By the time jewelry looks as if it needs a good jewelry cleaning, it is probably much worse off than you would imagine. Long before your jewelry looks dull or dirty and like it needs jewelry cleaning, soap scum, grease, dirt, cells from our skin, little hairs, and living organisms collect in crevasses and pack themselves into the pockets beneath gemstones. A good jewelry cleaning can help avoid many skin rashes resulting from an accumulation of unwanted filth on jewelry. Inherited or other pre-owned jewelry should have a good jewelry cleaning and be inspected for repair before being worn by its new owner.
Jewelry must be given regular jewelry cleaning to be truly beautiful. Diamonds, in particular, derive their beauty solely from the way they refract, reflect and disperse light, and jewelry cleaning is the best way to achieve this. The least bit of film from skin oil, soap, or hand lotion will change the refractive index from that of diamond to that of grease, and most of the brilliance will be lost, jewelry cleaning will alleviate the problem. Diamonds, in particular, have a natural affinity for grease and need to have a jewelry cleaning every day.
There is a lot of different jewelry in the world and there are some jewelry items that you just should not attempt to give a jewelry cleaning at all. Those pieces that should never have a jewelry cleaning would include hair jewelry (popular in the Victorian era), jewelry set with real scarabs, butterflies and other delicate materials, jewelry with foil-backed stones and jewelry whose materials are in doubt. In addition, there may be a natural patina (as opposed to dirt) on antique jewelry that could be removed by a jewelry cleaning, and some modern jewelry may have applied finishes that could be damaged during jewelry cleaning if not handled with care. When in doubt, refrain from jewelry cleaning or ask the advice of a jewelry cleaning expert in your area.
The vast majority of jewelry, however, can withstand and benefit from jewelry cleaning to a greater or lesser extent. Below are some basics for getting started from the most gentle jewelry cleaning and continuing to the more vigorous jewelry cleaning.
Do your jewelry cleaning in a place where you will not lose an important piece.
The sink is not a good place for jewelry cleaning. Guard against losing a stone during the jewelry cleaning! Often, especially on jewelry that has been worn a lot, or pieces with very lightweight settings, the build-up of grime may actually be all that is keeping a stone in its setting! Jewelry cleaning off the grime could dislodge the stone. While this would be inconvenient, it is a lot better than having the stone fall out in an uncontrolled environment! Carry out the jewelry cleaning in a small bowl, and check carefully for missing stones before pouring out the jewelry cleaning solution.
Invisibly set jewelry is very popular. These gems are cut to fit together, held from beneath by grooves cut into the mounting. Be very careful doing jewelry cleaning on this type. Press you finger against the tops of the stones while brushing from beneath and be gentle in your jewelry cleaning!
Damp Cloth Jewelry Cleaning Method
For jewelry cleaning the most delicate jewelry or just about any
jewelry, dampen a soft flannel cloth with warm water and wipe the jewelry. Use this method of jewelry cleaning for cleaning pearl strands, amber, jet, ivory and other delicate organic gems.
Bowl of Soapy Water Jewelry Cleaning Method
Same as above, but soak jewelry for a few minutes in a small bowl of warm water with a little dishwashing liquid added. When jewelry cleaning you might brush gently, using a soft facial brush or a cosmetic brush such as used to apply eye shadow. This would be a good method for jewelry cleaning a pearl ring, and jewelry set with turquoise, lapis lazuli, malachite, coral, and similar stones.
Brush with Ammonia, Rinse & Dry Jewelry Cleaning Method
If very dirty, dip jewelry in alcohol to cut any grease. Use a child’s soft-bristle toothbrush for the jewelry cleaning. Dip the brush in sudsy household ammonia and brush the stones on all sides, especially the bottoms and sides. Brush the mounting and rinse after jewelry cleaning. If the back of the stone is difficult to reach during jewelry cleaning, a tiny inter-dental brush (used to clean between the teeth and available at most large grocers) may do the trick. Use a soft flannel cloth to wipe any remaining film off the metal after jewelry cleaning, especially the inside of ring shanks. This is a safe way for jewelry cleaning emerald-set jewelry and opals with accent diamonds that need jewelry cleaning. Also useful for jewelry cleaning where the stones may be glued in.
