Many people have a jewelry box full of expensive and not so expensive jewelry. Jewelry just really adds to any outfit even pearls with jeans. But sadly many people do not take care of their jewelry like they should. Jewelry needs to be cleaned every once in a while to keep that beautiful shine and the stones kept polished. You paid good hard earned money for this jewelry now learn how to take care of it.
Jewelry should last a life time or at least most of it. Yes, some will lose its beauty, maybe to you and you will no longer wear it. A few tips will keep your jewelry looking lovely just like the day you bought it.
Please do not wear jewelry to the swimming pool, beach or sauna. Yes it looks gorgeous with that swimsuit, but the elements will ruin it. Many wear long gold chains and it is lovely but not a good idea. If the jewelry has stones or gems, well let’s just say please do not wear them out in the water of any kind. Moisture will get in between the stone or gem and the setting, causing the glue to become soft and you can end up losing the stone. Same applies for wearing in the shower or bath. It just is not a good idea. Pearls are a defiant no as the moisture will decay the pearls.
When cleaning jewelry that has semi precious stones, just a damp cloth and water usually will do the trick, or you might add a little bit of non abrasive cleaning powder. Some soft stones do not need anything except water. If the gems are sapphires or diamonds, take distilled water and a little bit of a cleaning powder. Opal should never be put under water as they will lose their brilliance and crack. The best way to clean opals is to rub your fingers on the stone for a moment or two. The oils from your fingers will keep the stone moist as it were.
Soap and water will clean gold and silver as well. Just be sure that the soap you use is a soft soap, not a harsh one, or the silver and gold will get scratched. Take a paper towel and roll the necklace in it to dry it. Make sure it is good and dry.
Cleaning pure silver or pewter is easy. They both tarnish when the air gets to them. There is nothing anyone can do about that. The easiest and cheapest way to clean them both is it get an old soft toothbrush and put a little bit of cheap whit toothpaste on the brush. Rub the brush on the jewelry, being sure to get into all the little crevices. You will actually see the silver shine and the pewter glow. Rinse in warm water until there is no more toothpaste on the jewelry. Just be careful and cautious when cleaning your. Enjoy your jewelry.
