How to Restore Shine to Your Jewelry

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:RestoreShineJewelry

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Introduction Few things sparkle like spanking-new gold, silver, platinum, and precious or

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Introduction

Few things sparkle like spanking-new gold, silver, platinum, and precious or semiprecious stones. After even a few days' wear, though, they can dull from lotions, body oil and everyday dust and dirt. Regular cleaning can keep your baubles looking fresh-from-the-jeweler brilliant all the time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Silver

Steps

1

Step One

With an old soft-bristle toothbrush, rub the piece with toothpaste. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
2

Step Two

Wash in a bowl of sudsy warm water with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid. Rinse.
3

Step Three

Polish dry with chamois or other smooth cloth that's free of lint.

Gold, platinum and diamonds

Steps

1

Step One

Remove greasy film by rubbing with or soaking in rubbing alcohol or vodka.
2

Step Two

Drop two fizzing tablets (such as Alka-Seltzer or denture cleaner) into a glass of water. Immerse the jewelry for 2 minutes, then remove it. Or soak for several minutes in a bowl of sudsy warm water with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid.
3

Step Three

Scrub gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
4

Step Four

Rinse thoroughly.
5

Step Five

Polish dry with a smooth, lint-free cloth or chamois.

Pearls and other soft or porous gems such as emeralds, opals and tanzanite

Steps

1

Step One

Remove traces of cosmetics and dirt with a tissue.
2

Step Two

Dip in a sudsy bowl of mild soap (such as Dove) and warm water. Quickly remove.
3

Step Three

Gently remove buildup with a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab. Rinse.
4

Step Four

Polish dry with chamois or other soft, lint-free cloth.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined case, or wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper.
  • Have a jeweler check yearly for loose prongs, worn mountings and general wear and tear.
  • Keep jewelry away from chlorine and harsh chemicals, which can erode the finish and polish of gems.
  • Never use boiling water to clean jewelry.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Toothpaste
  • Soft-bristle Toothbrush
  • Mild Soap
  • Fizzing Tablets
  • Rubbing Alcohol Or Vodka
  • Bowl
  • Dishwashing Liquid
  • Tissue
  • Glass For Soaking
  • Cotton Swab
  • Chamois or other soft, lint-free cloth
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