How to clean jewelry
Caring for your fine jewelry is easy, and it's essential to clean and store it properly if you want it to sparkle and glow. Helena Krodel of the jewelry information center shows us how to baby your bling.
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How to clean jewelry
Jewelry cleaning solutions
- The most affordable solution is made by mixing three parts water and one part ammonia.
- Over-the-counter formulas that are affordable and clean most jewelry are available at many jewelry stores.
Cleaning gemstones and diamond jewelry
- You can clean most gemstone jewelry this way, but consult with your jeweler first. Drop the jewelry in the solution, take a soft bristle toothbrush and scrub out any debris.
Cleaning pearls
- With pearls it’s a little different. It’s recommended that you wear them often. Put them on last. When you take them off, make sure you brush them and rub them with a soft chamois cloth and store them away from all your other jewelry so they don’t get scratched.
Professional cleaning by a jeweler
- Every six months to a year you should take your jewelry to a reputable jeweler for a cleaning. They have something called an ultrasonic cleaner, which works best for cleaning jewelry. But it’s not safe for all gemstones, such as emeralds.
Remember:
- You can make your own jewelry cleaning solution at home by mixing 1 part ammonia with 3 parts water. This is ideal for diamonds and most gemstones.
- Every 6 months to one year, have your jeweler use an ultrasonic machine -- the best way to clean jewelry.
- Pearls should be rubbed with a soft chamois cloth and stored away from all other jewelry to prevent scratching.
meet theexpert
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Helena Krodel Jewelry Information Center Helena Krodel's the Associate Director for Media and Spokesperson for Jewelry Information Center, the public relations arm of fine jewelry and watch industries. A non-profit trade association in NYC, JIC is the objective authority on fine jewelry/watches.
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