How to clean and maintain your jewelry

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All of us have jewelry that we have quit wearing because it just isn't as beautiful as it once was. These are some simple ways to clean and keep your jewelry as beautiful as it was the day you purchased it.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

polishing cloth
commercial cleaners specific to the type of jewelry you want to clean (be sure to ask a jeweler or read the labels)
toothpaste
soft bristle toothbrush

Step1

Make sure you remove ALL of your jewelry before doing any household cleaning and before bathing. The chemicals in soap and household cleaning agents can be very damaging to all types of jewelry. The chemicals in swimming pools and hot tubs can also be VERY damaging to your jewelry, ESPECIALLY GOLD.

Step2

Put your jewelry on AFTER you have applied your make-up and hair products. Hair spray, make-up, lotions and perfumes can dull metals and stones, particularly pearls. Apply all cosmetics first, wash your hands, then put on your jewelry.

Step3

Diamonds, sapphires and rubies can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and a small dab of toothpaste. Most other gemstones need to be cleaned in commercial solvents especially designed for that type of stone. Please ask your jeweler or read the labels to avoid damaging your jewelry.

Step4

Gold and silver can be thoroughly cleaned with commercial solvents. Be VERY careful to read the labels because some of these solvents can be very damaging to the gemstones attached to the gold and silver. To be safe, always go with the least corrosive chemical possible.

Tips & Warnings

Never be afraid to ask a jeweler for advice. Once your jewelry has been damaged, it is much more difficult to repair than it would have been to just ask questions in the first place.