Whether costume, vintage, or precious gems, our jewelry collection is very important to us. We want our jewelry to sparkle and shine, but we may not know how to keep them clean without causing damage. Different types of jewels and precious metals require their own unique methods of care. Knowing the right ways to clean your jewelry safely will keep your treasures beautiful and in good condition for years to come.
Cleaning Diamonds and Other Gemstones
Our diamonds and precious gems are often special to us because we pass these elegant pieces of jewelry down through generations of loved ones. Cleaning them properly and safely is vital to their preservation. Though diamonds are the hardest of minerals, they still require care to keep their lustrous shine. Dip your diamonds into a warm solution of water and a few drops of gentle detergent. For diamonds in good condition, after about three to five minutes, gently wipe with a soft cloth. If your diamonds haven’t been cleaned in a while, you can gently wash them while emerged in the warm water solution with a soft toothbrush.Rinse all jewelry and then buff with a very soft cloth. It’s important to note that you should never use toothpaste to polish diamonds or other jewelry as it is an abrasive and can scratch and cloud stones.
Cleaning Gold and Silver
Most jewelry lovers and collectors have plenty of gold and silver in their jewelry boxes. Because gold and silver are some of the most worn pieces of jewelry, they tend need cleaning more often. Begin by using a soft rag to remove any dust from your gold and silver pieces. Just as with diamonds and gemstones; dip your gold jewelry into a warm water solution with a few drops of gentle detergent. Allow your gold jewelry to soak. If your gold jewelry is really soiled, you can, carefully and sparingly, add a tiny amount of ammonia to the warm water for a deeper cleaning. Ammonia should only be used in 6 to 1 ratios; one part ammonia to six parts water.
For silver jewelry, there are plenty of commercial cleaning products that will successfully remove tarnish, but there are more natural and gentler ways to clean your silver. Line a glass bowl with aluminum foil and fill it with boiling water, two tablespoons of baking soda, and a teaspoon of salt. Mix the solution thoroughly, and place your silver jewelry in the solution until the solution cools off. Rinse and polish your silver with a very soft cloth.
Cleaning Pearls
Oddly enough, one of the best ways to keep your pearls clean is to wear them. It is the natural oils from your skin that will keep them clean and lustrous. If you choose not to wear your pearls often, they are still easy enough to keep clean. Use a soft cloth and bit of olive oil, and gently wipe them to maintain their luster. Make sure that your pearls are secured on their strings and not in need of any other repairs, before cleaning.
In the process of cleaning your jewelry, you might be surprised at some of the pieces you’ll find buried in your jewelry box. Ready to simplify your collection? At Frank Pollak & Sons, we’ve been in the business of jewelry appraisal since 1905. Give us a call or stop in today to get the cash you need for the jewelry you don’t want anymore.
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