Are you tired of your favorite pieces of jewelry losing their sparkle and shine?
Do you find yourself constantly wiping down your rings and necklaces, only to have them look dull and lackluster?
It’s time to take your jewelry cleaning game to the next level with professional jewelry cleaning. Not only does it restore your jewelry’s original beauty, but it also helps to maintain its value and longevity. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand the risks and benefits, as well as the cost and maintenance involved. In this post, I’ll explore everything you need to know about professional jewelry cleaning, including tips for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your precious pieces. So, grab your favorite jewelry and let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Regular cleaning is important for preserving the quality and beauty of fine jewelry, as well as preventing skin irritation.
- Professional cleanings should be done once or twice a year, with home cleanings in-between, to avoid over-cleaning and metal loss.
- Choose a reputable jeweler for professional cleanings and follow their care instructions.
- The cost of professional jewelry cleaning varies based on the jeweler and piece size.
- To maintain jewelry cleanliness and appearance, avoid abrasive cleaners, store properly, and get professional cleanings annually.
Jewelry Cleaning
Jewelry is a beautiful and valuable accessory that requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent damage, avoid skin irritation, and maintain the integrity and beauty of your fine pieces.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you clean your jewelry at home.
Why Clean Your Jewelry?
Cleaning your jewelry regularly is important for several reasons:
- Keep your jewelry looking new: A thorough cleaning is the quickest and best way to make your jewelry look as sparkling and pristine as the first day you laid eyes on it.
- Prevent damage: Dirt and grime can slowly wear down prongs and other structural components of jewelry, resulting in loose gemstones and tarnished oils.
- Avoid skin irritation: Regular cleaning can help you avoid a variety of issues, including gemstones becoming scratched or contaminated with germs that can cause skin rashes, allergies, and discoloration of your skin and the piece of jewelry.
- Restore natural properties: The natural properties of your gem can often be restored with a little bit of cleaning.
- Maintain the integrity and beauty of your fine pieces: Cleaning jewelry is not just for show, it is to protect the integrity and beauty of your fine pieces.
- Increase longevity: Cleaning your jewelry helps the jewelry stay intact and last as long as possible.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: It’s vital to avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine if you choose to clean your jewelry on your own at home. These chemicals can seriously damage and loosen stones and cause them to fall out.
Methods for Cleaning Jewelry
There are several common methods for cleaning jewelry at home:
1. Use a soft-bristled brush: A soft-bristled brush is the first tool you’ll need to begin cleaning your jewelry at home. Soft toothbrushes can do the trick, but you can also find commercial jewelry cleaning brushes through most retailers.
2. Use hot water: Hot water is an easy and cheap cleaning solution for hard metal jewelry. Steam and heat loosen dirt and debris from jewelry, making it easy to wipe away. Simply place your pieces in a heatproof container, then slowly pour in boiling water until they’re covered. Soak and wipe away grime.
3. Use baking soda: Cover a shallow dish in aluminum foil. Once fully covered, spread a small scoop of baking soda across the bottom of the dish. Add boiling water and stir until the baking soda dissolves. Place your jewelry in the dish and let it sit for a few minutes. Remove and assess whether it can be patted dry and put away, or whether it still needs a bit of a scrub.
4. Use a jewelry cleaner solution: Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap with warm water in a shallow dish. Soak your jewelry in the solution for a few minutes. If your jewelry still has residue, use a soft bristle brush to clean off the buildup, then soak your pieces for another few minutes. Remove the jewelry from the solution and air-dry. Once dried, use a gentle polishing cloth to bring out the luster and shine of your piece.
5. Use a strainer: Put small jewelry pieces into a strainer before placing them in the cleaning solution. Swish the items around to dislodge dirt. Remove any stuck-on grime with a soft toothbrush. Take the jewelry out of the solution and rinse it under cool running water. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Professional Jewelry Cleaning
Jewelry is a valuable and cherished possession that requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Professional cleanings are an essential part of your jewelry care routine, but it’s important not to overdo it.
