subject: Properly Caring For Your Valuable Jewelry [print this page] With the plethora of creams and lotions that one uses on their hands and body, it is easy for a film to develop on your jewelry, especially the pieces that you wear all of the time. Rings and necklaces are prone to looking lackluster or tarnished if they are not cleaned and cared for properly.
In fact, lotion can even create a layer of "gunk" that prevents diamonds and gemstones from refracting properly, thus leaving them dull and lifeless looking. The best way to keep your favorite pieces shiny and beautiful is by cleaning them frequently and taking the best care of them that you can.
Most diamond, gold, and pearl jewelry is quite resistant because of their hardness levels; however, one must be very careful when it comes to scratches and the types of cleaning products that are used on them. Coatings and dipping that are used on gold and other gems may be damaged by regular household substances, so it is best to make use of a specific jewelry cleansing agent.
Some of the best ways to clean these items are actually the gentlest. When it comes to diamond engagement rings, soaking them in a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap detergent may do the trick.
Dish soap is designed to break down oils and other substances that water cannot remove alone. The majority of creams and lotions on the market today and made with some type of oil, so the soap has the ability to break it down and remove it from the surface of the ring.
If there are particles of dirt and other substances stuck in filigree or prongs, you may need to make use of a soft bristled toothbrush to free them and remove them from tight spaces. The biggest thing to remember is soft-you do not want to use any kind of abrasive or damaging brush on metal or stones of your jewels, especially yellow gold.
Those that choose to clean items in the sink should always remember to plug it beforehand; otherwise, it is likely that your prized possession could be washed down the pipes. Plug up the sink before you create a solution, and make sure to remove any objects from the area before you unplug it and let the liquid escape.
If you wish to dry the objects and wear them right away, make sure to use a lint-free or specially designed cloth that will not leave any debris behind. After you have gone through this process, if you still notice gunk or dirt make use of a dental pick that shoots water at a higher pressure.
This should loosen any trouble areas without harming stones or metal. To prevent having to clean the items as often, it is best to remove all jewelry before applying lotion or washing your hands.
You may even wish to let the products sink into your skin for a while before replacing rings, bracelets, and necklaces. The same type of cleansing solutions and practices can be used on pearls that have become dirtied and lost their shine.
Avoid any abrasive home cleansers when you are trying to get rid of build-up on jewelry. If your diamond is true and has not been treated with filler, you may add a small amount of ammonia into water for cleaning.
However, it is best to use the mildest products possible to avoid any long term damage or degradation. Though metal is tough, it can definitely be subjected to damage if you do not take care of it.
Make sure to remove rings before you do any household chores like laundry, cleaning, or dishes. There is a good chance that cleaners will be abrasive and scratch the metal or that you could accidentally scrape it against something sharp.
Keeping jewelry boxes or containers in the kitchen and bathroom is a great way to remind yourself to remove them; it will also keep them in a safe place until you replace them back on your finger. Yellow gold is especially sensitive to scratching.
Unlike white gold or platinum, it has not been mixed with any other stronger metals. Therefore, it is more likely to experience damage.
The better care you take of your valuable and sentimental pieces, the longer they will stay looking their best. Follow proper care instructions; if you are unsure about what these are, ask help of your jeweler!
