Jewelry is one of our most intimate and precious accessories. Elegant pearls, opals, and other fine jewelry have a beautiful appearance; however, it is very important that you think about your care.
Cleaning jewelry and other gemstones may seem easy enough, but you also need to be careful that they don’t lose their shine and luster over time. Different stones and gems have their own specific properties that you should be aware of. The harder the gem, the less vulnerable it is to potential damage. If you are unsure of the delicate condition of the stone, it is recommended that you speak with your jeweler before using any household cleaning tools.
cleaning pearls
Pearls are unique because they are a delicate organic material. Pearls have a certain shelf life. Unlike diamonds, a pearl’s lifespan can be shortened if it is not stored or nurtured with proper care.
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First of all, never use anything abrasive to clean pearls. Instead, moisten the pearls with clean water and use a clean, soft cloth to wipe them clean.
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Once you’ve cleaned the pearl, let it dry completely before putting it away.
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Also be sure not to use soap on pearls, as it can dissolve the pearl’s smooth, reflective outer layer.
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Always store pearls in a clean box and never drown them in plastic bags.
opal cleaning
Opals require special care as they are relatively soft, porous, and generally brittle. Never use harsh cleaners on opals. You can use a soft brush or clean linen cloth to remove the small amounts of dirt on your opal. If you feel like your opal has lost its sparkle and shine, visit an opal specialist near you.
emerald cleaning
Emerald is less hard than diamonds and requires delicate care. You can soak your emerald in lukewarm water and dry it with a clean linen cloth. Once the emerald is dry, use a soft, smooth brush to clean hard-to-reach areas. Sometimes the emerald may need to be oiled again after several years, and this procedure should only be done by a professional.
diamond cleaning
Diamonds are the hardest substance known, however it is important that you take proper care of the stone so that it does not lose its natural sparkle and shine.
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If you want to clean your beautiful diamonds, soak them in a warm solution of water and mild detergent for a few minutes.
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Next, gently scrub the diamond with a soft toothbrush.
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After scrubbing, you should rinse the diamond with warm water to remove any remaining detergent.
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Finally, dry the diamond with a clean cloth.
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Diamonds that have not been filled with fractures can be easily cleaned with a solution of ammonia and water. Likewise, use a mild liquid detergent solution for diamonds full of fractures, as the ammonia could cloud or gradually remove the layer that has covered the stone.
Note: Solutions such as chlorine; bleach etc can discolor your diamond. Therefore, it is important that you avoid using harsh solutions while cleaning diamonds. Also, avoid keeping two diamonds together in one box, as they tend to scratch each other.
General jewelry cleaning tips
First of all, never wear jewelry while showering, swimming or sleeping as it is easily prone to scratches and blemishes. Always wear your jewelry once you have completed your makeup. Make sure to keep everyday substances like body creams, lotions, hairsprays and perfumes away from your jewelry as they make the jewelry look more dull and gloomy.
Some tips to keep in mind when cleaning your jewelry:
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It is important that you wash your jewelry in a clean container and not in the sink so that nothing goes down the drain.
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Clean one piece at a time and avoid applying too much pressure to the jewelry while cleaning.
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Use mild soaps and solutions while cleaning jewelry.
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If you are using a toothbrush to clean the miniature areas of the jewelry, make sure the bristles on the brush are soft and smooth.
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Your jewelry prongs and settings should also be handled with care, as they can come loose during cleaning.
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Lastly, don’t throw all your jewelry together in one box. Store your jewelry neatly in a clean box or wrap it in a soft cloth.
