Jewelry Cleaning

Cleaning Jewelry
One of the best ways to keep your jewelry looking brand new is to keep it clean. Most experts suggest that you always wipe your jewelry with a damp, soft cloth each and every time you store it in a jewelry box. Jewelry that has been worn often collects body oil, cologne, lotions, soap residue and grease and grime. The quick wipe down removes those solutions that can actually tarnish or wear down metals and erode the jewelry.

Periodically it's a good idea to give your collection of jewelry a deep cleaning. Fill a basin with warm soapy water. (Use a mild liquid detergent.) Some experts suggest that you fill a plastic tub rather than do it in the sink, in case the drain clog is dislodged and your jewelry goes down the drain. Immerse the piece in the warm water and scrub it with a soft toothbrush or a brush made for cleaning jewelry. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. For heirloom quality jewelry and especially those containing precious gems, you will need to ask a jeweler for the suggested method of cleaning. There are a number of commercial cleaning products available. In some cases, it's best to take the piece to a jeweler for cleaning once or twice a year.

Jewelry Storage
Jewelry boxes have become a popular way to store jewelry. Most boxes are lined with a soft, velvety material that keeps each piece protected. Choose a box that has enough separate compartments for your collection, so that pieces have their own space. Experts say to store your pieces in a cool, dry spot.

Jewelry Preservation
More wedding rings have been lost down the drain when the wearer removed it while doing dishes. Have a special ring holder by each sink or make a habit of putting your ring in a jewelry box before immersing your hands in cleaning solutions. Many prefer to wash dishes with rubber gloves, so that they avoid having to take the rings on and off throughout the day. The experts suggest that jewelry be removed prior to applying lotions or perfumes. Avoid wearing earrings prior to using hairspray as that can quickly create an undesirable build up on the surface of the earrings. Also remove jewelry before doing heavy housework where they might be subjected to hard impact.

When staying in a hotel, be sure that you don't leave jewelry lying around the room when you are away. When traveling, keep your valuables with you rather than inside your checked luggage.

Watches
The first thing to wear out on a watch is the band. Periodically it's a good idea to carefully check out the band to make sure that it is still secure. Watches should not come in contact with water or moisture, unless they are made to be waterproof. When it's time for a new battery, quickly remove the old ones in order to prevent corrosion. Consult the watchmaker or jeweler to find out the best way to clean your specific watch.

With a little care and concern you can learn to protect your jewelry and keep it looking brand new and functional for years to come. Remember to consult a jeweler or manufacturer for specific cleaning and storage suggestions for your piece.