Don't Ruin Your Jewellery: Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Jewellery, often a sentimental purchase, deserves the utmost care. While cleaning is essential to maintain its sparkle, using the wrong cleaning products can lead to irreversible damage. Here’s a list of substances to avoid when cleaning your precious pieces:

Harmful Substances to Avoid

• Bleach and Other Harsh Chemicals: These chemicals can corrode metals, fade gemstones, and damage the overall integrity of your jewellery. Bleach, in particular, can severely damage silver and gold, causing discolouration and pitting.
• Vinegar: While vinegar is a popular household cleaner, it can be too acidic for delicate jewellery. Prolonged exposure to vinegar can dull the shine of metals and damage certain gemstones, such as pearls and opals.
• Abrasive Cleaners and Scouring Pads: These can scratch the surface of your jewellery, especially soft metals like gold and silver. Scratches can diminish the beauty of your pieces, especially if your piece is high-shine rather than matte.
• Toothpaste: While toothpaste can be effective for cleaning some surfaces, it can be too abrasive for jewellery. The abrasive particles in toothpaste can scratch delicate metals and gemstones.
• Hot Water: Excessive heat can damage certain gemstones, such as opals and pearls. Hot water can cause these stones to crack or lose their lustre.

Safe Cleaning Practices

• Gentle Cleaning Solutions: Use mild soap and warm water to clean most jewellery.
• Soft Cloths: Use soft, lint-free cloths to gently wipe your jewellery clean.
• Professional Cleaning: For intricate or valuable pieces, consult a professional jeweller for cleaning and inspection.

A Natural Cleaning Method: Baking Soda and Foil

For a natural and effective way to clean tarnished silver jewellery, try this simple method:

1. Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up.
2. Fill the bowl with hot water and add a tablespoon of baking soda.
3. Place your tarnished silver jewellery in the solution, ensuring it makes contact with the foil.
4. The chemical reaction between the aluminium foil and baking soda will help lift the tarnish.
5. After a few minutes, remove the jewellery, rinse thoroughly with water, and dry with a soft cloth.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your jewellery remains beautiful for generations to come.