How to Clean Your Jewelry
Jewelry Cleaning & Care
Learn how to clean your jewelry here. Not all jewelry can be cleaned the same way. You can actually damage some pieces if they are cleaned improperly.
Natural elements in our daily life can damage some stones and semi-precious gems. It is important to know what can harm your jewelry to protect and care for it.
Because you want your jewelry to last and to look as beautiful as the day your bought it, be sure to use the proper cleaning method for each piece.
- First & foremost, always apply hairspray, perfumes, makeup, etc. before you put on your jewelry. Any jewelry will be adversely affected by those kinds of chemicals and sprays.
- Ultrasonic cleaners should only be used on diamonds, sapphires or rubies. The vibration from those cleaners is harmful to most semi-precious gemstones.
- Remove jewelry when cleaning your house, working with any chemicals for any reason, or working in your yard or garden.
- When in doubt, use a soft cloth to wipe your jewelry clean and don’t use a jewelry cleaner unless you are certain it is safe for the specific piece you are cleaning.
How to Clean Black Diamonds
Most black diamonds have been treated. Therefore, clean your blacks with a mild liquid detergent, like Ivory, and warm water. Anything else, could be harmful to your gemstone.
How to Clean and Care for Opals
Opals are gorgeous, but genuine opals will dry out if not treated properly. I recommend dabbing mineral oil to their surface routinely. Depending on where and how you store them, as well as how often you wear them, they should be nourished with mineral oil at least once a year. Be sure to treat the back of the stone if the setting will allow for it. NEVER soak or store opals in mineral oil.
Note: For some odd reason, the application of mineral oil on Opals has become highly debated. Some say it is not necessary. That you could simply store your opal with a damp cotton ball. For me, I will stick to treating my opals with mineral oil annually. One thing I know, the mineral oil will not harm them. Going without hydration, can harm them because they will dry out.
How to Clean Pearls
To clean pearls, you simply wipe them with a very soft cloth because Pearls are easy to scratch or damage. Never use a jewelry cleaner or solvent on your pearl jewelry.
Care of Abalone Shell Jewelry
Abalone shell is soft and can easily scratch, so do take special care when wearing it, especially in a ring. The jewelry we wear on our hands is more vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it is more likely to get scratched or to hit against unforgiving surfaces.
Sunlight can cause your Abalone shell to fade. Abalone shell should not be left in direct sunlight.
To clean your Abalone shell jewelry, simply use warm water. Do not rub with a cloth due to the soft nature of the shell. Never use jewelry cleaner or chemicals on Abalone shell.
How to Clean Turquoise Jewelry
Simply wipe turquoise jewelry with a soft, clean cloth dampened with warm water. A soapy warm water cloth can be used if needed to remove excessive dirt.
How to Clean Marcasite Pendants and Jewelry
To clean Marcasite jewelry, simply wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Special jewelry cleaners are NOT required to keep Marcasite shiny and beautiful.
Care and Cleaning Multicolored Amber Jewelry
Most amber jewelry has been treated with lacquer to achieve the dark and contrasting colors. Therefore, you only wash amber jewelry in warm, soapy water.
Do not use any stronger cleaners or jewelry cleaner on treated amber pieces.
How to Clean Rhinestone Jewelry
Rhinestone jewelry is not very durable. Do not clean them in jewelry cleaners.
You must NOT use any solvents or water on rhinestone jewelry. Instead use a very soft cloth and a small amount of alcohol.
