How to Extend the Lifespan of Delicate Jewelry Each piece in your collection of fine jewelry has its own sparkle and luster, from bold gold nugget rings to cool tungsten bands. Taking steps now to preserve and maintain each one will only increase its value to you and keep it safe for future generations to appreciate. Follow these easy steps to take care of jewelry at home, and learn when to get professional service for your special treasures. Home Care for Your Jewelry Cleaning jewelry at home is one of those incredibly easy projects you can do in just minutes, with great results every time—as long as you know what is safe to use on each type of gem or precious metal. Save a few pennies to put toward your next gold nugget necklace by skipping pricey, branded jewelry cleaners and using safe household products you already have in your cabinets. Line up these items to prepare for a brief, relaxing session shining up your favorite pieces: A bowl of warm water Mild liquid soap Baking soda (to polish away silver tarnish) Common household ammonia (puts the sparkle back in your diamonds) Old, soft-bristle toothbrush Cotton cloth Each type of material or gem tolerates different types of solutions. If your favorite pendant combines pearls and diamonds, for example, go for the mildest cleaning treatment to avoid damaging soft, delicate pearls. One component may have extra grime that doesn’t respond to mild treatment. In that case, apply a stronger cleaner to the appropriate part using a Q-tip, or be extra safe and take it to a professional. Cleaning Diamond and Gold Jewelry Soak diamonds for just a few minutes in lukewarm, soapy water, using very mild liquid soap. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and pat dry.1 You will be amazed at the like-new sparkle, now that the film from everyday wear, soaps, and sprays is removed. You may be surprised to learn that the alloys in karat gold will tarnish and build up film over time. Restore its warm brilliance2 by adding a few drops of ammonia to the lukewarm, soapy water, and scrub gently with the soft brush. Rinse under lukewarm water, drain, and pat dry. Note: be sure to use a cotton cloth rather than paper towels, which may scratch.
Cleaning Pearl and Silver Jewelry Fussy, delicate, always in need of extra attention—maybe pearls are like some people you know? It is said that wearing pearls is the best way to care for them, as the body’s natural oils keep them from drying out. Wash them infrequently if you notice a film building up. Fortunately, they take less time to clean than other items, because you just need to dip them briefly in cool, soapy water, then rinse, pat dry and drain flat on a soft cloth. Pearls should be checked by professionals periodically, to assure that knots are secure, and possibly to have them restrung to avoid a heartbreaking loss.3 You’ve probably noticed that silver tarnishes easily. It is a softer metal, so avoid abrasives that will scratch it. Rather than soaking pieces in warm, soapy water, accelerating tarnish, dip a clean, soft cloth in it and wipe silver. Stubborn tarnish can be rubbed out with a paste of baking soda and water.4 Rinse and pat dry. What about silver set with diamonds or other gems? Just as with other combinations, use a Q-tip to apply the appropriate cleaner to stones without damaging silver. Proper Storage for Fine Jewelry How you store jewelry is as important as how regularly you clean it. Here’s the one, most important rule to follow: don’t throw all your jewelry together in one treasure box. Instead, store items in jewelry boxes or other containers that give each one a proper space. Boxes should be lined in velvet or another soft type of cloth, with differently shaped slots for necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Those delicate pearls are easily scratched by diamonds and other hard stones. They should be stored in satin-lined cases. Even diamonds can be scratched, losing value as a result. Silver is always best kept in special anti-tarnish cloth. These few simple tricks will guarantee years to enjoy the beauty of each treasured jewel, as you build a collection to pass on to future generations. Company Bio Alaska Jewelry has offered family-owned jewelry design in Sitka, Alaska, since 1990. Now available online, their unique, innovative creations source the finest gems and natural materials for a complete line of jewelry, loved by clients around the world. Contact them at 1-800-3605744, or visit http://www.alaskajewelry.com/.5 1. http://www.womansday.com/style-beauty/how-to-clean-your-jewelry-at-home-103103 2. http://www.alaskajewelry.com/gold-nugget-jewelry-c-113.html 3. http://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-Tips-Caring-Jewelry 4. http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning-organizing/how-to-clean-jewelry 5. http://www.alaskajewelry.com/