Best ways to keep your jewellery clean and sparkling

Wearing jewellery with expensive gemstones and intricate designs looks appealing and attractive, but more than the aesthetics, keeping jewellery in clean and great condition over time makes one more admirable.

Indeed, keeping them clean and in perfect condition over time is a major consideration that we should always keep in mind. It is not enough to just keep our jewellery in jewellery boxes - we have to maintain their shine and luster. Good thing, there are services, products and solutions available in the market to help us with this task. However, some of these products and services are quite expensive. But worry not, there is no need to spend that much as the only thing needed is to look into our own homes and check out these items that can be used in cleaning our jewellery:

Toothpaste

Toothpaste does not only keep your teeth clean and sparkling, it also helps silver and diamond jewellery shimmering. Put a little toothpaste on an old toothbrush. Apply and brush it against silver accessories and diamond jewellery and notice how it makes your jewellery sparkle like new. Clean off the remaining residue using a clean damp cloth.

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Ammonia

Ammonia can be used in cleaning quite a number of jewellery. Sheknows suggests ammonia in cleaning diamonds. Diamonds are a girl's best friend, so it is essential that you take good care of your friend to keep it shining, as it cannot sparkle by itself. Using ammonia, soak your favorite diamond jewellery in a solution of 1 cup warm water and 1/4 cup ammonia for about 15 minutes, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away any remaining grime, especially in the crevices of the setting and underneath the diamond.

Ammonia can also be used to clean gold and silver accessories, according to Reader's Digest. Clean gold and silver trinkets by soaking them for 10 minutes in a solution of 1/2 cup clear ammonia mixed in 1 cup warm water. Gently wipe clean with a soft cloth and let dry. 

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Vinegar

Vinegar has proven to be an all-around solution used not only for cooking. It can also be used in cleaning silver, gold and gemstone jewellery by using white vinegar. Simply drop the jewelry into a jar of vinegar and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, agitating occasionally. Remove and scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, if necessary. Alternatively, soak your silver rings, bracelets, necklaces and other jewellery in a mixture of 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons baking soda for two to three hours. Use cold water to rinse, then dry your jewellery with a soft, dry cloth.

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Antacid

Who says antacids only fight acids in your stomach? It can also fight dirt in your jewellery! Amazing, isn't it? Drop two antacid tablets into a glass of warm water, followed by your baubles. Let sit for about two minutes in the effervescent solution, then remove and rinse.

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Beer

Beer can be used in bringing back the luster of your gold necklaces, rings and bracelets. Simply pour a few drops of beer onto a soft cloth and wipe it against your solid gold jewellery. Avoid rubbing the cloth against the gemstones. This will bring back the shine in your gold.

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Aluminum foil
The aluminum components of this foil can be used to clean tarnished silver jewellery and bring back its luster just like how silverwares are cleaned.

There are two ways to use aluminum foil to clean your jewellery. One way is to use baking soda. Line a tray with a piece of crumpled aluminum foil and place your jewelry on the foil. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the jewelry, then pour boiling water over it. The tarnish will transfer from the jewelry to the foil. You may need to flip or move the jewelry around so all sides come in contact with the foil. Remove and rinse with water.

Another way is by using detergent powder, according to Reader's Digest. Line a small bowl with aluminum foil. Fill the bowl with hot water and mix in one tablespoon of bleach-free powdered laundry detergent (not liquid), like Tide or Ariel. Put the jewellery in the solution and let it soak for one minute. Rinse well and air-dry. This procedure makes use of the chemical process known as ion exchange, which can also be used to clean silverware. 

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Soap and water
For soft and porous gems and materials like pearls and turquoise, soap and water will definitely do the trick to bring out their best look. Clean your string of pearls by dipping them quickly in a solution of 2 cups warm water and a few drops of mild detergent (like Woolite). Wipe each pearl with a soft, dry cotton cloth and lay flat to dry. (Pearls actually stay polished from frequent wear, so don't be afraid to accessorize!) Turquoise doesn't even need soap to come clean. Simply dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into warm water and scrub the stone clean. Dry with a clean cloth, then let air-dry for several hours before storing.

Keep in mind that keeping your jewellery clean will help preserve their shine and elegance for a long time, and this will make them look new and elegant every time you wear them. Keeping them clean and well-maintained does not require you to spend too much money as these solutions and items available at home will help with the trick!