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Happy Tuesday, kids! I hope everyone's week started out well. Today's Tip may come in handy for anyone who owns fine jewelry. (That leaves me out - haha.) Scroll on down and check it out!
JEWELRY CLEANING TIPS
1. Jewelry should be removed before showering or cleaning. A film can form if soap is not washed off completely. This film will then become a magnet for dirt, dust and other contaminants.
2. Use a nub free, 100% cotton cloth and gently wipe the piece clean using only the soft pads of your fingers.
3. You can also purchase jeweler's cloths from jewelry stores. Be sure to use fresh cloths since the dirt and grit left on the cloth from a previous use will now leave scrapes and pits in the piece you are trying to clean and polish.
4. Commercial cleaners can be purchased at jewelry stores. Always read instructions before use.
5. Never clean your jewelry in bleach! Doing this will literally break down your jewelry. Bleach is an oxidizing agent that will react to the metal, causing it to become very brittle. Similarly, avoid swimming pools and bathing in hot tubs [while wearing your jewelry], as chlorine products are added to prevent bacteria growth.
6. Besides chlorine bleach, denatured alcohol, turpentine, acetone and ammonia are harmful to jewelry. These chemicals can dull or pit the surface on softer gemstones.
7. For best results, polish silver or gold with a jewelry polishing cloth. Use of tissue or paper towels can cause scratches.
8. An old toothbrush is very hand. Make sure that you use an old, soft bristle brush. Lightly brush at hard to reach areas while frequently applying cleaning solution.
9. Never use toothpaste or other abrasives to clean metal or stones. Some websites recommend toothpaste as a cleaner, but this is not an accepted practice by fine jewelers. The abrasives in toothpaste can damage the surface of metal. Toothpaste will also abrade the surface on amber, lapis, turquoise and other soft stones.
I gave my daughter just about all my jewelry I had through the years. I barely have anything left to clean. This is not the norm for most women though....so I think this will be a very helpful hint!
I have a couple of nice pieces that I haven't worn in years - don't go to any functions where pearls are a must. In fact, I think the last time I might have worn them was back when my son's dad and I got married. I wear 3 pieces of jewelry daily: 2 rings that are sterling silver and my rosary that Mama Gonzalez gave me - all 3 are sentimental to me and why I wear them daily.
Though great tips, Pam, for those who do have the real bling
I always used an ammonia solution to clean my diamond wedding rings when I still wore them. Always heard that was best for diamonds.
Don't wear jewelry anymore except my class ring when I got to reunions.
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I'll steam clean the diamonds