Overcleaning can cause your jewelry to lose a small amount of metal every time it’s buffed.
One or two professional cleanings annually, along with home cleanings in-between, will keep your jewelry looking like new.
How Often Should You Clean Your Jewelry?
It is recommended to clean your diamond engagement ring or other frequently worn diamond jewelry at home 1-2 times per month, and professional cleanings twice a year. However, the frequency at which you should clean your items depends on how often you wear each piece.
Different items come into contact with bacteria and germs more frequently, like your earrings and rings.
Necklaces require fewer cleanings than other jewelry items.
What Does a Professional Cleaning Entail?
Most jewelry stores offer professional cleanings for free or at a low cost. A professional cleaning usually involves buffing and polishing out any scratches, a soak in an ultrasonic cleaner, and a high-pressure steam cleaning to make your jewelry look as if it were brand new.
Tips for Choosing a Professional Jewelry Cleaner
When looking for a professional jewelry cleaner, there are several factors to consider:
- Formulation and method: Jewelry cleaners come in various formulations such as gel, liquid, foam, or cream, and they may be an ultrasonic cleaner, cloth, or wipe. Choose a cleaner that is suitable for your jewelry’s specific materials and stones.
- Ease of use: Consider how easy the cleaner is to use. Some cleaners require scrubbing, while others are easy to use and stress-free.
- Targeted cleaning: Look for a cleaner that targets the specific type of jewelry you want to clean. For example, some cleaners are best for precious metals, while others are best for diamonds or gemstones.
- Non-toxic: Consider using a non-toxic cleaner that is safe for you and the environment.
- Ultrasonic cleaner: An ultrasonic cleaner uses ultrasonic waves to gently yet thoroughly clean jewelry with professional-looking results. It is ideal for cleaning multiple pieces of jewelry at once.
- Budget: Consider your budget when choosing a jewelry cleaner. There are affordable options available that can still provide excellent results.
- Heavy-duty cleaning: If you have heavily tarnished or oxidized jewelry, look for a cleaner that is specifically designed for heavy-duty cleaning.
- Professional quality: Some jewelry cleaners are designed to provide professional-quality results. They may have preset cleaning cycles, auto shut-off tools, and baskets to keep your items secure during cleaning.
Risks and Benefits of Professional Jewelry Cleaning
Benefits of Professional Jewelry Cleaning
Professional jewelry cleaning can help restore the shine and luster of old or tarnished pieces. When you bring your items to a jeweler for professional jewelry cleaning, the first thing they’ll do is assess the item to determine if it’s dirty, tarnished, or both.
This will affect how they proceed with cleaning your item.
The jeweler will then clean the item using a powered polishing wheel that is designed to gently scrub the surface until the tarnish is removed.
For plated jewelry or white gold jewelry, the polishing process removes tarnish, but it also removes plating. To restore the original look of the item, the jeweler submerges the piece into a plating tank.
This ensures that the jewelry looks as good as new.
Risks of Professional Jewelry Cleaning
While professional jewelry cleaning is generally safe, there are risks involved. The main risks of mechanical gemstone cleaning come from the unique internal characteristics of individual gems, such as inclusions, undetected tiny fractures, structural stresses, the gems’ chemical properties, and any treatments received.
Vibrations during cleaning can dislodge a loose stone so that it falls to the bottom of the tank.
Some chemicals in jewelry cleaner can be damaging to certain metals and gemstones.
Platinum is at risk of scratching and should not be cleaned at home.
Jewelry with gemstones such as opals and pearls should be done professionally.
Older jewelry may have restrictions, such as not being able to get wet without damage.
It’s important to choose a reputable jeweler and to follow their instructions for care and maintenance after cleaning. This will help mitigate any risks involved in professional jewelry cleaning.