Soak in Ammonia, Brush & Rinse Jewelry Cleaning Method
To jewelry cleaning this way soak from a few minutes to overnight, depending on dirt build-up, in sudsy household ammonia. We recommend soaking your diamond ring once each month either overnight or in the morning, you complete the jewelry cleaning while getting ready for the day. Brush around and under the stones, using a soft-bristled child’s toothbrush for jewelry cleaning, and/or an inter-dental brush (see above). Wipe the mounting with a soft flannel cloth to remove any remaining film after jewelry cleaning. Safe for diamonds and all faceted colored stones, except those such as emerald that might be filled with oil. Do not use this, or any of the jewelry cleaning methods listed below, for any jewelry that may have foil-back stones, or stones that may be glued into the mountings as is the case with many earrings.
Water-Pik Jewelry Cleaning Method
A very useful tool for jewelry cleaning as well as cleaning your teeth! Do this after you have used the "soak and brush" method to soften the grime. The water jet can be a messy jewelry cleaning technique, so work inside a plastic bag. Set the pulse on "medium" and direct the jet under and around the stones. With invisibly set jewelry, start the jewelry cleaning at the stones first from the top, then from the bottom while pressing your finger against the stones from the top. This method is very effective for jewelry cleaning emerald jewelry (skipping the ‘soaking’ step.) If you use a detergent in the water tank, be sure to rinse thoroughly and run a tank of clear water through the unit when finished.
Boil gently, cool slowly jewelry cleaning method
Restrict this method of jewelry cleaning to jewelry that just won’t clean up by other methods. Even though boiling is considered a safe jewelry cleaning method for most stones we strongly urge you to restrict this jewelry cleaning method to Rubies, Diamonds and Sapphires. Make sure to avoid "thermal shock" (sudden and extreme temperature change) that can fracture a stone. In other words, do not drop the jewelry in water that is already boiling for the jewelry cleaning!
You will need a pan of room-temperature water, and a strainer that will keep the jewelry off the bottom of the pan. A screen-like strainer will work for the jewelry cleaning, as will a veggie steamer. Use a small amount of laundry or dishwashing detergent in the water for the jewelry cleaning. Put the jewelry in the strainer, and suspend in the pan. Slowly bring the pot of water to a boil, and boil for 10-20 minutes. Watch carefully, and do not leave the jewelry unattended! Do not add cold water if the water level falls: that could cause thermal shock! Remove the pan from the burner after the jewelry cleaning, and let cool slowly. Once the water is back to room temperature, you may give the jewelry a final jewelry cleaning brushing, rinse and dry. Your jewelry should be sparkling clean after this jewelry cleaning! (Remember to check for missing stones.) If you are ever in doubt about how to clean a piece of jewelry, contact your local jeweler. Most carry special cleaning compounds especially formulated for fine jewelry cleaning.
Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaning
These jewelry cleaning devices send ultrasonic waves through a jewelry cleaning solution to remove dirt. These are much stronger than the sonic jewelry cleaning appliances used at home, and can fracture some delicate gems. During jewelry cleaning they can also shake out stones that are insecurely set.
Rubies, diamonds and sapphires are usually safe in ultrasonic jewelry cleaning. One exception may be certain diamonds that have been clarity enhanced by filling fractures with a colorless substance. Some of these fillings may be removed by the ultrasonic jewelry cleaning. They can also be damaged by the jeweler’s torch during repairs. If you own such a stone, be sure to inform anyone attempting to do jewelry cleaning or repair your jewelry. The treatment is not easily detectable during jewelry cleaning and could be overlooked. (Should the filling be damaged or removed during jewelry cleaning, the diamond can be re-treated.)
You probably will never use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine at home, but your jeweler may use one for jewelry cleaning. If you own a delicate gemstone such as Tanzanite or Peridot, be sure that an inexperienced sales person does not mistakenly try to do the jewelry cleaning in the ultrasonic!
