To clean used jewelry, use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Avoid strong chemicals. For engraved areas, use a soft toothbrush and very mild soap.
Cleaning Your Used Jewelry: A Simple Guide
Cleaning your preowned jewelry doesn't need to be complicated. Here's a simple method that's both effective and safe:
- Gather your supplies:
- A soft cloth (microfiber is excellent)
- Warm water
- Mild soap (dish soap works well)
- A soft toothbrush (for detailed cleaning)
- Prepare the solution: Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water.
- Clean the jewelry:
- Dip the soft cloth into the soapy water and gently wipe the jewelry.
- For engraved areas or hard-to-reach spots, use the soft toothbrush dipped in the soapy water to carefully scrub away dirt.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the jewelry under warm, running water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry completely: Use a clean, dry, soft cloth to dry the jewelry thoroughly.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Used Jewelry
Some common household products should be avoided when cleaning your jewelry:
- Strong chemicals: Do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals, as these can damage the metal and gemstones.
- Abrasive cleaners: Avoid using abrasive cleaners or rough cloths that can scratch the surface of your jewelry.
- Ultrasonic cleaners: While useful for some jewelry, ultrasonic cleaners can damage delicate pieces or those with certain gemstones. Always check with a professional jeweler before using an ultrasonic cleaner on your used pieces.
Cleaning Different Types of Jewelry
While the basic cleaning method above works well for many types of jewelry, here are some specific considerations:
| Jewelry Type | Cleaning Method | Specific Cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Jewelry | Soft cloth and warm, soapy water. For engravings, use a soft toothbrush and mild soap. | Avoid strong chemicals like bleach. |
| Silver Jewelry | Soft cloth and warm, soapy water. For heavily tarnished silver, consider a silver polishing cloth or silver cleaner suitable for the specific type of silver. | Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch the surface. |
| Gemstone Jewelry | Soft cloth and warm, soapy water. | Be careful with porous gems (such as pearls and opals) that can be damaged by soaking. |
| Costume Jewelry | Soft cloth and warm, soapy water. | Avoid soaking or using abrasive cleaners. The metal finishes are often more delicate. |
| Engraved Jewelry | Soft toothbrush and mild soapy water. | Be gentle while cleaning. |
Summary
Cleaning used jewelry involves a straightforward process using gentle materials. By following these guidelines, you can keep your cherished pieces sparkling for years to come.
