I hope you're having a fantastic day! Spring is here and for many of us that means "Spring Cleaning"!
For many of us, this means the time to clean out the house, garage or start yard work again. But if your favorite ring, pendant, chain, or any piece of jewelry is looking a little tarnished, dim or lackluster, it could be a good time for some Jewelry Spring Cleaning.
Here are some tips to help you get that silver sparkling, and those gemstones gleaming:
POLISHING CLOTH:
A simple way to brighten up many metals is to use a polishing cloth impregnated with a safe cleaning solution. You can often buy these at a hobby store or at some jewelry stores, and at jewelry making/craft supply shops.
Carefully but firmly wipe all the surfaces of the piece of jewelry to remove fingerprints and tarnish and bring it to a beautiful luster.
MILD DISH SOAP:
You can rinse your jewelry in water and mild dish soap to clean it up, if necessary you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to help remove any dirt.
ULTRASONIC CLEANER:
An electric ultrasonic cleaner can work well for more durable materials, it uses vibration to remove dirt and clean tarnished metals. But be careful not to use it on vulnerable stones, especially those which are soft and porous or that might have minute cracks or fissures in them, because it can destroy your jewelry. Read you owner's manual to see if it is safe for the piece of jewelry you want to clean!!! Some examples of things NOT to put in an ultrasonic cleaner: Opals, pearls and emeralds.
IONIC CLEANER:
An electric Ionic cleaner will not remove metal from your jewelry, doesn't use any harsh liquids and is safe for most stones. Again, consult you owner's manual before using to be sure it is ok for your particular piece of jewelry!! An electrical current "repels" dirt and oils and such and leaves your jewelry sparkling and clean.
COMMON MATERIALS THAT CAUSE TARNISH:
Common things that will cause tarnish are latex, wool, rubber bands, some kinds of paint and certain foods.
WOODEN JEWELRY BOXES:
If you use a wooden jewelry box, avoid having the jewelry touching the wood surface, the acids in the wood can cause most metals, including Rolled Gold, to tarnish.
CHALK:
A good tip is to put sterling or fine silver jewelry in a bag with a piece of regular white chalk.
LIMIT EXPOSURE TO AIR:
Sterling silver and other tarnishing metals will of course tarnish more quickly when exposed to air.
USE PLASTIC WRAP OR A TREATED BAG:
Keep sterling silver from tarnishing by wrapping in it plastic wrap or using one of those specially treated storage bags.
We hope these tips will help you with your Spring Cleaning, and that you have many sunny warm days ahead to wear and enjoy your favorite sparkling jewelry!
JewelryBySeraphim.com
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