While thinking about my new year resolutions, I promised to myself, between (many) other things, to take better care of my little treasures. And there are, in fact, some pretty easy tricks for this. If you think you need expensive products in order to clean your jewelry and bring your gemstones to shine like new, hear this: you can do it with some household products you already have at home! I gathered for you some old but gold tips from grandma’s kitchen and trust me, they do magic! However there are some considerations in order to prevent any damage. Let’s take a look!
Cleaning
Wipe down your pieces every once in a while
When you remove your jewelry at the end of the day, you can wipe it with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or oils. Remember to store them in fabric-lined cases or wrap them individually in soft tissues to prevent scratches.
Use Mild Cleansers
The most popular way to home-clean your jewelry is lukewarm water, some dish soap and a (very) soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or other, as they are too aggressive and might damage both stones and metals.
Reaching hard-to-access spots
Using a soft toothbrush is great for that matter. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid scratching your pieces. You can then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Tarnished Metals
If you do not have any commercial gold polish, you can use ammonia or vinegar to soak, rinse and dry your pieces.
Gemstone care
Some gemstones are very fragile and require special attention. Do not use any chemicals on porous stones (like turquoise) or organic gems (like coral or pearl), and do not soak them in water, as this will damage them. Just wipe them with a soft cloth instead. Also remember to avoid them any contact with perfumes or products of such.
© 2021 Paola Sleiman. All rights reserved.
