23 grooming tips to make your jewelry shine like new

Over time, silver jewelry loses its luster due to interactions with the environment, dust, sweat and cosmetics. You can get rid of tarnishing and plaque yourself, using time-tested improvised means.

Silver cleaning myths

In order not to harm precious products, you need to carefully study the rules for cleaning them and find out the risks from using different products.

Myth 1: Toothpaste will help get rid of darkening. This is indeed the case. Thanks to the powerful components in the toothpaste, silverware will regain its shine and purity, but there is a risk of damaging the jewelry's enamel.

Myth 2: Silver polishes are a good choice. Professional products do their job perfectly, but have too high a concentration of potent substances. Original silver rings will shine clean again, but there is a high probability that they will soon fade again.

Myth 3: The more jewelry you wear, the more often it needs to be cleaned. In fact, everything can be exactly the opposite. Natural skin oils do not harm silver jewelry, but they also do not prevent the appearance of darkening.

How to store silverware

Air is the enemy of silver. Silver jewelry should be stored in containers with limited air access - boxes, cases, airtight bags. In the evening, all silver jewelry that you have worn should be put away in specially designated storage areas.

Avoid direct sunlight on silver jewelry. Sunlight has a negative effect on the appearance of products. Silver should not be worn on the beach or in hot sunny weather.

Sulfur oxidizes the metal, therefore it is necessary to prevent the contact of silver with the mineral. List of things that contain sulfur:

• wool;
• latex;
• rubber;
• mustard;
• onion;
• eggs;
• some types of cosmetics.

Jewelry should be removed and silver jewelry should not be worn in the gym, swimming pool or sauna before washing hands or dishes, cleaning and showering. Perfumery is no less harmful to silver. Perfume is recommended to be applied to the skin before wearing jewelry.

How to clean silver

Even the correct storage of silver jewelry will not keep the metal from tarnishing. Over time, it will lose its original shine, so it is recommended to clean silver items every few months.

Use microfiber cloths to clean silver, as terry towels or coarser cloths can scratch the metal.

Tools to help polish your silver:

• Ammonia- and phosphate-free soap and warm water. Silver items are placed in a soapy solution for 5 minutes, and then wiped with a napkin.
• Baking soda and water. The baking soda paste should be spread over the piece of jewelry by rubbing it back and forth into the metal with a napkin.
• Lemon juice and olive oil in a ratio of 1 teaspoon of oil to 1/2 cup of lemon juice. The product is soaked for 1-2 minutes in the solution and then cleaned with a napkin.

In addition to the listed methods, there is one more - simple but effective. Silver jewelry is placed in an aluminum cup, poured with hot water and 1-2 tablespoons of soda and salt are added. After 5 minutes of darkening, clean off with a napkin and wipe the product dry.

If there is a natural stone on the silver item, it is undesirable to use chemical agents during cleaning, which can change the color of the stone or provoke its destruction.

Oxidation of silverware is a natural process that cannot be completely prevented.But proper care and storage will help preserve the beauty of jewelry and extend their service life.

As an advertisement.

Soap solution

Ordinary soap solution is enough to clean the jewelry. This tool is especially good for the same "silver", for jewelry with pseudo-gold plating, as well as "glass" (rhinestones):

1. You take soap (the more caustic it is, the better), dissolve it in water. Try to make the solution as concentrated as possible.
2. Add a thickener (glycerin is fine).
3. You put your favorites in a caustic foamy "bath". You keep it in it for 10-15 minutes.
4. You shake the "bath" a little so that all the rust and dirt will lag more easily.
5. Pull out and wipe with a sponge (soft).
6. Finally you rinse with water.

If the shine has not completely returned to the jewelry and they are still dull, you will have to clean it again:

1. You add a tablespoon of ammonia to the bubble bath.
2. You take a toothbrush, soak it in a soapy solution.
3. You rub the chains and pebbles with it.
4. You wash off the remaining foam from them.

Well, now everything is in order - the trinkets are prettier again.

