Stephen Alan's Jewellers - The Jewellery Blog

If that gold necklace just doesn’t shine the way it used to, or that silver engagement ring is looking lacklustre and tarnished, especially in the detail, don’t panic, or worry you’re going to have to get it professionally cleaned.

In this short article from the Stephen Alan’s Jewellery Blog, we give you 10 ways to clean your jewellery using everyday items, items that most of us already have at home, including things such as aluminum foil, and Alka-Seltzer.

If you find the article helpful, don’t keep it to yourself, share it across social media, so others will thank you for helping them get their bling back to its original sparkle, without the need to visit a jewellers.

DISCLAIMER

The advice given in this article comes from trusted sources around the internet, and Stephen Alan’s Jewellers takes no responsibility for any damage whatsoever, that might occur to your jewellery when following these tips.

1. Aluminum Foil

This jewellery cleaning tip relies on ‘ion exchange’, a chemical process used to demineralize water and separate substances.

How to do it

Line a Pyrex bowl with good-quality aluminum foil then add hot (not boiling) water, and one tablespoon of bleach-free washing powder. Then, simply soak the jewellery you want cleaning in this solution, for about a minute, remove, and rinse well.

2. Beer

This tip for cleaning your jewellery (apart from pearls and other opaque gemstones) is made possible due to the alcohol present in the beer.

How to do it

Simply pour a light coloured beer into a bowl, and either submerge your jewellery into it overnight, or take a soft clean cloth dipped in the beer, and get polishing before rinsing under cold water.

3. Denture Tablets

This quick jewellery cleaning tip is simple, as long as someone in your house wears dentures.

How to do it

Drop a couple of (inexpensive) denture tablets into a bowl of water, followed by the jewellery that needs cleaning. Leave for about a minute, then remove and wipe down.

4. Tomato Ketchup

Cleaning your jewellery with ketchup is another super simple method to get the gleam back into your bling, but there is an important rule.

How to do it

Use the tomato ketchup like you would any polishing solution by rubbing it in using a soft clean cloth, and perhaps a soft toothbrush to focus on the detail, then rinse in cold water. But, the important rule to remember is not to leave the ketchup on for too long, as the acid could end up reacting with the precious metal, and dulling the shine.

5. Toothpaste

This one’s an extremely cheap way to clean jewellery, and most of us have a bit of spare toothpaste.

How to do it

Clean your jewellery in much the same way you’d clean your teeth, with a pea-sized amount on an old, soft toothbrush, and gently work it into the jewellery, especially the detail, then rinse off the residue and wipe down with a dry cloth.

6. Vinegar and Baking Soda

This is the classic method of using household things to clean your jewellery (apart from pearls and other opaque gemstones), and it really does work!

How to do it

Simply mix ½ a cup of vinegar (preferably white vinegar) with 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and submerge your rings, bracelets etc. Leave them for around 3 hours, then take them out, rinse off with cold water and dry down.

7. Window Cleaner

This tip for cleaning jewellery is a great method, but only on all precious metal jewellery or crystalline gemstones, such as diamonds or rubies etc., and not for opaque stones, including coral or pearls etc.

How to do it

Simply spray the cleaner on to the jewellery (you may want to wear protective gloves), then use a cloth or soft toothbrush to start bringing back the shine, and rinse off when you’re done.

8. Shampoo

This way to clean jewellery is a gentle treatment you can even use for opaque gems, such as pearls.

How to do it

Just mix a little shampoo into some warm water then dip a soft cloth or soft brush and use it to polish up your jewellery, including your pearl necklaces. But, one important thing to remember is not to soak pearls or similar gemstones, as this sustained soaking can cause damage.

9. Alka-Seltzer

Take the discomfort of dirty jewellery away with this clever little jewellery cleaning hack.

How to do it

Simply drop a couple of Alka-Seltzer or similar soluble antacid into a bowl of warm water, submerge your jewellery, leave it for 2-3 minutes, take out and wipe dry.

10. Washing up liquid

Just like it works for your dishes, washing up liquid is fabulous degreaser for jewellery, and very inexpensive.

How to do it

Place some neat washing up liquid on a soft toothbrush, and gently work it into the jewellery, making sure to focus on the detail. Once you're happy, simply rinse the piece off in warm water.

BONUS TIP!!!

Hagerty Silver Clean

We couldn't let you go without adding a neat little bonus. Hagerty Silver Clean is a special solution professional jewellers use to clean all sorts precious metal jewellery (apart from pearls or other porous gemstones), and it's really simple to use.

OK, we confess, Hagerty Silver Clean isn't something most of us have at home. But, it is relatively cheap at just under £10, and is something we, as professional jewellers would highly recommend all jewellery owners store at home to keep their jewellery looking its best all year round.

How to do it

Simply dip the jewellery into the Hagerty Silver Clean for about 10 seconds, using the small plastic holder provided. Then rinse off in warm water, and use a Hagerty Silver Cloth to really bring out the shine.

Both Hagerty Silver Clean (£9.50) and Hagerty Silver Cloths (£7.50 each) are available at Stephen Alan's Jewellers. To get yours, pop into the shop at 30B High Street Leighton Buzzard LU7 1EA, where one of the team will be happy to help.

Conclusion

If neither of these 10 easy jewellery cleaning tips get your jewellery shining the way you want, contact your local jeweller for a professional clean. This service is generally inexpensive, and depending on the skill of your jeweller, will guarantee a gorgeous sparkle to all your bling.

Stephen Alan's Jewellers is one of Leighton Buzzards leading jewellers and jewellery experts, specialising in new and preowned jewellery, bespoke jewellery, professional jewellery services, including jewellery repairs, cleaning, and alterations. Contact us via our website at sajewellers.co.uk