Do you know the proper etiquette for wearing jewelry?
While some rules—such as mixing metals or gemstones—are considered passé, there are still some guidelines worth remembering. For example, if you work in a conservative office, it’s best to avoid wearing jewelry that may be too distracting for the other workers in your office.
Of course, it’s also not a good idea to wear tarnished jewelry. After all, you don’t want to appear careless about your appearance.
That said, let’s discuss cleaning tarnished jewelry, focusing on things you might not know about keeping your favorite pieces in great shape.
There Are Many Methods for Cleaning Tarnished Jewelry
It doesn’t mean, however, that you should try them all. An example would be using toothpaste, which is too abrasive for metals and softer gemstones.
Some DIY-ers also recommend using a toothbrush for cleaning tarnished jewelry at home. However, if you use too much pressure, you risk destroying your jewelry pieces.
Using vinegar, lemon juice, ammonia, and bleach are also a no-no. If you want a sure method for cleaning your tarnished jewelry pieces, stick to those recommended by jewelers (e.g., an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner for silver tarnish).
Clean Tarnished Jewelry Pieces ASAP
Soaking your jewelry in a bowl filled with warm water and mild dish soap is an effective way to get rid of tarnish. But this method may not work as well for pieces that have been exposed to tarnish for a long time.
To avoid having to buy special cleaning solutions, try to clean your jewelry at least once a week.
Wear Your Jewelry Often
The more you wear your jewelry items, the less likely they are to tarnish.
Now, if you’re reluctant to wear jewelry often for fear of triggering an allergic reaction, you can give jewelry protective coating a try. This works by creating a barrier between jewelry and skin, so you don’t have to worry about getting rashes.
Invest in Anti-Tarnish Storage
So you know what cleans tarnished jewelry, but do you know how to prolong periods in between cleanings?
If you have anti-tarnish bags, you can use it for storing your jewelry, especially silver pieces. This way, you can just use a soft cloth for polishing your jewelry after every use, and maybe a soak in mild dish soap once a month.
Follow Your Jewelry Maker’s Maintenance Instructions
Some pieces in your collection may require special care.
If you bought your jewelry from a reputable store, it will come with a product care manual. This will tell you how often to clean your jewelry, and what solutions you may use to keep it in mint condition.
Want More Jewelry Tips and Advice?
Now that you know more about cleaning tarnished jewelry, would you like to know more about buying, selling, and caring for your jewelry pieces?
If yes, don’t hesitate to check out our other articles. We also cover other topics that might interest you, including technology, entertainment, business, and more.
Image Credits: Sirio
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