Cleaning Variety of Jewelry: A Step-by-Step Guide

Caring for your jewelry is essential to ensure it lasts for years to come. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean and maintain your costume jewelry and pearls, as well as sterling silver pieces.

Costume Jewelry

To keep your costume jewelry looking its best, avoid submerging it in water as it can cause the metal to tarnish or rust. Instead, if dirt is stuck in hard-to-reach areas, use a cotton swab lightly dampened with a mild soap solution. Gently rub the paste onto the jewelry with a soft cloth or toothbrush, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Pearls

Freshwater pearls are delicate and require special care. After every wear, gently wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth to remove body oils, sweat, and dirt. To clean freshwater pearls, fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a drop of mild dish soap. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water, wring it out, and gently wipe each pearl. Rinse and dry them thoroughly before storing them.

Gemstone Pearls

Experts recommend using a mild soap solution with lukewarm water and a soft cloth for cleaning gemstone pearls. Follow the same steps as for freshwater pearls, but be gentle to avoid damaging the gemstones.

Sterling Silver

For tarnished sterling silver, make a paste using three parts baking soda and one part water. Gently rub the paste onto the silver with a soft cloth or toothbrush, then rinse with lukewarm water. Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe the jewelry to remove soap residue. For an extra shine, buff the sterling silver with a jewelry polishing cloth or silver polish.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your jewelry looking beautiful and ensure it remains in excellent condition for years to come. Happy cleaning!