Jewelry is prone to getting dirty, dusty, smudged, dull, dingy and grimy from everyday wear. Lotions, soaps, cosmetics and even your natural skin oils and the air can oxidize or discolor mountings and create a film on gemstones or behind ring settings, thereby masking their brilliance. Simply clean your jewelry regularly and it will look as good as new. The frequency and method of cleaning you use depends on the jewelry piece and how often you wear it. Periodic professional cleaning is a good idea. In the interim, however, you can clean many of your jewelry pieces at home with a few simple, inexpensive methods. The following methods are typically safe for diamonds, sapphires, rubies, amethysts, topaz and aquamarines. They are not safe for emeralds, pearls, opals, lapis lazulis, corals, turquoise, onyx, ivory and many other soft gemstones that are prone to crack or become discolored. A quick dip in plain lukewarm water is suggested for these fragile pieces. If you are unsure about how to clean a particular piece of jewelry, do your research thoroughly before subjecting it to inappropriate methods. Bath Method Cold Soak Methods
Use a brand-name jewelry cleaner made for the kinds of stones and metals in your jewelry. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not touch clean stones with your fingers. Please use commercial cleaners with caution; they may be no more effective than household cleaners, but may be more convenient for you. They are generally safe for diamonds, rubies and sapphires, but be sure not to soak these items for more than a few minutes. Commercial cleaners may be harmful to some gemstones; they are not recommended for opals, pearls, corals, lapis lazulis, turquoise and emeralds, as they may damage or reduce these stones’ luster. Ultrasonic Method Also, consult a trusted professional jeweler to ensure an ultrasonic cleaner is appropriate for your pieces and to determine which one to use, as there are many different models available. Ultrasonic cleaners are typically only safe for diamonds, rubies and sapphires. They may cause damage to emeralds, opals, pearls and other colored gemstones.
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