DIY Jewelry Cleaning
While there are DIY jewelry cleaning solutions available, it’s important to note that not all cleaning solutions are suitable for all types of jewelry. For example, you should avoid using a polishing cloth on plated jewelry, as it may have an adverse effect on the finish.
It’s also important to check cleaning instructions before cleaning any semi-precious or precious metals, such as pearls.
Professional versus DIY Jewelry Cleaning
Professional jewelry cleaning is a safe and effective way to restore the shine and luster of old or tarnished pieces. However, if you’re confident in your ability to clean your jewelry at home, there are certain precautions you should take.
Always read the instructions on the cleaning solution before using it on your jewelry.
Avoid using abrasive materials like toothpaste or baking soda to clean your jewelry.
These materials can scratch the surface of your jewelry and cause damage.
It is recommended to visit a jeweler at least once a year for a professional cleaning and inspection to restore the brilliance to jewelry and ensure that it’s in good condition. Keeping jewelry clean helps to ensure that the gemstone(s) keep a good appearance and prevents dirt and grease from loosening them, which can cause skin irritation.
Cost and Maintenance of Jewelry Cleaning
Professional Jewelry Cleaning
Professional jewelry cleaning can be done by a jeweler and is typically a free service. However, the time it takes to clean your jewelry can vary depending on the type of cleaning and the jeweler. At Jewelry Designs, professional jewelry cleaning is typically a free service and can be completed while you wait.
However, intense brushing can loosen or damage diamonds, so it is important to take your time when cleaning your jewelry.
Frequency of Cleaning
According to experts, pieces that get dirtier more often, like earrings, can be cleaned as needed or bi-weekly, depending on how dirty they get. Otherwise, you should aim to clean all of your jewelry at least once a month.
An ultrasonic cleaner can clean all your jewelry at once in minutes.
Cost of Professional Jewelry Cleaning
The cost of professional jewelry cleaning varies depending on the size of the piece and the jeweler. Some jewelers offer free cleaning services, while others charge a reasonable fee for a thorough cleaning and inspection.
It is recommended to clean and check all jewelry pieces every few months because of wear and usage, tarnished metal, and loose prongs or stones.
Home Cleaning
While professional cleaning is important, there are things you can do at home to maintain your jewelry. However, some materials should not be cleaned at home, such as organic stones or materials like pearl, ivory, bone, coral, wood, leather, cord, or string, as they may absorb fluids and be damaged or stained permanently.
It is also important to avoid using perfume, hairspray, lotion, or sunscreen on areas that are adorned with jewelry, as they can dull the shine of the gems and metal.
Tennis Bracelets
While it is best to keep all jewelry clean, it is especially vital to keep tennis bracelets clean, as they have many parts that harbor dirt and are expensive items to replace or fix. Kay and Tiffany & Co offer tips on caring for jewelry at home to maintain their beauty for years to come.
Shine Bright Like Gold: The Importance of Professional Gold Jewelry Cleaning
Gold jewelry is a timeless investment that can last a lifetime, but it requires proper care and maintenance to keep its luster.
Over time, gold jewelry can accumulate dirt, oils, and other substances that can dull its shine and even cause damage.
That’s why professional gold jewelry cleaning is essential to keep your precious pieces looking their best.
Professional cleaning services use specialized equipment and techniques to remove dirt and grime from your gold jewelry without causing any harm.
They can also inspect your jewelry for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose stones or weakened clasps, and make necessary repairs to prevent further damage.
By investing in professional gold jewelry cleaning, you can ensure that your pieces remain in pristine condition and retain their value for years to come.
So, don’t let your gold jewelry lose its shine – give it the care it deserves with professional cleaning services.
For more information:
Gold Jewelry Cleaning: Tips and Tricks
Tips for Maintaining Cleanliness and Appearance of Jewelry
Jewelry is an essential part of fashion and can be a significant investment. Therefore, it is essential to take proper care of your jewelry to maintain its beauty and value. Here are some tips to help you keep your jewelry looking its best.
