Many, if not most, people wear jewelry on a daily basis. But, often these precious items are the last thing we think of taking time to clean. If you’ve noticed your diamonds looking a little dull or your rings losing their luster, don’t worry! Here are some common household products that you can use to restore their beauty.
Steel Wool
Let’s start with the heavy-duty stuff: steel wool. This is your go-to method for buffing out dark, stubborn tarnish spots or pieces that are heavily discolored all over. According to Houston Gold Exchange (www.houstongoldexchange.com), fine steel wool is best used on highly textured gold or silver. Grades #00 or #000 will take out tarnish without being too ‘scratchy’. However, steel wool is abrasive by nature, so you might want to leave this method for pieces that already have a satin finish or whose surface will do well with a soft, brushed look. Avoid using on stones, and test the steel wool out on an inconspicuous area of the piece if you’re a little unsure. When polishing your piece, rub the steel wool over it in a circular motion to attain an even finish.
Aluminum Foil
Another technique you can use on both silverware and silver jewelry that has become discolored by tarnish is to line the inside of a bowl with aluminum foil, then add very hot water. Stir in one tablespoon of baking soda before adding your jewelry. The baking soda is activated by the hot water and will cause the tarnish to bond to the aluminum. Use tongs or another kitchen utensil to move the jewelry around in the bowl, making sure each piece has come into contact with the foil. After five minutes, remove the jewelry, rinse well under lukewarm water and pat dry.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be abrasive, so take care when using it on metals. Make a thin paste and use it along with a soft cloth to gently scrub your jewelry.
A gentler way to take advantage of the cleaning power of baking soda is as part of a soaking solution. Mix together one cup of hot water, one teaspoon of baking soda, and a few drops of liquid dish soap. Soak your jewels for up to five minutes, then carefully rinse and dry completely. If you still see a little tarnish after trying this cleaning solution, you may want to try the aluminum foil and baking soda method described above.
Soap and Water
According to Houston Gold Exchange, a company that sells luxury watch brands, many jewelry-cleaning methods can damage stones. The soap and water method is perfect for these jewelry pieces—and it’s the simplest solution yet! It can be used on plain silver or gold, or jewelry that contains stones. This method may not remove deep tarnish, but, due to its grease-busting nature, it will easily remove any build up from lotions, creams or hair products.
Turquoise, coral, opal and pearl do best when cleaned with a warm, sudsy cloth. Try to find a soft cotton or flannel cloth for this, or, if your jewelry needs a deep clean, a soft infant’s toothbrush will work well. Be careful not to submerge the stones in water, as these stones are porous. Dish soap works well for just about any stone, and a gentle, hypoallergenic liquid laundry detergent works particularly well with pearls. You don’t need much! Just a drop or two of soap worked into the cloth will do. Finish by going over the pieces with damp, soap-free cloth, and patting dry. If your pearls are strung using thread, be sure to lay them flat—don’t hang—for drying to avoid stretching them out.