As sparkly and beautiful as they are, diamond, silver or gold jewelry isn’t going to keep shining on its own. If you leave your jewelry pieces, they will eventually lose their luster. If they are exposed to certain types of chemical compounds and air pollutants, they will tarnish and dull. That’s why a few tricks on polishing jewelry will help you keep their, and your attraction.
If you’re worried about damaging your prized pieces, don’t be. All of these methods are easy and safe to use.
Dish Soap Mixture
This might come as a surprise, but dish soap is an effective cleaning agent for tarnished silver and gold jewelry. A few drops of the washing up concentrate mixed with a little warm water can bring back the original sparkle of your jewelry. Place the item in the soapy water and allow it to soak for between five to seven minutes. After this time, remove the piece and wipe clean with a soft cloth. For precious gems, you’ll have to mix the dish soap with seltzer water. This solution gets rid of dirt and debris that is stuck in the settings.
Alternatively, find a small bowl and cover the inside with aluminum foil. Put one tablespoon of bleach-free laundry powder in the bowl and add hot water. Mix until the powder dissolves and then place your jewelry in the liquid for a minute. Remove the items, rinse and let them air-dry. The importance of the aluminum foil is that it creates a chemical process known as ion exchange that lifts the dirt.
Baking Soda Paste
For jewelry with heavier and cloudier tarnish, you may need to turn to a baking soda paste. To create the paste, mix baking soda and water to the ratio of 3:1. Stir the two elements until you achieve the right consistency. If the mix is too watery, add a little more powder to stiffen it up. Once done, start applying it with a brush, like an old, soft toothbrush. Do this gently to avoid scratching and damaging the surface of the metal or stone. Once the paste covers all areas, including the various joints and settings, buff it dry with a soft cloth. You may use a clean brush to remove any stubborn paste marks.
Jewelry Cleaning Agent
If you’re not confident with mixing a solution or paste, you may prefer using a professional jewelry cleaning solution. All you have to do is soak your jewelry in the solution for between three to five minutes. Once the time is up, proceed buffing your trinkets dry. After use, secure the remaining bottle it in a safe place out of reach from children.
Leave the Cleaning to the Pros
When it comes to maintaining your jewelry, no one does it better than a professional. A quick visit to a jewelry retouching company gives you the convenience of saving time and the quality of a professional job.
Keep your prized jewelry shiny and sparkling for every occasion. Tried and tested methods have been practiced for years in many homes. But if you don’t have the knack or patience, it’s reassuring to know you can always rely on a professional retoucher.
