Tip! The most expensive way of finishing sterling silver jewelry is using Rhodium. Rhodium is a precious metal that is even more expensive than silver.
There is no need to waste money on fancy jewelry cleaning solutions. You can save money by cleaning your jewelry at home using things you’ll find in any kitchen or bathroom.
Cleaning Your Silver Jewelry
Use a soft bristle toothbrush with mild soap and warm water to restore the shine and brilliance of silver jewelry. Avoid immersing your sterling silver jewelry into jewelry cleaning dips, they should be cleaned by hand. Use a soft cloth to buff your silver jewelry for a nice, clean shine.
Cleaning Your Diamond Rings & Jewelry
Use a solution of six parts water and one part ammonia. Use a soft bristle toothbrush or toothpick to remove any dirt or particles from any crevices. Rinse well in water and buff dry with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Gold, Platinum and other Gemstone Jewelry
Use a solution of mild dishwashing liquid, like Ivory. Soak jewelry in this solution for a few minutes, then lightly brush away any dirt with a soft brush. Rinse with lukewarm water and air dry or buff with a soft cloth. Be sure not to soak any soft stones like turquoise, amber or lapis, as soaking can damage their polish. For particularly dirty gold jewelry, soak in alcohol or ammonia before cleaning.
Cleaning Pearls
A mild soap and water solution works well for cleaning pearls. Then wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Costume Jewelry & Rhinestones
Use a soft brush to sweep away any dirt and dust. Use window cleaner, like Windex, sprayed on a soft, lint free cloth to clean the stones surface. Also try alcohol on a q-tip to get in between small spaces.
Tip! There’s a big difference between 14 karat gold and gold-plated jewelry. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14 parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal.
With just a few minutes of care, your jewelry will be sparkling like new!
Ricky Alberta is a vintage jewelry collector from Florence, Oregon and works for http://www.alwaystreasured.com
Always Treasured Vintage Costume Jewelry -
Offering vintage costume jewelry, porcelain and pottery, men’s vintage jewelry, vintage glass and glassware, fine vintage jewelry and vintage jewelry boxes.
