Cleaning Jewelry

Diamonds

Soapy Solution - Take a small bowl and mix a small amount of mild dish detergent with warm water until sudsy. Dip the item to be cleaned into the solution. Use a soft toothbrush to work and gently brush the item. Rinse under warm running water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Ammonia Solution - Take a small bowl and mix a solution of 6 parts water to 1 part ammonia. Dip the item to be cleaned into the solution also using a soft toothbrush to gently brush the item. Pay special attention to the backs of stones and their mountings, areas that tend to collect dirt and oils. Rinse under warm running water and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth.

Gold ~ Platinum ~ Gemstones

Combine mild dish soap and water or mix a few drops of mild dish soap with sodium free seltzer water or club soda. The carbonation will loosen soil and debris. Let it soak for about five minutes and rinse under warm running water. Buff dry with a soft, lint free cloth until shiny.

Silver

Tarnish is the enemy of silver. For those pieces that are dull or starting to discolor, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water and dip in a soft cloth. Rub your jewelry and then rinse in cool water and buff with a cloth until dry. For those heavily tarnished, mix a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Wet the silver and apply the cleaner with a soft, lint free cloth (not paper towels because they can scratch). Work in the paste and you'll see the cloth turn gray. Turn the cloth as you use it as you don't want to buff in the dirty cloth, rinse with warm water and buff dry. DO NOT soak silver as this will speed up the tarnish process.

Pearls & Turquoise

Pearls are extremely porous and can easily lose their luster. Whether they are real, faux or cultured, they must be cleaned with care. Lay them out on a soft cloth and dip a clean, small makeup brush into a mixture of warm water and shampoo. Go over each individual pearl and rinse with a clean, well-wrung out cloth. Let them dry flat to prevent the string from stretching.

Costume Jewelry

If stones are glued and not set with prongs, dab a cloth into a bubbly solution and gently wipe any smudges or grime and rinse with a cloth dampened in plain water. Lay pieces upside down so moisture won't soak into the setting.