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Can I store in the freezer

An excellent characteristic of the product is that it tolerates freezing well. It is advisable to cut a large piece into portions - so there will be no need to defrost it completely in order to cut off the part required by volume. The oil is wrapped in several layers of parchment paper, and then in cellophane. This will prevent the absorption of aromas from nearby foods such as meat and fish.

Storage times in the freezer are shown in the table below.

If the oil is left on for longer, it will negatively affect the taste.

Secrets of proper care of jewelry

Stylish, bright and original jewelry will allow you to look at the usual outfit in a new way, and help to draw attention to its owner. In addition, it is an excellent decoration that allows you to emphasize the individuality of its owner.

Jewelry bijouterie has long ceased to be associated with cheapness and low quality, since many Hollywood stars, when they go out, prefer catchy bijouterie to real jewelry. If you love variety in everything and often indulge yourself with the purchase of your next necklace, bracelet or pendant, you should definitely follow the proper care of your jewelry. Competent storage of jewelry made from different materials will significantly extend the life of your rings, beads and bracelets.

How to store and care for jewelry made of bijouterie

In order for the question of how to clean jewelry from darkening to arise as rarely as possible, it is necessary to carefully monitor products made of artificial materials. Here are some helpful tips to keep your jewelry in perfect condition for a long time:

1. Jewelry should only be worn for going out. Do not allow cheap materials to constantly come into contact with skin or moisture, for example, while cleaning or showering.
2. To store jewelry, it is better to buy a special box, which has special cells for placing jewelry. This is necessary so that the products do not touch, because such contact can also cause darkening.
3. Do not allow cosmetics, perfume or medicines to get on the jewelry. For example, traces of iodine or brilliant green can completely ruin it.
4. Cleaned jewelry must be completely dried before being sent for storage. Otherwise, over time, it will darken, peel off and lose its luster.
5. The jewelry box can only be left in a dark place. It is also forbidden to leave jewelry in the bathroom.
6. If possible, it is better to dry the rings and earrings from darkening by rubbing them with flannel or suede.
7. If there are visible scratches on the jewelry, or the dusting has worn off, do not waste time cleaning it. Such products look very untidy, so it is better to throw them in the trash can.

To clean jewelry from darkening at home, you need maximum accuracy and concentration. After all, any wrong action can lead to damage to the jewelry. The tips given in the article will help young housewives to carry out a hygienic procedure for five-plus.

Regular detergent

Even the most common inexpensive and not very caustic detergents will save your darlings from smoldering marks. They are especially good at "rejuvenating" their crystal (rhinestones) and plastic decorations:

1. You drip a little of the product into a container (preferably a plastic one) with water.
2. You put your rhinestones there for 15 minutes.
3. Gently shake the container every 2-3 minutes to make the detergent work better.
4. Then you wash the jewelry in water.

If not all the rust has succumbed, add a bit of ammonia to the container and repeat the procedure.

If your crystal stones are rhodium-plated, you should not use the detergent - it can make the rhinestones even more old. It is better to clean them with ammonia (as described above).

What is used to create jewelry

You need to be able to take care of jewelry. Know what they are made of. Each material has its own characteristics.

Metal

In the production of jewelry, not one metal is used, but their alloy. With the predominance of tin, the product is light with a matte gray surface. The color of the jewelry resembles bronze if brass is present in the alloy.

Nickel is often found in jewelry made in China. The alloys containing it are dark, almost black. Nickel-containing jewelry can cause allergies.

Well-known manufacturers use jewelry alloys made of copper and zinc (tombak). They do not pose a threat to health, they are resistant to corrosion. Metal jewelry is ennobled with the help of an electroplated coating, applied in the thinnest layer:

• osmium;
• palladium;
• ruthenium;
• nickel;
• copper;
• bronze.

Pearl

For the manufacture of inexpensive jewelry, not natural and cultured pearls are used, but artificial pearls. It is made of glass, mother-of-pearl, alabaster, and plastic.

Real pearls retain their beauty for hundreds of years. Imitation ages quickly under the influence of dust, sun, temperature changes, high humidity.

Beads

Bracelets, beads, and other jewelry are made of beads made of artificial and natural materials:

• glass;
• acrylic;
• ceramics;
• metal;
• wood;
• natural stones;
• porcelain.

