I know this is way off topic, but this is such a knowledgeable group I figured I'd ask anyways. Is there anyone here that knows a recipe for jewelry cleaner?? I'm off to search the net too, but figured there maybe someone here that could give me one that they have had success with. TIA!!!
I've heard that toothpaste and a soft bristle brush works well. I use it on my wedding ring (diamond) -- have never used it on other gemstones except for a small opal ring. I would think that white vinegar would work well on diamonds also. With softer gems, or soft gold
-- you want to be careful so you don't etch them.
Kate in MI
You can use ammonia on diamonds and platinum. Soft gems, coral, opal, pearls, amber, etc. should be taken to a jeweler to clean -- they are very easy to ruin at home! As to using a brush, I only use a completely non-scratchy one such as a lipstick brush dipped in soapy water to clean the backs of stones and ornate settings. For things such as topaz, garnet, citrine, etc., and for gold chains I simply soak them in a small glass with water and a good squirt of shampoo. I have seen lots of jewelry damaged or ruined with well-intentioned home-cleaning, and suggest that you go to a good jewelry store for advice, purchase their jewelry cleaner, and follow the directions very carefully! A bargain home brew cleaner is no bargain if it damages your jewelry!
Charlotte Hippen wrote:
I soak in sudsy ammonia, brush gently with a soft toothbrush and rinse.
L>I know this is way off topic, but this is such a knowledgeable group I
Opals like a soaking in barely warm olive oil. Just gently rub with a very soft cloth and they will be happy. The trick for cleaning diamond/gold rings is one I've shared with lots of brides-to-be who are learning that soap and hand lotion will make their new treasure dull. You can put about one tablespoon of ammonia in a shot glass and heat it (please! just heat the ammonia, Not the ring) just a little in the microwave; about 8 seconds. Then, you put the ring into the warm ammonia and let it soak. After soaking, rinse in clear water, dip in a cap full of alcohol and air dry. Makes them just like new. Polly
I had a friend that was a wholesale jeweler and he always said for diamonds, white and yellow gold to use plain ole household ammonia but never let Clorox get new your gold because it will ruin it.
Jacquel>I know this is way off topic, but this is such a knowledgeable group I
Jacqueline from Kentucky to reply: quilter at mountain-breeze dot com
Thanks ladies! Looks like the verdict with the group seems to be ammonia. I'll have to try that. I did find some on the internet. They were all saying dishsoap (sometimes with ammonia or other things added), so I stopped looking and tried it this afternoon on the necklace I was wanting cleaned. It did clean it, but not as well as I was hoping for. Hopefully the ammonia will take care of the rest of it and bring back more of the shine. I think I'll clean my wedding ring too. As Polly said, it really gets gunked up with hand lotion starting about this time of the year.
Years ago a jeweler told my mother that he just LOVED it when people used old toothbrushes on their rings, because he got to repair an awful lot of prongs and replace a lot of stones. In short, the damage may be gradual, but is never absent, and sooner or later he gets to sell something. Think about it!
G> I always take my ring off to do the dishes and putting on lotion. We
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