There are a billion home methods to cleaning jewelry online but how do you know if the method is safe for the metal that it will be safe for the stone set within. Most metal methods of cleaning; when it comes to jewelry do not take into consideration the precious stones within. As with different methods that best suit each type of metal found within jewelry there are best methods of cleaning precious and semi-precious stones as well.
When you are cleaning gemstones never soak them in water especially when the stones are set in using glue. The water will loosen the glue and cause the gemstones to be come loose and fall out. The best way to clean gemstone jewelry is using a soft, damn cloth that has been soaked in a mixture of warm water and soap, wring out the cloth and wipe the piece down thoroughly. After this process has been completed you will want to hang the piece; this will help ensure that the water does not stay between the glue and the stone.
Pearls that are dirty to the naked eye should be washed using a solution of one teaspoon of Woolite diluted with a quart of warm water. The piece should only be soaked in the solution for about ten to fifteen seconds. After this has been done the pearl should be wiped with a soft cotton cloth and laid flat to dry.
After the pearl is clean and dried it should be stored in a cotton bag. Never store pearls in plastic or with any other types of jewelry. Pearls should be stored alone and not allowed to rub against other pieces or one another. Where pearls regularly as your natural oils will help keep the luster of pearls. Dry cotton cloths can be rubbed over the pieces before they are worn to bring out their shine.
An old wise tale with diamond jewelry is that the luster is brought out using a mixture of warm water and toothpaste. This is not a method I recommend. Diamond jewelry and its sheen come out better using warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush. Brush the diamonds with the soft bristled brush under the mixture of soap and water. Rinse the piece with warm water and allow it to air dry.
Turquoise is cleaned using warm soapy water. Never submerge turquoise as the material is incredibly porous and will allow the water to seep in. This will eventually cause discoloration. You should avoid all types of commercial cleansers as they are overly harsh for turquoise. The same is true for pearls.
Commercial cleansers tend to be overly harsh for semi-precious stones and precious stones alike.
Cleaning your stones is as important as cleaning the metals that house the piece. Be it gold, white gold, silver, platinum or titanium the metal is as important as the stone set inside. Be sure to clean each of your pieces of jewelry taking into consideration both the stone and the metal.
DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel. You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.
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