Methods For Keeping Your Jewelry Clean
Its not only your teeth that need to be cleaned, jewelry does too! After all, our jewelry collection is one of our most valued pieces of treasures, right? We want to keep it safe, sparkly and beautiful at all times.
Often times, people do not realize that jewelry can become worn, not only by you, but everyday beatings that we put our jewelry through. Doing dishes, washing our hair, planting the garden or even folding clothes! These are the daily chores that can wreak havoc on your jewels, especially rings.
You should always have your jewelry inspected at least once every 6 months, for cracks, bends or loose prong settings. Most jewelers will offer a free cleaning if the jewelry was purchased from their retail store, others may charge a small fee. Either way, it is an important part of keeping your jewelry beautiful and wearable.
Just putting on a sweater every now and then, can snag your diamonds right out of their settings, and you thought your ring was the one doing the damage! Stones, especially solitaries set in a tiffany setting.
I am sure you have heard of the “home remedy” for cleaning your diamond, gem or gold jewelry. It has been said that an old toothbrush and toothpaste will work magic on your jewels. Don’t do it. Yes it is true that toothpaste (an abrasive) will shine up any diamond to like new condition, but it will also scratch the gold setting. Take a look at your ring after trying this method, scratches galore!
Ammonia works, but should be used with caution and in a well ventilated area. It would be sad to have your husband come home and find his wife and her beautiful engagement ring lying on the floor, all because she wanted to clean her ring with straight ammonia! Also see our article for a fantastic cleaning solution made at home to clean silver.
Take it to a jewelers is all I am saying. Let the professionals inspect every nook and cranny. They can tell you if the prongs are showing signs of wear or if a stone “sounds” loose. Stones have a sound when they are ready to fly the coop. Put your ear to the stone and listen for a rattling sound or clicking sound. This will be an indication that the stone is becoming loose.
Most jewelers will sell a cleaner that comes complete with a small brush to get all the debris out with. That is a great “in between inspections” method. But should not replace an actual jeweler’s inspection.
After a couple years, check the back side of your band; see if it appears thinner than when you purchased it. Most rings, especially 10, 12, 14, 18 and 24K gold’s, will wear tremendously on the underside of the finger. Platinum and Titanium are the only metals in which “wearing away” is usually not an issue.
Everything in life gets old at some point. Treat your jewelry like you would treat yourself, get checked, get healthy and be beautiful!
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