Jewelry care 101: how to clean your diamond jewelry
Precious gems, gold and diamond jewelry are beautiful treasures that should be handled with care. Custom engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary rings as well as fashion jewelry may need to be cleaned from time to time to maintain the pieces' visible perfection. If you don't have time to take your jewelry to have it professionally cleaned, these at-home remedies are sure to do the trick!
Gold and gems
To turn your gold and gemstones from drab to fab, with this easy cleaning solution: Mix sodium-free seltzer water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl. Place your jewelry in a metal strainer and allow the pieces to soak in the solvent for five minutes. Next, remove the items from the liquid; using a soft toothbrush, gently rub in between the crevices and over the setting of your jewelry. Finally, rinse your gold and gemstones under cool, running water to remove any leftover solution, then dry your jewelry using a soft cloth to buff.
Pearls
One of the best ways to keep your pearls shiny is to wear them often because your body's natural oils help keep them polished, Kathy Higginbotham, director of control for Silpada Designs, told Woman's Day. If you haven't worn your pearls in a while or have noticed they need a little TLC, try this at home remedy: Mix one teaspoon of Woolite with one quart of water in a dish. Submerge your pearls for 10-15 seconds, then remove your jewelry from the solution. Use a soft cotton cloth to wipe off your pearls, then lay the fabric flat and rest your pearls on them to finish drying. To help your polished pearls maintain their restored luster, store them in a cotton bag separate from other jewelry items.
Diamonds
Whether it's a dainty necklace or your custom engagement ring, the last thing you want to walk around with is a dull diamond. Baking soda is a common household item that can be used as a non-abrasive cleaning solution. Create a paste using one part baking soda and one part warm water. Use your finger to apply the paste around your custom engagement ring, including the stone, setting and band. Rinse your ring off with water and repeat the process if necessary before using a lint-free cloth to dry your ring.
