Designer jewellery is an important part of a woman's wardrobe
Designer jewellery is an important part of a woman's wardrobe. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets
and more are essential complements to a variety of looks. But these pieces can become dirty
and dulled with time. Follow a few simple procedures to keep your jewellery in good shape and
looking great.
Costume jewellery can be cleaned with any soap and water solution. Use a toothbrush to scrub
and get in the corners. You can also use a wooden toothpick to pry out the difficult bits of dirt.
Just be careful around the settings as they can come
loose. Also be sure to dry them thoroughly with a hair
dryer on low setting. Water residue can loosen the glue
that holds crystals and rhinestones in place.
More expensive designer jewellery should be cleaned
with a little more care. Diamonds can be polished very
effectively with a solution of warm water and ammonia.
Dip a cotton swab into the solution and gently clean the
stone to bring back its shine. Clean gold jewellery with
soap and water only. Other chemicals can discolour the
metal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and scrub it very gently. Silver tarnishes on contact with
air and requires a specific material to clean it.
Use a silver dip for jewellery with silver only and
a polish for silver with stones in it. Never
immerse any stones or crystals in a silver dip;
instead, clean around them very carefully with
the polish and a soft cloth. Pearl and opal
designer jewellery is beautiful and also very
delicate. Try a very gentle soap, such as one
made for babies, in a warm water solution to
clean opals. For pearls, any soap and water
solution should work, but never use an abrasive
material to clean them. They scratch very easily.
When in doubt, take your designer jewellery to a
professional jeweller for cleaning. If you are at all
uncertain about the material or appropriate cleaning
technique, it is best to trust the task to the
professionals. They have sonicators, which use sound
waves and water, to gently remove dirt and grease
from the most intricate pieces. They will also be able to
tighten up any loose stone that you may not realize you
are in danger of losing.
Everyday wear and tear can dirty and dull your
beautiful jewels. The oil from your skin can build up
over time and cloud gemstones. Bring back their shine with simple, yet safe and effective,
cleaning methods.