Everyone has a favorite piece of jewelry they can’t forget. Like the first time you saw them in a store or put them on for the first time and made it a part of your everyday wardrobe.
But over time, all fine jewelry begins to lose its shine. A common question we are asked at Pharah is, “how can I clean my jewelry at home?”. It's important for you to know that jewelry should be cleaned by a professional because jewelry cleaning solutions can be too harsh for certain gemstones.
Here are some recommendations for how to care for your fine jewelry.
1. Protect your jewelry by storing it in a safe place
Although it seems obvious, we've all been guilty of throwing our jewelry in a drawer or on the nightstand. It's best to keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined case that has compartments and dividers for your jewelry.
If you don't have a jewelry case, make sure to wrap each piece of jewelry in a soft tissue or paper before placing it in a drawer. This will prevent scratching and tangling. For sterling silver jewelry, get an anti-tarnish bag or cloth to limit exposure to air and moisture.
2. Avoid chemicals that can cause damage
Hair spray, lotions, and perfume can damage certain types of jewelry. Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are especially affected by these scents. When getting ready in the morning or preparing for a night out, set your jewelry aside or better yet leave it in its case until you’re ready to wear it.
3. Always use mild cleaners for regular cleanings
The best method of jewelry cleaning involves warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. However, ultrasonic jewelry cleaners have become popular among jewelry lovers seeking a thorough approach to cleaning their jewelry.
Jewelry experts understand when to use ultrasonic cleaning. Tanzanite, moonstone, opal, turquoise and topaz should not be put in a ultrasonic cleaner. Pearls, coral and amber are best left alone by professionals.
4. One rule: when in doubt, leave it off
Do not wear your jewelry when you swim, work out, or do household chores. Not only can harsh chemicals and debris build up on your jewelry and make it unsightly, but you could also potentially lose a piece of jewelry that means a lot to you. Retrieving your ring from the bottom of a pool drain is a nightmare you should never have to experience.
5. How to clean gold
To clean gold, put a few drops of dish soap and warm water into a bowl and add your jewelry. Put small pieces of jewelry into a strainer before submerging them; large pieces can go directly into the bowl to soak for about five minutes.
Swish the items around, then take them out, lay them on a soft cloth and go over the crevices and chain links with a soft toothbrush to dislodge any dirt trapped there. Return small pieces to the strainer and rinse everything under running water. Buff dry with a soft cloth.
6. How to clean silver
Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and use it to rub the silver, removing the tarnish. Rinse with cool water and buff dry with another soft cloth.
Give your silver a good cleaning with baking soda: mix three parts baking soda with one part warm water. Wet the silver, and apply the mixture to it with a soft cloth. Work it into the crevices and turn the cloth as you go, so it picks up the tarnish. Rinse well and buff dry.
A mild abrasive in toothpaste can remove the tarnish from silver. Apply white toothpaste to tarnished silver and rub gently with your finger or a soft cloth. Rinse well with warm water and buff to a shine with a soft cloth.
7. How to clean Gemstones
Clean precious and semi-precious stones, like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires set in gold by making a diluted detergent solution of soap and water. Then rinse off the soap with seltzer water.
Brush your stones and settings with a soft toothbrush. Rinse your pieces in clear water or place in a strainer and rinse them under running water. Buff the pieces dry and admire the sparkle.
Conclusion
Keeping up with the maintenance of your jewelry is important to increasing its longevity, and practicing good hygiene is a great way to make sure that you take care of your jewelry. We recommend an annual clean from a professional jeweler.
