Cleaning jewelry can be a simple process if you have the correct tools and the proper knowledge. Some items that will be helpful when cleaning jewelry are a mild dish soap, a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner, a soft toothbrush, a soft dry cloth, and a lint-free cloth. There are many popular jewelry cleaning tips, but the following are the most common.

There are certain things you must know before cleaning your jewelry. Never put porous stones such as pearls, turquoise or gemstones in a jewelry cleaning solution. Instead, rub the jewelry with a damp soft cloth. When cleaning diamonds, it is recommended that you first dip the diamond in vodka or rubbing alcohol to dissolve the grease that has built up over time. When in doubt, have these stones professionally cleaned.

Before you get started, look over your jewelry to make sure that all clasps and prongs are secure. When cleaning silver jewelry, the best method is to cover the jewelry with a professional non-abrasive silver jewelry cleaner. Work the polish into the silver jewelry with a soft cloth and work out the stains. Wipe off any excess cleaner and polish with a lent-free cloth until it is shiny. The more you wear silver jewelry, the longer it maintains its luster. When not being worn, it can be stored in a plastic bag to slow down oxidation, which is what causes the darkened effect on silver jewelry.

To clean gold jewelry, you must use a milder solution than you would with silver jewelry. The best method is to soak the jewelry in two cups(.47 L) warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. After 15 minutes, rinse the jewelry in warm running water and buff dry with a lint-free cloth until it is shiny. When cleaning softer metals such as gold, do not use toothpaste or baking soda because of its abrasiveness.

When cleaning jewelry made of copper, a solution of lime or lemon juice with a dash of salt will restore it to its original state. Afterward, rinse off the jewelry and dry well with a soft lint-free cloth. Copper jewelry may be buffed with a polishing cloth to produce a shiny appearance after cleaning.

It is important not to subject jewelry to unnecessary chemicals or abrasive substances such as toothpaste or a baking soda solution. These techniques are sometimes recommended for cleaning jewelry, but have been known to cause damage such as fine surface scratches. A non-chemical way of cleaning jewelry is simply with a polishing or silver cloth. This method does take a little more time and effort but your jewelry will stay brighter for a longer period of time.