Cleaning Jewelry | Tips & Techniques

Welcome

Shopping

Services

Invest In Gold

Gemstones, Pearls, Cameo

Explore

Business

Keep In Touch

Cleaning Jewelry Tips & Techniques

Photo courtesy of Adin Jewelry

Knowing the right method of cleaning Jewelry will go along way in protecting your fine Antique Jewelry for many years to come...

There is a right way to clean Antique jewelry and a right method of storing Antique jewelry. Cleaning jewelry at regular intervals and keeping it in a dust-free environment, will help to prolong the life of your jewelry and keep it in the best possible condition. This in turn, will increase its desirability and value, and we all want that - right?

There are some methods of cleaning jewelry though that can be positively harmful to Antique jewelry. Whether it's cleaning costume jewelry or fine Antique Jewelry, these tips on cleaning jewelry should keep your heirloom treasures in sparking condition!

Now, before running out to buy the latest model sonic jewelry cleaner that's just hit the market, some types of jewelry and many gemstones Can't be cleaned in a sonic jewelry cleaner.

Don't even think about an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner for Natural pearls!

Find out what jewelry can't clean in the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner here.

AMBER

Gemstones and minerals that are not high on the Mohs Scale of hardness should be handled with care. Gently wash Amber in warm soapy water. Thoroughly rinse and dry and wipe on a little olive oil with cotton wool, then wipe off.

For Information on Amber-Gemstone Jewelry click HERE.

AQUAMARINE

Cleaning jewelry with aquamarine involves gently washing the stones with tepid, soapy water, then rinse and dry.

CAMEOS

Clean Cameo jewelry by first removing grease with a small artist's brush dipped in white spirit. Then brush over the affected area with a solution of warm soapy water plus a couple of drops of ammonia. Rinse by brushing on clean water, before drying with a piece of chamois leather.

For Information about Antique Cameo jewelry click Here.

CORAL

Remove grime from coral with cotton buds dipped in a solution of warm water plus a little detergent. Remove stubborn deposits with a paste of crocus powder and water, again gently applied with a cotton bud. Finally, when cleaning jewelry with genuine branch coral rinse with clean water.

DIAMONTE Jewelry

When cleaning diamonte jewelry, lightly wipe with a soft brush dipped in alcohol. Dry immediately by blowing over the surface.

DIAMONDS

A girl's best friend might be ranked high on the Mohs Scale, but antique diamonds, should be handled with care.They are prone to chipping. Wash diamond jewelry in warm soapy water removing stubborn grease and grime around the jewelry settings, by gently brushing (with a very soft brush) with a little methylated spirits and ammonia.

EMERALDS

Gently wash emerald jewelry in a solution of warm soapy water and a few drops of ammonia.

IVORY

Wipe down with a soft sloth moistened with warm water and a little detergent. The wipe with clean water and dry thoroughly. Finally, wipe on a little almond oil and leave for a couple of minutes and wipe off.

JADE

Clean Jade with a soft cloth moistened with warm soapy water and a couple of drops of ammonia.

JET

Clean by gently rubbing with pieces of fresh bread. This unusual method really brings out the shine!

OPALS

Clean opal jewelry with cotton buds dipped in warm, soapy water. Rinse, applying clean water with cotton buds. dry.

PEARLS

Cleaning pearl jewelry is a whole topic. Click here to find out how to care for Pearls!

RHINESTONE JEWELRY

Take very special care when cleaning Rhinestone Costume Jewelry and Crystal jewellery. Never soak rhinestone jewelry or expose rhinestones, crystal jewelry or foil backed stones to moisture. Never use a toothbrush, scrub brush or abrasive cleaner such as toothpaste on all the above types of jewelry. All of the above methods of cleaning jewelry may scratch and damage the surface of vintage pieces.

RUBIES

Clean ruby jewelry by gently rubbing with cotton wool bud dipped in warm soapy water. Then rinse and dry thoroughly, before lightly wiping down with a piece of chamois leather moistened with alcohol.

SAPPHIRES

Clean in the same way as Rubies (above)

TORTOISESHELL

Wash with warm soapy water, rise and dry thoroughly. Then, either apply a fine, white wax polish or wipe on a little almond oil.

TURQUOISE

Clean genuine turquoise with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirits.

Return to the top of Cleaning Jewelry

Return to Jewelry Storage

Return to Antique Jewelry Investor Home Page