From your everyday jewelry to the expensive pieces you put on special occasions, jewelry requires cleaning occasionally. Jewelry, unlike our day-to-day clothing, is often overlooked during cleaning because most people believe it retains its shine for a long time.  This belief is untrue, as jewelry can become dull if neglected. Cleaning your jewelry requires special precautions to prevent damage, as over-cleaning can degrade its aesthetic value. 

Keep reading to learn different ways to clean metals and keep your jewelry fresh. As always, contact the professionals at Bostonian Jewelers to get your jewelry properly refurbished. 

How Often Should I Clean My Jewelry?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule to cleaning your jewelry, as it depends on how often it is worn, the last it was cleaned, and how it is stored. Some jewelry attracts more dirt than others and should be cleaned biweekly or monthly, while others don't. The general rule most people abide by is cleaning every two months to ensure it retains its color and shine. 

Tips To Clean Your Jewelry 

Cleaning your jewelry only requires professional help if stated by the jeweler or jewelry company. If you own regular jewelry pieces, the following are ways to keep them clean:-

Use liquid wash to clean your jewelry. 

Your liquid wash is suitable for washing dishes or clothes and can also clean your jewelry if appropriately used. The popular liquid soaks like Blue Dawn can eliminate months and years of dirt embedded deep in your jewelry. Another advantage is these washes are cheap, readily accessible, and can clean most metals, including silver, brass, titanium, gold-fill, and even aluminum, without damage. 

How-To Use:

1. Soak the jewelry in soapy water (containing an equal mixture of liquid wash and water) for several minutes.
2. Lather with the soap and rub the jewelry between your palms gently. Use a soft toothbrush to brush the joints and detailing if your jewelry has any engravings or carvings.
3. Repeat the procedure if the water gets brown or dark.
4. Rinse the jewelry with warm water and allow it to air dry. You can use a hair dryer/blower (on the lowest heat or most relaxed setting) to dry the jewelry. 

Use baking soda to clean your jewelry. 

Baking Soda is a powerful kitchen compound used for baking and even cleaning. It is used in many DIY procedures and has proven effective countless times. Mix baking soda with water and form a thick paste. Rub the paste on your still-dry jewelry for some minutes, and use a soft toothbrush to get the paste into the detailing and other tight corners. Rinse with water and air dry. 

Use plain vinegar to clean your jewelry. 

Vinegar effectively removes tarnishes in copper and brass jewelry. Soak the jewelry in vinegar for a few seconds. Remove the piece and wash with a non-lotion dishwashing soap and water for a few minutes. Rub it gently between your fingers and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel to remove water spots, or use the blow dryer in a low setting. Ensure it is properly dry and stored in a fool-proof Ziploc® bag. 

Work with Bostonian Jewelers 

Bostonian Jewelers offers jewelry restoration and repair services. Whether you've uncovered vintage jewelry or forgotten about some beloved jewels that need a touch-up, our experts in Boston are the ones to choose from. Contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation.

Cleaning gold jewelry with extreme care is essential if you want it to retain its luster. These treasured possessions may lose brightness over time due to natural wear and tear. This handy guide will teach you everything you need to know to clean your gold jewelry properly.

Every step, from acquiring the necessary materials to using a delicate bristle brush, is designed to restore the enduring charm of your cherished possessions. Carefully following these methods can restore the brightness of your gold jewelry and keep it shining with the same classic elegance that first drew you to it. Do you own gold jewelry that requires cleaning? The steps below will help you maintain its durability.

Get the Required Material

The first step in cleaning gold jewelry is gathering all the needed materials. You'll have a reliable cleaning crew, a lint-free cloth, a gentle dish soap, some warm water, and a soft brush (like an old toothbrush). The only thing that needs to be added to the set is a dish for the cleaning solution. Failing to get these items ready all in one place can cause distraction if you need to start searching in the middle of cleaning.

Inspect Your Gold Jewelry

Before you start cleaning your gold jewelry:

1. Inspect it thoroughly.
2. Be very careful with any fragile settings or stones that could come away.
3. Remember not to scratch or damage any jewels or other delicate elements while cleaning your item.

Hiring a professional cleaner is the best option for such items.

Make a Mild Cleaning Solution

To restore your gold jewelry, make a mild cleaning solution. You can create a practical yet delicate mixture in a bowl by mixing a tiny quantity of gentle dish soap with warm water. As you soak, this mild solution is a catalyst to dissolve the built-up grime and oils. Here is where the art of cleaning and preservation begins, so your gold pieces can shine again without losing their natural beauty.

Clean and Brush Carefully

After submerging your gold jewelry in the gentle cleaning solution, gently brush it to remove debris. Scrub the parts lightly with a delicate brush or an old toothbrush. Be especially careful around crevices and behind diamonds, where dirt can hide. Avoid scratching the metal with a soft touch, and do not apply undue pressure. Your gold jewelry will retain its luster and shine thanks to this meticulous cleaning method that removes all traces of dirt and grime.

