If you are looking for how to clean jewelry with stones ,then here is a complete step by step guide. Everything that you need to know.
We all treasure those special pieces of jewelry, such as the silver necklace a loved one gave us, the family heirloom ring, or the stone-studded bracelet that brightens any look. But after time, you could discover that your treasured jewelry starts to lose its luster. The colorful stones lose their luster, and the complex designs fade.
This is a normal process brought on by exposure to air and moisture, yet your jewelry can still sparkle once more. We’ll show you how to clean jewelry with stones at home in this post so that you can preserve its original luster.
Why Is Cleaning Your Jewelry Important?
It’s necessary to comprehend the importance of routine cleaning before getting into the intricacies of how to clean jewelry with stones. Due to its inherent softness, silver is prone to tarnishing when exposed to airborne sulfur and oxygen. This gives it a lifeless, occasionally black aspect that can detract from its attractiveness.
Additionally, the jewels in your jewelry, whether they are semi-precious stones like turquoise, garnet, or amethyst or priceless gems like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, can gather dirt, filth, and oils, concealing their original brightness.
Regular cleaning keeps your jewelry’s quality while also preserving its aesthetic appeal, allowing you to continue to appreciate its beauty for years to come.
What You Will Need?
There is no need for specific cleaning tools while cleaning stone-set jewelry. What you’ll need for cleaning is listed below:
- Lukewarm water
- A gentle dish soap
- A gentle brush
- A soft cloth free of lint
- A bowl
How to Clean Jewelry with Stones
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of how to clean jewelry with stones.
1. Make Soap Solution
The initial step in mastering how to clean jewelry with stones is making your cleaning solution. Mix 3-4 drops of mild dish soap in a bowl of warm water. Ensure the water isn’t hot, as excessive heat can damage certain stones.
2. Soak Your Jewelry in Water
Next, soak your precious jewelry in the soap solution and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This soaking process enables the soap solution to penetrate the surface grime, making it pretty easy to remove.
3. Light Cleaning
After soaking, gently scrub the silver components of your jewelry with a soft toothbrush. The stones should not be scrubbed vigorously as this could scratch or harm them. If the stone is permeable, such as pearls, turquoise, or opals, avoid stroking it.
4. Wash and Dry
After cleaning every surface, rinse the jewelry under warm running water to get rid of any remaining soap. Then, using a soft, lint-free cloth, pat the jewelry dry. Before keeping it, let it thoroughly dry out in the air to avoid moisture buildup that can cause the stones to tarnish or become damaged.
What Things to Ignore While Cleaning Your Jewelry with Stones
Knowing what to avoid while cleaning silver jewelry with stones is just as important as knowing how to clean jewelry with stones. Here are some typical blunders to stay away from when cleaning your priceless items.
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
the use of harsh chemicals
One of the biggest errors people make is cleaning their silver jewelry with harsh chemicals. Household cleaners, bleach, chlorine, and even baking soda can be too abrasive for both silver and the various types of stones it may house.
These chemicals may cause discoloration and destroy the surface of the jewelry and stones. However, what you can do is stick to a milder solution of warm water and mild dish soap for safe and effective cleaning.
Too Much Scrubbing
You may be tempted to scrape vigorously when attempting to remove tough dirt or tarnish. However, many different kinds of gemstones and silver are relatively delicate and prone to scratching.
Apply mild pressure with a soft toothbrush and avoid scrubbing excessively. Repeating the procedure a few times is preferable to running the risk of damaging your jewelry.
Using Hot Water
Although hot water might seem like it would be better for cleaning, it can really do harm. Overheating can break some types of stones and loosen the settings, allowing the stones to fall out. When washing your silver jewelry with stones, always use warm water.
Not Drying Quite Right
You must properly dry your jewelry after cleaning it. Any moisture that is left behind can cause certain types of stones to discolor or even corrode. Your jewelry should be rinsed, dried with a soft towel, and then properly air-dried before being stored.
Missing Out on Regular Cleaning
While it’s crucial to avoid over-washing your jewelry, skipping out on routine cleaning can result in the accumulation of oils and debris, which, over time, can deteriorate the item. To maintain your jewelry looking its best, incorporate a light cleaning into your regimen every few months.
Making Use of Ultrasonic Cleaners
While some forms of jewelry can benefit greatly from ultrasonic cleaning, silver jewelry containing stones should not be cleaned in this way. The vigorous cleaning procedure might harm weaker stones and cause settings to become loose. Before utilizing an ultrasonic cleaner, always make sure that the sort of gemstone you have is safe to use in one.
Try Using a Cleaning Service
It may be advisable to get your jewelry professionally cleaned if it is very tarnished or if it contains really precious or fragile stones. Jewelers with the right equipment and expertise can properly clean and polish jewelry without causing damage like Lukas Jewelry.
Regular Upkeep and Care
The first step is to learn how to clean jewelry with stones. Your pieces will continue to look lovely for years to come with regular care and upkeep. When not in use, try to clean your jewelry every few months and keep it stored in a cool, dry environment.
There you have it, then! You now understand the secure and efficient methods for cleaning silver jewelry with stones at home. Your favorite pieces will keep shining and sparkling as they should with routine maintenance.