Clean Jewelry At Home: DIY Tips To Polish, Shine, Sparkle 

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Clean Your Jewelry At Home

Are your precious pieces of jewelry looking a little lackluster? Do you dread the thought of bringing them to a jeweler just to get them cleaned and polished? Jewelry cleaning is often seen as a boring task, but it is an essential part of maintaining the sparkle and shine of your jewelry collection. Like a good oil change for your car, cleaning your jewelry is not just about making it look shiny and beautiful; it is also about maintaining its value and longevity. Luckily, Hamilton is here to reveal how to clean jewelry at home so you can easily keep your jewels looking their best!

Why Cleaning Jewelry Is Important

Over time, dirt, oils, and other substances can build up on your jewelry, causing it to lose its sparkle and potentially damage the metal or gemstones. Regular cleaning removes these impurities and prevents them from causing any harm. Additionally, cleaning allows you to inspect your jewelry for any loose stones or damaged clasps, ensuring that you can address any issues before they worsen. So, while it may seem like a tedious chore, taking the time to clean your jewelry is essential for preserving its beauty and value for years to come. 

Hamilton's Services

If you do not have time to clean your own jewelry, there is no need to fret. Hamilton Jewelers is here to fulfill all your cleaning, restoration, and repair needs with the following services: 

  • Polishing services 
  • Cleaning services including engagement rings 
  • Refurbishment of estate and vintage jewelry 
  • Jewelry restoration 
  • Restringing and repair of pearls and beaded jewelry Clear nail polish: Costume jewelry can be just as dazzling as real jewelry, but it can tarnish quickly and turn your fingers green. To keep your budget-friendly jewelry shining, paint a thin coat of clear nail polish on any metal piece.our piece is either solid gold or gold plated without gemstones!)

Make an appointment to get your jewelry serviced today! 


Gold Jewelry Care

Gold jewelry is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. To keep your gold pieces looking their best, regular cleaning is essential. Start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Place your gold jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the delicate surface of the gold. With a little TLC, your gold jewelry will continue to shine for years to come.

 

14k Yellow Gold 30mm Hoop Earrings 

14k Yellow Gold 8mm Charm Bracelet 

14k White Gold and Diamond Ring


Sterling Silver Care

Silver jewelry adds a touch of elegance to any outfit, but it is prone to tarnishing. To keep your silver jewelry looking its best, regular cleaning is essential. Start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Place your silver jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush to remove any tarnish or dirt. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes, as they can scratch the delicate surface of the silver. With a little TLC, your silver jewelry will maintain its stunning shine for years to come. 


David Yurman Sterling Silver Buckle Bracelet

Hamilton Sterling Silver Oval Locket

Ippolita Classico Wide Hammered Sterling Silver Ring


Platinum Jewelry Care

Platinum jewelry is a luxurious and elegant choice, but it requires special care to maintain its beauty. To keep your platinum pieces looking their best, regular cleaning is essential. Start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Place your platinum jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or grime. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes, as they can scratch the delicate surface of the platinum. With proper care, your platinum jewelry will continue to shine and captivate for years to come. 

Hamilton Platinum 5mm Comfort Fit Wedding Band

Platinum Pink Sapphire and Diamond Pendant

Platinum and 1.50CT Oval Diamond 3 Stone Ring


Diamond Jewelry Care

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but even these dazzling gems need a little TLC. Cleaning your diamond jewelry not only keeps them looking brilliant, but also helps maintain their value. Start by creating a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Soak your diamond jewelry for about 15 minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or oils. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the diamonds. With regular cleaning and care, your diamond jewelry will continue to sparkle and shine for a lifetime. 

14k White Gold and Diamond Station Line Station Necklace

Hamilton Centennial 18k Yellow Gold and 1.24CT Round Diamond Engagement Ring

14k White Gold and Diamond Mosaic Open Cuff


Pearl and Beaded Jewelry

Pearl and bead jewelry are delicate and require extra care when it comes to cleaning. The first step is to gently wipe the pearls or beads with a soft, damp cloth to remove any surface dirt or oils. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as they can damage the pearls or beads. For a deeper clean, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water and use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the pearls or beads. Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry with a soft cloth. With proper care, your pearl and bead jewelry will continue to shine and radiate elegance. 

 
Quick tip about pearls – because of their extreme sensitivity to chemicals in perfumes and cosmetics, a handy phrase to remember when putting them on and taking them off is ‘last on, first off.’ 

18k White Gold South Sea Pearls and Diamond Studs

18k Yellow Gold and Orange Beaded Stretch Bracelet

1970's 18k Gold Lapis and Turquoise Necklace


Jewelry Storage

Where you store your jewelry and how is an equally important part of the cleaning process. There isn’t much point in taking the time to polish and shine your pieces and then throw them in a drawer, where they can collect dust and dirt and are fully exposed to the elements. If you want to prolong the life of your jewelry, make sure you store it properly. 

Jewelry Box - Chiffon Jewelry Box with Silver Trim

Jewelry Roll Up - Italian Brown Leather Three Watch Roll Case

Travel Jewelry Boxes - Hamilton Grey Jewelry Box

As you can see, cleaning and storing your fine jewelry can be much easier than you think, and there is plenty you can do on your own to ensure the longevity of your collection. That said, it’s always a good idea to bring your jewelry to a professional periodically so they can check for any loose stones and bent prongs.  

Need to pick up jewelry storage solutions to protect your collection? Check out our online store.