Caring for your Jewelry: Part 2
This is the second part in the caring for your “preciousssss” ornaments series. In the first part of the series, we looked at caring for Gold, Sterling Silver and Pearls. The second part we will take a look at caring for the other types of jewelries.
GOLD VERMEIL
Vermeil is gold plating over sterling silver. It is a good way to incorporate the look of gold at a fraction of the cost. Gold vermeil jewelry can be cleaned by washing in warm (lukewarm) in which some non-film leaving dish soap has been added. Use a soft toothbrush to get into tight places. Rinse and dry with a soft polishing cloth immediately to avoid mineral residue from the water.
GOLD PLATING
Lightly wipe your gold-plated jewelry with a damp cotton cloth or non-abrasive jewelry polishing cloth. Keep gold-plated jewelry away from hard surfaces. Bumps and scratches will cause the gold layer to wear away faster.
GOLD FILLING
Wipe your jewelry carefully with a soft cloth to keep it clean. To clean places that a polishing cloth will not reach, take a small bowl that will hold about a quart of water and line it with aluminum foil. Add hot water and a tablespoon of Tide washing powder (not liquid or with bleach) and stir. Place your jewelry in the solution for about 1 minute and rinse with clean water and air dry.
GEMSTONES
Gemstones are hard as rock, but they can be damaged from careless handling. Rings tend to collect dust and soap behind the gem, clean them regularly to let the light in so your gems can shine. To clean transparent crystalline gemstones, soak them in a bowl of water with a touch of gentle dish soap. If necessary, use a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone. Rinse the soap off and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Diamonds, rubies and sapphires may survive ultrasonic cleaners but many other gems many not. Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should only be wiped clean with moist cloth as they are soft and porous. Opaque gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise should be wiped clean with a moist cloth as they can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, and they may build up inside the stone and discolor it.
STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel jewelry won’t rust but it can tarnish over time. Just as with any jewelry it is best to avoid contact with chemicals (lotions, chlorine from pools etc.) in order to keep it cleaner longer. Steel jewelry is easy to clean, you can use mild dishwashing liquid in warm water and wipe it down with a soft cloth. Steel jewelry is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Read more here How to take care of your jewelries
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