HOW TO CLEAN AND LOOK AFTER YOUR JEWELRY
Why do we love jewelry so much? There can only be one answer: for its captivating sparkle. But even the most gorgeous pieces will lose their beauty unless we take good care of them. You can fine loads of tips and home remedies that allegedly help bring the long-lost shine to your rings and necklaces. The question is though, whether you really should follow the top tips from the net and rest assure that will not cause any harm to your beloved bling. We have decided to consult a specialist. Jan Suchodolski shares his expertise of many years in the goldsmithing trade*.
Every piece of jewelry requires a slightly different approach. However, one thing is certain: no earrings or bracelets thrive on moisture, and they will suffer from excessive contact with cosmetics or perfumes. Therefore, baths or hand cream treatment are best done once your trinkets are safely set aside. Appropriate storage is just as significant. You should keep your most delicate accessories in separate baggies or individual compartments in order to avoid scratching. But what if we threw caution to the wind and our jewelry got dirty?
Ultrasonic Cleaner
If you are toying with the idea to take a professional approach and invest in a special ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, then our recommendation is: don’t. The household approach is not any less effective, while being decidedly more affordable. You might consider contributing the cash and the shelf space you save on this way toward a decent jewelry storage case. What is the alternatives to a cleaner then? You can easily remove dirt that settles on a bracelet by washing it with water mixed with dish soap. It will prove even more effective, if you boil the jewelry in the mixture. Simply make sure you place a cloth at the bottom of the pot to prevent the pieces from bouncing. A very gentle rubbing with a toothbrush may also help.
Silver
The Internet will encourage you to fight the silver’s tarnishing by means of toothpaste, baking soda or Coca Cola. Will that really help restore your silver’s glory? It turns out that Coca Cola can prove risky, and it might be a better idea to turn to baking soda for treatment. Accompanied with water, salt and aluminum foil, baking soda will do away with dirt. Line the bottom of a non-metal (e.g. glass or china) bowl with aluminum foil. Fill the bowl with hot water and mix in two teaspoons of salt and baking soda each. Put the jewelry in the solution and let it soak for ten minutes. Rinse well and buff dry with a clean cloth. And what about toothpaste? It may actually come in handy, but something to keep in mind is that most toothpastes contain tiny abrasive particles that may dull the surface of your jewels. If you are not absolutely confident about the ingredients of the toothpaste, it might be a better idea not to take the risk and give it a pass.
(source: www.perfectweddingguide.com/wedding-blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cleaning.jpg)
Gold
Ash, lemon and onion often come up when gold needs some brightening up. You can apply any of those products and your gold jewelry will be safe. Onion juice removes a tarnish film, just as well as ash mixed with water. Still, they are not the most effective methods to restore the shine. Specialist wipes that any jeweler offers at an affordable rate might be a more convenient alternative. Regular treatment will result in long-lasting gleam. Importantly, gold alloys from 585 and up do not combine easily with oxygen or oxidize. They can only get dirty ‘mechanically’ if you wear the jewelry while cooking, gardening etc. In that case it will suffice to use the warm water, dish soap and soft brush method.
Brass
Brass earrings or necklaces are beautiful, and also extremely sensitive. If you leave them sitting on a damp shelf in the bathroom they may discolor and lose their shine. Certain creams or perfumes can also cause them harm. Understandably, over time brass tends to darken and acquires a particular depth. If we take proper care the alteration will be gradual, and it will not cause unsightly spots nor darkened sections. To return them to the original look, it is best to employ dedicated brass cleaning agents. From among products you might find at home, Cif cream will hit the spot. It will eliminate larger areas of dirt and grime. You just need to remember not to let it sit on a brass surface for an extended period of time and keep its contact with the jewelry down to a minimum.
(source: www.homeremedyhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/jewelry-cleaning-696 uprzed451.jpg)
Safety First
Whatever you do, let caution be your guide. Home remedies always carry some risk, so when you opt for one the result may differ from what you originally intended. This is because jewelry is composed of various materials, it employs diverse coatings, gems and accessories. Regardless of the method you pick, it is always a good idea to check its effect on a small area of the chosen jewelry item prior to cleaning it to make sure there will be no unwanted side effects. If you are dealing with a precious family or extremely valuable item, your best bet might be to refer to a professional!
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* THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND JAN SUCHODOLSKI ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY JEWELRY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM ITS IMPROPER CLEANING AT HOME.
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Main Photo Ring: JUNG Jewellery