A Guide to Cleaning Your Jewellery at Home.
Whether it’s a gleaming silver necklace or a radiant gold ring, proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your jewelry continues to shine for generations. In this blog, we’ll explore how to clean and maintain silver and gold jewelry, discuss the use of vinegar in jewellery cleaning, share tips on restoring shine, and highlight what you should avoid when cleaning your precious pieces.
How Do You Clean Silver and Gold Jewellery?
To effectively clean silver jewellery and gold jewellery at home, begin by creating a mild soapy solution with a few drops of gentle dish soap and warm water. Submerge your silver pieces in this solution for a few minutes, allowing it to loosen dirt and tarnish. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush, delicately brush the jewelry’s surface and intricate details, taking care not to apply too much pressure to prevent scratching. Rinse the jewellery thoroughly under cool running water to remove all soap residue. Pat it dry with a soft lint-free cloth, gently buffing the pieces to restore their natural shine.
Can You Use Vinegar to Clean Jewellery?
You should never use vinegar to clean your jewellery – it may be a great cleaning substance at home, but vinegar is not recommended for cleaning jewellery, especially precious metals like silver and gold. Vinegar is acidic and can damage the finish, patina, or any gemstones in your precious pieces.
Ways to maintain clean jewellery at home without causing damage include gently buffing with a microfiber cloth and, if necessary, lightly cleaning your piece with mild dish soap. DIY cleaners to avoid include toothpaste (as mentioned earlier), lemon juice or other acidic substances, and denatured alcohol. All these liquids have been suggested online as cleaning agents at home, but they will only harm your jewellery.
What Should You Not Clean Jewellery With?
When cleaning your jewellery, you may be tempted to use household cleaners but it’s best to avoid any harsh chemicals, baking soda or toothpastes. These household items are abrasive and can scratch jewelry, especially softer metals like gold and silver. Boiling water should also be avoided as sudden temperature changes can crack gemstones and damage delicate settings.
How to Make Jewellery Shiny Again
To help make your jewellery shine like new again, we recommend the following:
- Use a Jewelry Polishing Cloth: These specialized cloths are designed to remove tarnish and restore shine without scratching.
- Visit a Professional Jeweler: A jeweller can professionally clean and polish your jewelry, ensuring it looks as good as new.
- Ultrasonic Cleaners: Some jewelry can be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners, but it’s essential to consult a professional or read the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid any damage.
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Jewellery is special to us all, and making it shine again is exciting! If you ever have any questions on how to best care for your jewellery, feel free to contact the experts at J.H Young and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
