Whenever I have a client come in for an appointment, I always offer to clean the jewelry they have on. Why? I think everyone deserves to have their jewelry sparkle! I always feel best in my jewelry when it is clean, showing off the piece to its full potential, and I want you to feel the same way. Here are my tips for giving your favorite jewelry a little TLC, and getting back that brilliant, just-purchased glow.
What’s the Difference Between Gold and Silver?
The care of gold jewelry versus silver jewelry is very different. Aside from the obvious differences in color, these metals also exhibit different properties that call for different methods of cleaning. Gold is prized for its bright color, and for being resistant to tarnish, rust, and corrosion. Gold does, however, still need regular cleaning to prevent buildup of things that will reduce its shine, like lotions and sweat.
Silver, on the other hand, is not so resistant, meaning it should be cleaned regularly to prevent tarnish. Silver is an excellent alternative to gold jewelry for those who are gift-giving on a budget, and with proper care, sterling can last a long time. Both metals have their pros and cons, and if you’re trying to decide between the two, check out this article here.
Cleaning Gold
Cleaning your gold is super easy, and using my method, you can have it done in ten minutes! You only need a couple of ingredients, most of which can be found in your baking cabinet.
For cleaning gold, I simply mix a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of hot water in a bowl that has been lined with aluminum foil. These ingredients help to break up dirt and debris, making your gold sparkle. After letting your piece soak for ten minutes, pull them out of the water and clean them with a soft cloth or a polishing cloth. This will remove any remaining dirt and give your jewels back their brilliance.
Please note that this method only works with solid gold pieces, not with plated or filled jewelry. As well, be sure not to soak your jewelry longer than ten minutes to avoid damaging any stones in your piece. Check out this article that I wrote on my lifestyle blog that goes deeper into cleaning your gold.
Before and After
Cleaning Silver
While silver may lose its shine quickly, it is super easy to polish! This process works well on both your jewelry and your silver home goods.
All you need to do is add three tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of hot water to a bowl lined in aluminum foil. The baking soda and aluminum foil create a chemical reaction known as an ion transfer which naturally cleans your jewelry. After soaking your jewelry for 15-20 minutes, give it a once over with a polishing cloth and look at your silver sparkle!
Proper care of silver jewelry can help prevent tarnishing as well. Be careful around harsh chemicals when wearing your silver, and be sure to store it properly. Check out this article that I wrote on my lifestyle blog that goes deeper into cleaning your silver jewelry.
Before and After
Cleaning Diamonds
There are a few ways to keep your diamonds sparkling. The easiest is to use an ultrasonic cleaner, especially for cleaning larger stones set in metals like gold and platinum. This is a very hands off method of cleaning your jewelry; simply pop the jewelry in the cleaner, set the timer, and wait!
If you don’t have an ultrasonic cleaner, my DIY diamond cleaning method works wonders. All you need to do is mix 1 part Mr. Clean (the green solution) with 3 parts hot water. Let the jewelry soak in the solution for a few minutes, then pull it out and give it a once over with a toothbrush to get in all the nooks and crannies of your jewels. Be sure not to press too hard to avoid damaging your stones and prongs. After you dry your piece off, your diamonds should be just as sparkly as the day you bought them.
These methods are super easy and efficient for making your diamonds sparkle. Check out this article on my jewelry blog for more tips on cleaning your diamonds.
I try to clean the jewelry I wear day-to-day at least once a week. This keeps my pieces looking brand new and beautiful, and keeps me feeling confident in wearing them. I hope these tips help you to feel the same way.