Professional Cleaning
While it may be tempting to clean your jewelry at home, there are certain types of jewelry that should not be cleaned at home. According to the American Gem Society, some chemicals in jewelry cleaner can be damaging to certain metals and gemstones.
Therefore, it is recommended to visit a jeweler at least once a year for a professional cleaning and inspection to restore the brilliance to your jewelry and ensure that it’s in good condition.
Tips for Maintaining Cleanliness and Appearance
Here are some tips for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your jewelry between cleanings:
1. Apply lotion, cosmetics, hairspray, and perfume before dressing in jewelry. When undressing, wipe each piece with a clean soft cloth to remove oils and perspiration. Store in a fabric-lined box, separately or individually-wrapped in tissue to prevent scratches.
2. Gently wipe off excess make-up and skin oils after each wearing using a nub-free, 100% cotton cloth and the soft pads of your fingers. Store in jeweler’s tissue or a soft bag.
3. Take off your jewelry when showering or swimming to avoid interactions with lotions and perfumes, which can cause dullness and caked-on grime from exposure to soap and dirt.
4. Use a non-abrasive cleaning cloth to polish your silver jewelry regularly. Remember not to dry silver off with paper towels or tissues, always use a soft cloth.
5. Mix a couple of drops of dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth to clean most metals, gems, and crystals. Submerge your jewelry in a small bowl of ketchup for 15 minutes to an hour to remove tarnish from brass jewelry.
6. Avoid abrasive cleaners, detergents, and commercial jewelry cleaners, especially if the pieces have an oxidized finish. Using harsh polishing cleaners will alter the antique look of your jewelry.
7. Take care of your jewelry by laying each piece on a flat surface when not being worn. This will maintain the shape and integrity of your jewelry.
Concluding thoughts and considerations
As we come to the end of this article on professional jewelry cleaning, I can’t help but wonder about the stories behind each piece of jewelry. Every ring, necklace, and bracelet has a unique history and sentimental value that cannot be measured by its cost or appearance.
So, while it’s important to keep our jewelry clean and well-maintained, let’s not forget the memories and emotions that are attached to them.
Perhaps, the next time you take your jewelry for professional cleaning, take a moment to reflect on the memories associated with it.
Maybe it’s a family heirloom passed down from generations, or a gift from a loved one that holds a special place in your heart.
Whatever the story may be, let it remind you of the importance of cherishing the moments and people that matter most in our lives.
In conclusion, professional jewelry cleaning is a great way to keep your jewelry looking its best, but it’s the memories and emotions attached to them that truly make them priceless.
So, let’s not forget to appreciate the sentimental value of our jewelry and the stories they hold.
Looking for a new Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
Choosing a gadget can be very difficult if you know nothing about the technology.
Some will pay for features they do not need while others may not consider what they really want.
So I created this quick, newbie guide to help you focus on what is really important to you:
The Best Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners (For You!)
Best Practices For Using Ultrasonic Cleaners For Jewelry
Tip: Turn on the caption button if you need it. Choose ‘automatic translation’ in the settings button if you are not familiar with the english language. You may need to click on the language of the video first before your favorite language becomes available for translation.
Links and references
- 1. “The Owner’s Manual for Fine Jewelry” by Bill Russo
- 2. “UltraSpa™ Ultimate Professional Quality” manual
- 3. “Jewelry Cleaner” manual by BrilliantSpa
- 4. “MGUC500” manual for Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
- 5. “Jewelry Cleaner and Sanitizer SJC-1601” manual
- marthastewart.com
- americangemsociety.org
- forbes.com
- gemsociety.org
- kay.com
- tiffany.com
Related articles:
Ultimate Guide to Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaning
Chemical Cleaning for Sparkling Jewelry
Silver Cleaning 101: Tips for Sparkling Jewelry
Gold Cleaning 101: Tips, Risks & Costs
How do ultrasonic jewelry cleaners work?
Personal reminder: (Article status: rough)
