| Cleaning and correctly storing your jewelry will | | | | a little olive oil and then buffing with a dry soft |
| help it keep sparkling, increase the longevity of | | | | cloth. This will improve the sheen and luster of the |
| the piece and enhance its wearing pleasure. | | | | Pearl. |
| Let's first take a look at how to effectively and | | | | Antique and Ethnic jewelry |
| safely clean various types of jewelry. | | | | Antique jewelry and ethnic jewelry such a Kundan |
| Gold Jewelry | | | | and Polki (Jewelry of India)should not be cleaned |
| One of the simplest and economical ways to | | | | at home as they are very delicate and liable to |
| clean gold jewelry is to take a bowl of lukewarm | | | | break and discolor easily. |
| to warm water, mix in a little mild detergent soap, | | | | These pieces should be taken to a trusted |
| immerse the jewelry piece and let it sit for a few | | | | jewelry professional for periodic cleaning. |
| minutes which will help dislodge residue and grime. | | | | Note |
| Then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the | | | | Before starting the cleaning process of mounted |
| piece. Put the piece under running water to wash | | | | and set stones please check the prongs, bail, |
| of the soapy solution, then pat dry with a soft lint | | | | earring posts, hooks and clasps for damage or |
| free cloth. | | | | wear and tear. If they are loose or missing please |
| You can also use commercial jewelry liquids at | | | | take the piece to a jewelry professional to get it |
| most jewelry stores. Please follow the user | | | | fixed as the stone may dislodge during the |
| instructions when using these. | | | | cleaning process. |
| Silver Jewelry | | | | When rinsing under a tap, keep a sieve under the |
| Silver jewelry should be cleaned using the least | | | | tap to trap a stone if it dislodges during cleaning. |
| abrasive silver polish. Apply the polish with a soft | | | | Storing your jewelry |
| cloth and gently rub the piece, wipe away any | | | | Correctly storing your jewelry is one of the most |
| excess polish. You can also use spray polish. | | | | important things you can do to ensure the |
| Diamond Jewelry | | | | longevity of your cherished jewelry. |
| To clean diamond jewelry use a mix of 1 cup | | | | Try to store your jewelry in individual hard boxes |
| water and ¼ cup of ammonia. Immerse | | | | lined with soft cloth. |
| the piece for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then brush | | | | You can also wrap your jewelry in polishing paper |
| gently with a soft toothbrush, taking special care | | | | or soft tissues and put them in plastic zip lock |
| to brush the back mounting and the culet (tip of | | | | pouches. |
| the diamond) as that is where most of the grime | | | | Porous gemstones and organic gemstones such |
| sticks reducing the amount of light passing | | | | as Emerald, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Pearls, Coral, |
| through the stone thus reducing its luster. | | | | and Amber etc. should not be stored in direct |
| Rinse the piece under running water and dry using | | | | sunlight. |
| a soft chamois skin cloth or a soft lint free cloth. | | | | Store your jewelry in dark and cool place away |
| You can also use commercial jewelry liquids at | | | | from extreme heat or cold. |
| most jewelry stores. Please follow the user | | | | Always store your jewelry away from chemicals |
| instructions when using these. | | | | and cosmetics. |
| Porous stones | | | | Don't put any heavy objects on top of your |
| Porous stones such as Emeralds, Jade, Onyx etc. | | | | jewelry boxes or pouches. |
| use water and a very mild detergent to gently | | | | Links and clasps of chains, bracelets and strings |
| clean with a toothbrush, rinse under running water | | | | should be closed to avoid entanglement and |
| then pat dry with a soft lint free cloth. | | | | breakage. |
| Organic Stones | | | | Always insure that your jewelry is completely dry |
| To clean organic stones such as Pearls, Amber, | | | | before storing them. |
| Coral, Jet etc. use only a soft damp cloth to wipe. | | | | The above mentioned cleaning and storage tips |
| Never use any cleaning liquids or solutions on | | | | will ensure that you enjoy for years your favorite |
| these stones. | | | | and often expensive jewelry. |
| Pearls can also be cleaned using a soft cloth with | | | | |