How to Clean and Store Silver, Gold, Diamond and Pearl Jewelry

Cleaning and correctly storing your jewelry will help it keep sparkling, increase the longevity of the piece and enhance its wearing pleasure.

Let's first take a look at how to effectively and safely clean various types of jewelry.

Gold Jewelry

One of the simplest and economical ways to clean gold jewelry is to take a bowl of lukewarm to warm water, mix in a little mild detergent soap, immerse the jewelry piece and let it sit for a few minutes which will help dislodge residue and grime. Then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the piece. Put the piece under running water to wash of the soapy solution, then pat dry with a soft lint free cloth.

You can also use commercial jewelry liquids at most jewelry stores. Please follow the user instructions when using these.

Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry should be cleaned using the least abrasive silver polish. Apply the polish with a soft cloth and gently rub the piece, wipe away any excess polish. You can also use spray polish.

Diamond Jewelry

To clean diamond jewelry use a mix of 1 cup water and ¼ cup of ammonia. Immerse the piece for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then brush gently with a soft toothbrush, taking special care to brush the back mounting and the culet (tip of the diamond) as that is where most of the grime sticks reducing the amount of light passing through the stone thus reducing its luster.

Rinse the piece under running water and dry using a soft chamois skin cloth or a soft lint free cloth.

You can also use commercial jewelry liquids at most jewelry stores. Please follow the user instructions when using these.

Porous stones

Porous stones such as Emeralds, Jade, Onyx etc. use water and a very mild detergent to gently clean with a toothbrush, rinse under running water then pat dry with a soft lint free cloth.

Organic Stones

To clean organic stones such as Pearls, Amber, Coral, Jet etc. use only a soft damp cloth to wipe.

Never use any cleaning liquids or solutions on these stones.

Pearls can also be cleaned using a soft cloth with a little olive oil and then buffing with a dry soft cloth. This will improve the sheen and luster of the Pearl.

Antique and Ethnic jewelry

Antique jewelry and ethnic jewelry such a Kundan and Polki (Jewelry of India)

should not be cleaned at home as they are very delicate and liable to break and discolor easily.

These pieces should be taken to a trusted jewelry professional for periodic cleaning.

Note

Before starting the cleaning process of mounted and set stones please check the prongs, bail, earring posts, hooks and clasps for damage or wear and tear. If they are loose or missing please take the piece to a jewelry professional to get it fixed as the stone may dislodge during the cleaning process.

When rinsing under a tap, keep a sieve under the tap to trap a stone if it dislodges during cleaning.

Storing your jewelry

Correctly storing your jewelry is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the longevity of your cherished jewelry.

Try to store your jewelry in individual hard boxes lined with soft cloth.

You can also wrap your jewelry in polishing paper or soft tissues and put them in plastic zip lock pouches.

Porous gemstones and organic gemstones such as Emerald, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Pearls, Coral, and Amber etc. should not be stored in direct sunlight.

Store your jewelry in dark and cool place away from extreme heat or cold.

Always store your jewelry away from chemicals and cosmetics.

Don't put any heavy objects on top of your jewelry boxes or pouches.

Links and clasps of chains, bracelets and strings should be closed to avoid entanglement and breakage.

Always insure that your jewelry is completely dry before storing them.

The above mentioned cleaning and storage tips will ensure that you enjoy for years your favorite and often expensive jewelry.

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