We all love our jewelry, but keeping it clean can be a problem, especially with all the things our hands come into contact with every day. Commercial jewelry cleaners do the job but can be very expensive, and we don’t always have it on hand when we need it. However, ordinary household products can be used to clean your jewelry and keep it sparkling.
TO CLEAN DIAMOND JEWELRY: Pour Vodka in a glass bowl. Swish jewelry to clean. Rinse with clear water and buff with a soft cloth. If your diamond jewelry is really dirty, you can use a soft toothbrush dipped in the vodka. It will be sparkling in no time!
TO CLEAN YOUR GOLD JEWELRY: In a glass bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap, and 1 teaspoon of household ammonia. Put gold pieces in and let them sit for ten minutes. Rinse well with clear water and buff with a soft cloth. Your gold will be shining! (My sister owned a jewelry store, and she always used this mixture.)
TO CLEAN YOUR SILVER JEWELRY: Silver jewelry can be hard to clean when you use commercial silver paste, plus it makes a mess. There is an easier way. In a glass casserole, line the bottom with aluminum foil. (The aluminum reacts with the silver to help clean it.) Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda, one tablespoon of salt, and then pour in boiling water. Add your silver pieces and let them sit until the water is cool. Rinse well with clear water and buff with a soft cloth. Even the creases and crevices of your silver will be clean and you won’t be excessively rubbing the finish so your jewelry will last longer.
TO CLEAN CAMEOS: Cameos can be delicate, so it is important to clean them correctly. Sprinkle the surface of the cameo with talcum powder or cornstarch. Use a dry toothbrush to lightly brush. Then brush off the excess, rinse, rinse and dry.
TO CLEAN PEARLS: The best way to keep your pearls clean is to wear them often. The oils from our skin keep them soft and lustrous. However, if you don’t get to wear your pearls often, you can keep them in good condition by wiping them with a soft cloth sprinkled with olive oil. Then use a dry cloth to buff them to a gorgeous shine.
NOTE: Never soak jewelry that contains stones for long periods of time. This can loosen the stones.
We pay so much for our jewelry and it is important to keep it clean so that it looks it’s best. Regular cleaning can keep it looking like new, even without the special jewelry store lights! After all, cleaning will protect your investment. So don’t go out and buy expensive cleansers or sonic vibrating jewelry machines. Using products you likely have around your house now will make it more convenient , and you’ll be surprised how great the results are with these easy methods.
