful to stones.