How to keep your Jewelry Shiny

Keep your Jewelry look fantastic

People are fond of jewelry. Even before houses were built, these shiny objects were worn by different kinds of people all over the world, as proven by archaeological excavations. People – not just women but men as well – enjoy wearing rings, watches, necklaces and earrings as accessories that show their personality, status in life and even taste.

If you are fond of these shiny objects even if you cannot afford to buy the real and expensive ones, then you must be aware that jewelry does not sparkle forever. Even diamonds – said to be forever – do not shine always.

This happens because of different components like perspiration, oil and skin moisture, as well as other contaminants that can tarnish jewelry. In order to be able to wear your jewelry in perfect condition always, you must know how to clean them.

But before you put out those generic jewelry cleaners and apply them to your prized possessions, you must know first that different stones and metals require different kinds of cleaning attention.

Here are some cleaning tips that you ought to follow in cleaning your jewelry – if you must do it yourself – compiled in part by Real Simple magazine.

Gold jewelry

Gold Jewelry

Soak for 15 minutes in a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dish-washing liquid, like Joy. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.

You may also use a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner, which you can purchase at local jewelry stores.

Diamond Jewelry

Diamond Jewelry

Soak for 20 minutes in a solution of one cup warm water and 1/4 cup ammonia. Then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, getting into the small areas between the diamond and the setting. Rinse with warm water, and lay on a tissue to dry. If your diamonds are set in platinum, this method will also clean the setting.

However, ammonia can remove the color of most metals so if you’re not confident about the metal where your diamond is set, avoid using ammonia and opt for a solution of water and mild detergent instead.

Pearls

Pearl Jewelry

Rub each pearl individually with a soft, clean cotton cloth dampened with a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid, like Joy. (Soaking strands of pearls can cause the string to stretch.) Let air-dry overnight.

The important thing to remember when cleaning pearls is to avoid any form of abrasion. So be sure to use only the softest cloth and gentle soaps.

You can also use this method to most gemstones but use a soft toothbrush to harder stones to get rid of additional grime.

Silver jewelry

Silver Jewelry

Rinse in warm water and pat dry. If silver is tarnished, use a silver-polishing cloth or a jar of silver-cleaning fluid, such as Goddard's Silver Dip. For jewelry with intricate designs, use a silver-cleaning paste, which can get into small crevices. Wipe with a clean, soft cloth.

Also remember not to use toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching the metal.