Do you have the feeling that your gold jewelry becomes dull after a while? Or does your silver jewelry turn dark or even black? This is common with daily use, but with these tips, you can clean your jewelry and make it shine like new again.
Why do silver jewelry pieces turn black?
Silver jewelry can turn black or develop a black, dull haze over time. This is called oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction caused by elements like sulfur. Sulfur is found in various products like perfumes and is also present in the air. When silver jewelry or other silver products are exposed to air, oxidation automatically occurs. The good news is that you can polish away this black layer to restore the beautiful silver color and shine.
Cleaning silver jewelry
There are several ways to clean silver jewelry. For instance, use a jewelry polishing cloth to polish your piece. You can also choose to place the silver jewelry in a small bowl with lukewarm water and a generous amount of dish soap. Let it soak for a few minutes and polish the jewels with a soft toothbrush if needed.
Another way to clean silver is by using aluminum foil. Place a sheet of aluminum foil in a bowl with lukewarm water. Add kitchen salt or baking soda and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse it off with water and use a clean cloth to pat it dry. The downside of this method is that repeated use can reduce the shine and the surface may become slightly matte. The shine can eventually be restored by a jeweler through polishing, creating a smooth surface again.
Cleaning gold jewelry
Gold jewelry can become dull over time, often due to dirt like grease that builds up from wearing it. Fortunately, gold is also easy to clean by polishing the jewelry with a jewelry polishing cloth or soaking it in a bath of lukewarm water with dish soap. After soaking, clean the back of the gemstones with a soft toothbrush. If you want to restore the ultimate shine, you can also add a drop of ammonia to the bath for jewelry that is entirely made of gold. Be cautious with ammonia around more delicate gemstones like opal, carnelian, or pearls. If in doubt, we are happy to help you.
Do you wear a lot of jewelry and want to clean it regularly? You might consider purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaner, also known as a vibrating bath, is filled with a liquid, such as lukewarm water with dish soap. The vibrations of the sound waves in the bath provide a cleaning action. If you want your jewelry from Oro Jewels cleaned and are near our showroom, send us a message, and we will clean your jewelry for free in our ultrasonic cleaner.
Cleaning jewelry with cola or toothpaste, is that possible?
We have heard that some people clean their gold or silver jewelry with cola or toothpaste. However, we do not recommend this. Using a bowl with lukewarm water and dish soap or a polishing cloth are the most effective methods to clean your gold or silver jewelry without damaging it.
How do you maintain your jewelry?
To keep your jewelry in the best condition, we recommend storing your pieces in a dark, dry, and enclosed space when not wearing them. This could be a jewelry box, like our Oro Jewellery Box. This way, they are minimally exposed to light and oxygen, which can affect all metals.
Additionally, protect your jewelry from other chemicals by applying perfume, skincare products, and makeup before putting on your jewelry. We also recommend removing your jewels during cleaning and sports to prevent damage.
