Your jewelry collection may be one of the most expensive things you own. An engagement ring alone costs $5,500 on average, according to a survey conducted by The Knot.
After investing money over the years on beautiful pieces of fine jewelry, it is essential to focus on maintaining their value.
Maybe you want your jewelry to sparkle again. Or perhaps you are looking to sell your jewelry for cash. Regardless, cleaning fine jewelry is essential for maintaining its value and beauty.
The following guide will show you the key to maintaining your jewelry collection to continue looking good as new.
Preventative Measures for Maintaining Your Jewelry Collection
Preventative measures are always best when it comes to cleaning fine jewelry.
It is best to put your jewelry on as the last step in getting ready for the day. You can avoid getting perfume, makeup, hair products, or lotions on your expensive jewelry items this way.
Wherever possible, take off your jewelry before showering and swimming. It is also best to take it off when doing any other activities that may get it dirty, such as gardening or exercising.
Of course, even when you pay attention to simple preventative measures, your jewelry will get dirty over time. When it does, you need to know how to clean it.
General Tips for Cleaning Fine Jewelry at Home
It is essential to take extra care not to damage your fine jewelry while cleaning it. There are some general precautions you can take to keep your jewelry in tip-top shape.
A common jeweler complaint is that people damage their jewelry while attempting to clean it. This happens because they use corrosive supplies, such as alcohol, toothpaste, or lemon juice.
The general suggestion is that the strongest thing you should use on fine jewelry is mild dish soap.
Of course, this depends on the material composition of the jewelry. Diamonds can withstand more than pearls.
Below is a guide on how to clean jewelry made from different materials.
Polishing Silver Jewelry
It would be best if you frequently wiped down silver pieces in your jewelry collection to maintain them. The best practice is to mix a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent in warm (not hot) water, dip in a soft cloth and rub the piece until it shines.
If your pieces are already tarnished, create a mixture of three parts baking soda to one part water. Use the paste with a soft cloth to rub the tarnished jewelry until it sparkles again.
When finished, rinse items with cold water and buff them dry to avoid water spots.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry
For gold pieces, create a mixture consisting of water, a few drops of dish soap, and a few drops of ammonia. If the piece contains gemstones other than diamonds, lukewarm water is best. Otherwise, the water can be boiling.
Soak the gold jewelry in the mixture for about 20 minutes, then rub it with a soft cloth to dry.
Cleaning Diamond Jewelry
It can be tempting when cleaning diamond jewelry to scrub; after all, diamonds are known for their strength and durability. However, the danger when cleaning diamond jewelry is that the diamond may be dislodged from its setting. Keep this in mind when cleaning your diamond pieces.
Soak your diamond jewelry in a mixture of water and mild dish soap for about twenty minutes. Then gently brush the piece using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse in cold water and wipe it dry. If you have issues with hard water spots, you can consider rinsing it with distilled water.
Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry
It is crucial when cleaning gemstones to pay special attention to the stone setting to avoid damaging it.
Additionally, gemstones should be cared for based on the properties of the stone. Knowing the stone's softness or hardness that you wish to clean is essential if you want to avoid damaging your fine jewelry.
For most gemstones, the rule is not to expose gemstones to hot water; lukewarm water is best. Mild dish soap is safe for most pieces in your jewelry collection that contain gemstones.
Be sure to research your particular stone type to avoid damaging it. Here is a helpful guide to methods you should use to clean various kinds of gemstones.
Cleaning Pearl Jewelry
Pearl jewelry requires special attention because it is so fragile. They are incredibly soft and susceptible to damage. Keep this in mind and take extra care not to scratch the pearls while cleaning them.
Even though pearls originate in water, you should avoid submerging pearls in water as they are a very porous material.
Instead, it is best to wipe your pearl jewelry down with a soft, clean cloth. If necessary, you can dip the fabric in a mixture of mild dish soap and water to get the dirt off.
Take Fine Jewelry to a Professional Jeweler
Even with proper cleaning at home, it is crucial to take your frequently worn jewelry items to a jeweler to get them professionally cleaned once or twice a year. Even the best DIY home remedies can't replace a professional clean.
Jewelers have access to tools that allow them to clean, shine, polish, and steam your fine jewelry collection much better than you can do on your own. Plus, when you take your jewelry to be professionally cleaned, the jeweler can check to ensure that the gemstone settings are still in good shape. Just be sure to do your research on how to choose a good jeweler.
Maintaining Your Jewelry Collection
We know how valuable your fine jewelry is, and with these simple tips, you can keep your jewelry collection in mint condition. Cleaning fine jewelry will keep it in great shape for years to come.
Be sure to keep an eye out for any pieces of jewelry you no longer need while cleaning your jewelry collection!
Are you interested in exchanging pieces from your jewelry collection for cash? Please take a look at a list of items we buy or request a quote for a cash offer for your old jewelry today!