Rinse Under Warm Running Water

After you've scrubbed your gold jewelry, rinse it under warm running water to remove any remaining soap. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to pat your items dry. It would help if you did not use paper towels or tissues on the delicate metal since their fibers could scratch it. Make sure your jewelry is completely dry before putting it away.

Contact Bostonian Jewelers 

Each step in this thorough cleaning procedure is essential to bringing back the enduring luster of your gold jewelry. Using delicate methods and a moderate cleaning solution, you can restore the shine and protect your treasured possessions for years. As you bask in the rekindled glow, think about Bostonian Jewelers' knowledge and carefully chosen products; they help you maintain and even enhance the beauty of your gold jewelry. Bostonian Jewelers is ready to take jewelry care to the next level with their dedication to quality.

Gold-plated jewelry shines due to its bright allure, but tarnishing over time can dull it. If this is what's happening to your precious gold-plated jewelry, worry not! Here, we discuss the top easy ways to protect your priceless jewels so they are as shiny as new. 

Understanding the Causes of Tarnishing in Gold-Plated Jewelry

While gold-plated jewelry is known for its affordability and beauty, it can lose its shine over time and tarnish. This is a natural process influenced by various factors. Understanding these causes will help you preserve the allure of your gold-plated jewelry.

However, this base metal might come to the surface with time, discoloring both the metal and gold. To restore its original brightness after this lengthy process, diligent polishing and care are required. Here, we share valuable tips to help you maintain the sparkle and luxurious allure of your gold-plated jewelry even after years.

Invest in a Gentle Cloth

If you use it often, you must clean your gold-plated jewelry at least once a year and more frequently, every three to six months. To keep them shining, use a cotton chamois or soft, non-abrasive, clean cloth when storing. 

Minimize Contact with Water

Gold plating thickness, measured in microns, directly affects tarnishing. Higher microns mean less tarnishing. To protect your jewelry, remove gold-plated items before showering or swimming. Substances like chlorine in tap water can harm precious metals, leading to dullness or erosion.

Exercise Caution with Perfume

Be cautious with perfume around gold-plated jewelry. Avoid spraying perfume directly on gold items, as some chemicals can cause oxidation and lead your jewelry to tarnish. This chemical response can ultimately blacken your gold-plated items, although it is reversible with the appropriate measures

Strategic Jewelry Storage

Storing necklaces and earrings well is as essential as cleaning gold-plated jewelry. Use pouches, cases, or jewelry boxes to protect them from tarnishing and fading. For ultimate jewelry care, consider storing them in a dark, calm, and dry environment, free from humidity and excessive heat, which can accelerate tarnishing.

The Longevity of Gold-Plated Jewelry

With good care, high-quality gold-plated jewelry can stay attractive for up to five years. Please protect it from salt, water, sweat, humidity, and chemicals. If it fades, you can restore it through tarnish-removal sprays or replacing it for a fresh look.

As summer peaks, it's the perfect opportunity to embrace the great outdoors and bask in the glorious weather. 

Summer brings numerous benefits, from active social life to an uplifted mood, particularly during summer vacations. However, one aspect can suffer during this season: your jewelry.

When spending time outdoors during the summer, it is advisable to wear sunscreen and bug spray for protection. However, these products can leave residue on your jewelry, causing it to lose its shine. 

Removing your jewelry before applying sunscreen or bug spray is recommended to avoid frequent cleaning. This simple precaution can prevent the buildup of irritating substances on your jewelry and keep it looking vibrant.

However, there are some other ways as well that you can apply to protect your jewelry in the summer. This article will summarize all these methods to protect your summer jewelry. 

Tips to Protect Your Jewelry in Summers 

Summer is beautiful weather, but it can damage our jewelry when exposed to the outdoors. There are some tips to protect your jewelry from any damage during summer. These tips are: 

Avoid Wearing it in Pool, Lake, or Beach 

If your family or friends are planning water adventures, it's a perfect idea in summer. But leave your jewelry at home. 

The chlorine in the pool can discolor or damage your precious jewelry. It can also remove the polish of some gemstones, such as diamonds. Furthermore, salty water and sand on the beach can damage your precious jewelry. 

Prevent Sunscreen Buildup 

Wearing sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn or harmful rays is good. However, sunscreen or even bug spray can cause an irritating buildup on your jewelry. 

This buildup will make your necklace or precious bracelets dim and dull. Make sure to take your jewelry off while applying sunscreen or bug spray. 

Organize While Travelling. 

It is vital to organize your jewelry properly. Place your rings, bracelets, and other precious jewelry separately. Keep them in a bag or airtight box. This will prevent them from getting direct sunlight during summer and prevent them from getting tangled or scratched. 

Contact Bostonian Jewelers for Professional Cleaning 

Summer is a beautiful season, but it can tarnish your jewelry quickly. Therefore, protecting it from direct sunlight and other things that can damage its beauty is essential. 

However, if you already experience buildup or dullness, contact Bostonian Jewelers. Our expert jewelers can professionally clean any jewelry piece and bring them back to life! Give us a call or fill out our contact form today!