How to Clean a Turquoise & Silver Necklace

Turquoise and silver are both easy materials to clean, but the cleaning process becomes a little more problematic when you must clean a necklace that has turquoise stones set in silver. Turquoise is an extremely soft gemstone, so even the mild abrasion necessary to polish tarnish off silver may scratch turquoise. Likewise, taping over the turquoise to protect it while you polish the silver may discolor the gem. Your best asset while cleaning silver and turquoise jewelry is patience.

Things You'll Need

• Very soft, nub-free cotton cloths
• Silver polishing cloth
• Extra-soft bristled toothbrush

Instructions

1. Gently wipe any light fingerprints or surface tarnish off the silver part of your turquoise and silver necklace with a very soft, nub-free cotton cloth.

2. Polish any heavier tarnish or soil away from the silver portion of your necklace with a silver polishing cloth (see the Resources for an example).

3. Clean the turquoise portion of your necklace by dipping an extra-soft bristled toothbrush in water and gently scrubbing the stone.

4. Dry the turquoise with a very soft, nub-free cotton cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care not to use the silver polishing cloth on the turquoise portion of your jewelry---it might scratch or discolor the gem.

References

• Turquoise Jewelry: Caring for Turquoise Jewelry

Resources

• Southwest Affinity.com: Silver Polishing Cloth