How to Clean a Cameo Ring

A cameo ring has a raised image on the surface; usually a portrait.

Most cameo rings are constructed from shell pieces or even pearls. The word "cameo" refers to the style of engraving on the surface of the ring. A cameo ring has a raised imaged with a background that is flat and beneath the image surface. Cleaning a cameo ring will keep it in good condition for many years and prevent damages from dirt, oil and other contaminates.

Things You'll Need

• Pearl jewelry cleaner
• Red jeweler's rouge
• Soft cloths
• White toothpaste
• Soft toothbrush
• Baby oil
• Cotton swabs

Instructions

1. Clean the entire surface of the cameo ring with a jewelry cleaner designed to clean and polish pearls. This will not damage the surface of the cameo or the metal of the ring. Rub the cleaner into the cameo with a soft cloth. Do not soak the cameo ring in the cleaner, as this can damage the surface.

2. Deep clean the surface of the cameo with white toothpaste. Rub the toothpaste into the surface of the cameo and scrub the surface with an old toothbrush. Rinse the cameo after scrubbing with the brush in warm water. Dry the ring with soft cloths.

3. Polish the metal ring with red jeweler's rouge. This paste will remove scratches from the metal and add a high shine to the surface of the metal part of the ring. Rub the paste into the ring with a soft cloth. Use light pressure to gently polish the surface of the ring.

4. Cover the surface of the cameo with baby oil twice a year to moisturize and prevent discoloring. If you skip this moisturizing process, the cameo can dry out, crack or become discolored. Dip a cotton swab in baby oil. Rub the oil over the surface of the cameo on the ring. Set the ring on a soft cloth overnight.

5. Remove any remaining oil residue from the ring the following morning. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth. Do not wash the ring with soap or any other material at this point. This will remove the benefits of the oil. Simply use the soft cloth to absorb any remaining oil. Most of the oil will soak into the cameo anyway if you did not soak the entire ring in oil.

References

• Sculpt: Polishing Metal
• Jewelry Design Gemstone: The Care of Cameos