Rhinestone Jewelry Cleaning
For this jewelry cleaning brush the piece with a soft, clean brush. A makeup brush could do a good jewelry cleaning job to get the dust from the crevices. (Be careful of Aurora Borealis stones which scratch so easily that they shouldn't be brushed during jewelry cleaning) This brushing may also reveal loose stones and you might as well find them now. Sometimes brushing is all that is needed for a jewelry cleaning, if so stop there.
Alternative products for jewelry cleaning are - Alcohol, pure water or a bowl of soapy water.
When jewelry cleaning, it is satisfying to watch your cherished items turn from dull and drab to shiny and bright. And it takes just a few easy jewelry cleaning steps to restore your jewelry's brilliance and luster.
Fashion & Designer Jewelry Cleaning
Costume jewelry cleaning can be touchy! Mainly because jeweler's cement is often used to create those designs. It is important that you take special precautions in jewelry cleaning your costume jewelry. To get your jewelry cleaning under way, wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. After jewelry cleaning dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time after jewelry cleaning to ensure it is completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner for costume jewelry cleaning. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals during jewelry cleaning. Don't expose to extreme heat. If you want to do jewelry cleaning on sterling silver jewelry, try putting a couple of tablespoons of lemon or lime juice in a small container and add a teaspoon of regular table salt to the juice. Now drop in your item into this natural jewelry cleaning solution and swirl it around. The tarnish is gone instantly and your jewelry is bright and shinny. Be sure to rinse the jewelry cleaning solution well or clean off the salt with some gentle cleanser and then rinse it. Your jewelry will sparkle. This jewelry cleaning solution isn't hard to get out of wire wrapped areas either. After this jewelry cleaning your beads are left with a shine as well. We have also tried this jewelry cleaning solution with Sterling Silver wire. It takes a little longer to remove the tarnish, but the jewelry cleaning method does work.
Cultured Pearl, Mabé Pearl, Mother-of-Pearl, Shell Jewelry Cleaning
For jewelry cleaning after wearing pearl jewelry, wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean in order to remove any perspiration or oil that may have come from the skin or any other residue.
For regular jewelry cleaning, wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean.
If you would like to use a jewelry cleaning agent, use a mild one that is specifically made for jewelry cleaning pearl products. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time after jewelry cleaning to ensure it is completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to hairspray or any other chemical (unless it is meant for pearl products). Don't expose to extreme heat for jewelry cleaning. The best way to condition real pearls is to wear them next to your skin; their surface is improved by skin oils.
Turquoise Jewelry Cleaning
For jewelry cleaning turquoise, wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean.
After jewelry cleaning, dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner for jewelry cleaning. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to jewelry cleaning agents or other jewelry cleaning chemicals.
Jewelry cleaning can be a two-fold process, requiring different methods of cleaning for composite pieces.
Gold, sterling silver and pearls should be given a jewelry cleaning with a very mild soap and warm water, using a soft cloth. Brushes have the potential to scratch gold and should be avoided during jewelry cleaning.
Diamond stones can be given a jewelry cleaning with ammonia and warm water, but not if pearls are in the same setting. Ammonia is a no no for jewelry cleaning pearls as it is very damaging to pearls. Cubic Zirconia jewelry cleaning is the same as with diamonds.
Fashion jewelry and costume jewelry should be given a jewelry cleaning with a mild soap and warm water. Always rinse well after jewelry cleaning to remove any traces of film after the jewelry cleaning.
Use a soft lint-free cloth to handle and dry your jewelry after jewelry cleaning to prevent snags in prong settings. After jewelry cleaning, never hold your jewelry by the stones, they are bright and clean and your fingerprints will ruin your hard work!
Never use brushes to do jewelry cleaning around the prongs of jewelry if you are not an experienced jeweler. You can accidentally displace or loosen a setting, risking your investment.
Don't expose your precious gemstone pieces to salt water or harsh chemicals for jewelry cleaning, such as chlorine or detergents. Use of hair spray and perfume may cause jewelry to dull. Also, do not subject gemstone jewelry to sudden temperature changes. It would be impossible to enumerate all there is to know about jewelry cleaning on this page. Your jeweler is an expert and can give jewelry cleaning advice on your particular colored gemstone. They are your best source of jewelry cleaning information.
