Jewellery is a timeless addition to any outfit, but wearing it daily can lead to dirt and grime buildup. This can make your pieces look dull and worn out. Luckily, there are some simple and affordable ways to clean your jewellery at home that are both effective and easy.
Sterling silver is a popular type of jewellery made of silver and copper. Over time, it can tarnish due to oxygen, moisture, and sulphur exposure. But don't worry; you can clean it easily with warm water and gentle dish soap. Just soak your silver in the solution for a few minutes, then use a soft cloth to dry it off. To bring back its shine, use a silver polishing cloth that has a fine polishing abrasive. You can use a silver cleaning solution if there are any hard-to-reach areas.
If you're looking to clean gold-plated, Vermeil, or gold-filled jewellery, the process is similar to cleaning sterling silver. However, avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive polishes, or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the gold plating or base metal. Also, avoid using professional jewellery polishing cloths on these types of jewellery, as they can remove the gold coating and cause your jewellery to lose its shine.
It's important to handle gemstones with care, especially softer stones like opals, pearls, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. Cleaning solutions and rigid materials can harm these delicate stones, so cleaning them gently with a soft cloth and lukewarm water is best.
Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions or abrasive materials on any gold-plated or filled items to keep your jewellery looking great. Also, store your jewellery separately to prevent tangling and scratches. The best way to store your pieces is to wrap them in a soft cloth or tissue paper and keep them in a jewellery box or pouch to maintain their shine.
Following these straightforward steps, you can keep your jewellery looking stunning and brand new for years to come without any hassle.