While we all enjoy flaunting our favorite pieces of jewelry, it’s important to periodically clean them to prevent tarnishing and maintain their shine. Whether you need to clean silver, gold, or diamonds, it’s easy to do on your own with both store-bought and household products.
Understanding Tarnish and How to Prevent It
Silver Tarnishes
As beautiful as silver is, its worst characteristic is that it tarnishes. It’s unfortunate when your favorite piece of jewelry begins to darken and look older than it really is. When new, silver is stunning, and by cleaning it from time to time, you can maintain its beautiful shine. There are several reasons why silver tarnishes. One of the main culprits is the weather: high humidity causes silver to tarnish. Other products, like rubber, wool, and fuel, also contribute to tarnishing. Furthermore, certain foods can affect the appearance of your silver jewelry. Eggs, onions, and oil can all cause silver to tarnish. Lastly, hydrogen sulfate is harmful to silver jewelry, so any products containing this chemical will damage your silver.
Luckily, there are a few different ways to clean tarnished silver jewelry and prevent it from tarnishing further.
Undoing the Tarnish
The simplest way to clean tarnished silver jewelry is to buy a polish specifically designed for this purpose. You can even buy polishes that prevent further tarnishing, which are highly recommended. However, make sure you buy a polish that you can apply with a cotton cloth rather than a dip. Dips require you to soak your jewelry, which can lead to problems if left too long. For example, the dip may leave white residue on your jewelry and even discolor any gems. For this reason, avoid using dips and stick to polishes instead.
If you prefer using household products, you can also clean your tarnished silver jewelry with simple items you have at home. First, boil some water. Place your tarnished silver jewelry on top of a piece of aluminum foil that has been slightly crinkled. Then, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the jewelry (be careful not to use too much). Pour enough boiling water to cover the jewelry, and you should notice bubbling and a slight unpleasant odor. Move the jewelry around gently with a wooden or plastic utensil to ensure each piece has come into contact with the foil. Afterward, rinse your jewelry with water, dry it with a towel, and you’ll notice that it looks brighter and newer!
Why Does Gold Tarnish?
Despite being an expensive metal, gold still tarnishes and discolors over time. Several factors can contribute to gold discoloration, such as contact with hairspray, perfume, smog, perspiration, and makeup. While these are common causes, they are not the only ones. Thankfully, cleaning gold is just as easy as cleaning silver.
Different Ways to Clean Gold Jewelry
The first method to clean discolored or tarnished gold jewelry is with dish soap. Simply pour a few drops of liquid dish soap into a bowl of warm water and mix. Club soda and sodium-free seltzer can also serve as great substitutes for dish soap. Let the gold jewelry soak in the soapy water for about 15 minutes. After soaking, scrub the gold gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching or damaging the jewelry. Rinse each piece under warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
If you prefer, you can use ammonia to clean your gold jewelry. Mix one part ammonia with six parts water, and soak the gold jewelry in the mixture for a minute or less. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under warm running water and dry it with a soft cloth.
If your gold jewelry contains gemstones or diamonds, there’s a preferred method for cleaning it. Dab a soft cloth with a little dish soap, then use it to wipe the jewelry clean. Wet the cloth until it’s damp and clean the jewelry gently. Allow the pieces to air dry, ensuring they’re upside down to let any water escape from the settings.
If your jewelry hasn’t yet tarnished but you still want to clean it, you can use a toothbrush with toothpaste to scrub it gently. Alternatively, you can place the gold jewelry in boiling water, and any dirt, oil, or grime will rise to the surface, leaving your jewelry spotless and looking brand new.
Cleaning Diamonds
Keeping your diamonds sparkling is easier than many people think. One simple method is soft polishing. Regularly clean your diamonds with a soft cloth to preserve their natural brilliance.
You can also soak your diamonds in warm water mixed with a small amount of cleaning detergent. After soaking, use a soft brush to clean every angle of the stone. This is a quick and easy method.
If you prefer using a product, you can try an ultrasonic cleaner, which is available at most stores and works wonders for your diamonds. Alternatively, you can take your diamonds to a professional cleaner who will restore their shine.
Whether you prefer silver, gold, or diamonds, following these simple cleaning instructions will help you maintain your jewelry’s appearance and keep it looking as good as new!
