Cleaning Silver
Silver is subject to tarnishing over time, resulting in dull or even black jewelry. Tarnishing occurs when silver is exposed to oxygen and sulfur in the air. It is unavoidable, but, thankfully, it doesn't damage the metal and can be removed easily with cleaning.
How to prevent tarnishing:
Simply wearing your silver jewelry will slow the process of tarnishing. Being careful with how you store and wear the silver will also help reduce the speed of tarnishing.
Keep silver jewelry in separate airtight bags.
Avoid humid environments.
However, when the metal begins to look dull or starts to turn black, it is time to get the cleaning products out to get the jewelry looking like new.
How to clean silver:
The simplest way to clean silver is to buy a specialist cleaning solution or cloth. Just make sure that they have been specifically designed for cleaning silver. Silver cleaning cloths should be soft and infused with anti-tarnishing agents.
If you don't have specialist cleaners at home, then do not fear as there are household options to get your silver shining. A bowl of lukewarm water and a few drops of washing-up liquid will help remove tarnishing. Soak the silver jewelry for ten minutes in a bowl of warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid.
Gently scrub the silver with a soft, clean brush.
Rinse in clean, warm water.
Leave to air dry.
For more stubborn tarnishing, you can use a white vinegar and water mix.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl.
Soak a clean toothbrush in the solution and gently brush the affected areas of silver. Rise and leave to air dry.
Gemstone Cleaning
Gemstones are bought for their sparkle and colour, so it's essential to keep them looking their best. However, it is important to know what type of gem you are cleaning and how to get it back to looking like new.
Many colored gemstones have been treated to enhance their appearance. These treatments can negatively interact with some cleaning products and damage the jewelry. If in any doubt, take your jewelry to a jeweler for advice.
Although a gemstone may appear tough, many can be susceptible to heat. Whenever cleaning, make sure that you use warm water rather than hot or boiling water. Inclusions within gemstones can weaken their structure if aggressively cleaned. Gemstones, such as emeralds that have been oiled to improve color, can be negatively affected by mechanical cleaning such as steam and ultrasonic cleaning.
For nearly all colored gemstones cleaning with warm water, a couple of drops of washing-up liquid and a soft brush will be more than adequate. Make sure to avoid hard and rigid brushes. A toothbrush is usually an excellent tool due to head size and flexibility. If using a toothbrush, it is important to buy one labelled with a soft or extra-soft brush.
When cleaning malachite, use cool water as it is particularly sensitive to heat and hot water may damage the gemstone.
Cleaning Organic Gems
Organic gems like pearls and opal possess different chemical compositions to mineral gemstones. Because of this, they also require other methods of care. Most organic gems are much softer than mineral gemstones and liable to be scratched and damaged if not cared for correctly. Due to their chemical makeup, they are vulnerable to acids and many chemicals found in cleaning products. This brief guide should help you avoid damaging your peals, opals and amber jewelry.
How to clean pearl, coral, and amber jewelry:
Do not submerge the gemstones in water. Instead, wet a soft cloth with warm water and gently rub each stone individually. Avoid pulling the stones through the cloth as this is liable to stretch or damage the string. If stubborn dirt remains on some of the gemstones, then a soft brush should help remove the grime. Be careful and go gently.
Dry the gemstones with a lint-free cloth. Do not use a hairdryer to remove moisture, as the heat will damage the stones.
Never clean with steam, boiling or ultrasonic tools as these will irreversibly damage the gems.