Plastic

Pendants and beads of the original shape (flower, butterfly, heart, drop, star) are made of plastic. It can be transparent, interspersed, imitate natural material (metal, wood, bone, ceramics).

Wood

For the production of jewelry, wood with a beautiful dense texture is used. Suitable tree species:

• oak;
• Birch;
• yew;
• Rowan;
• bird cherry;
• pear;
• Walnut.

Leather

Bracelets, hair and neck jewelry are made of leather. It can be natural and artificial. It cannot be cleaned with alkaline agents and solvents.

Stones

Precious and semi-precious stones are expensive, so inexpensive items are decorated with ornamental stones. They are made from rocks or organic compounds. Jasper, jade, sodalite, lapis lazuli, malachite, azurite are very popular.

Copper

Alloys containing a large percentage of copper oxidize on contact with air and darken over time. Jewelry must be cleaned constantly.

Care Tips

In order to be puzzled as little as possible by the question of what means to clean jewelry belonging to the category of jewelry, it is necessary to follow simple rules for caring for such products, which are as follows:

• Before taking a bath, shower and applying cream to the face and neck area, it is better to remove jewelry in order to exclude their contact with water containing chlorine and cosmetics.
• On jewelry, so that they do not lose their decorative appeal, it is not recommended to spray perfume and avoid contact with nail polish remover.
• After each wear, it is better to immediately check the jewelry for the presence of dirt on their surface and, if present, you should immediately take measures to clean the product.
• After cleaning the jewelry with a wet method, it is necessary to thoroughly wipe it dry and do not allow traces of moisture to remain on their surface, which can become hotbeds of the onset and spread of oxidative processes.
• Expensive jewelry, if it is not possible to clean the dirt on the jewelry on your own, it is better to take it to a jewelry workshop, where qualified specialists can easily cope with this task.

In rolls

There are many options on how to save the embroidery, but the most common one is rolled up.

To prevent creases from forming on the fabric, use a dense cardboard base - a tube from under a film or foil, which is pre-wrapped with polyethylene.

It is not worth wrapping the embroidery tightly on the cardboard frame so that dents from beads and other volumetric fragments of the picture do not form on the fabric.

The roll should be wrapped in a sheet of plain white paper or plastic and tied with tape. Do not use rubber bands for this: traces of squeezing will remain.

It is more convenient to use a special roll for these purposes, which can be made by hand.

Rules for cleaning copper products

Copper jewelry looks exquisite and attractive, however, under the influence of moisture, they quickly oxidize and lose their luster and beauty. In order for them to preserve their appearance for a long time, experts recommend that care be carried out in 2 stages: cleaning and creating a protective layer.

To clean jewelry, use one of the following methods:

1. Dissolve 30 g of oxalic acid in 1 liter of water, 3 tbsp. l. turpentine and 4 tbsp. l. alcohol. Rub the decoration with the resulting solution, then wipe with a soft cloth.
2. Prepare a paste by combining 9% vinegar and fine salt. Treat the product and then rinse and polish with a soft cloth. An alternative can be a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice.
3. Finely grate the peeled garlic and add a little salt to it. Apply the garlic mass and distribute evenly throughout the decoration. After 5 minutes, rinse it well and polish it.
4. A 10: 1 mixture of whey and salt will help restore shine and remove darkening. Soak a cloth in the mixture and process the entire decoration with it. Rinse under running water and rub with a dry cloth.

Copper products look original and unusual, but their appearance is often spoiled by green bloom and dark spots. Affordable and Safe Home Remedies Can Help Clean Copper Bracelets, Rings, and Earrings

The procedure for creating a protective layer:

1. Clean the brass piece using one of the methods.
2. Rub with a sponge, which periodically moisten in water and turpentine.
3. Dip the jewelry in a mixture of turpentine and copal varnish.

Some features of storage and care

When choosing a place and method of storage, it must be borne in mind that each material has its own requirements for personal care. In particular, some metals do not tolerate contact with stones, which are often inserted into jewelry.

Silver

Silver does not "like" constant contact with an open environment. When this metal interacts with oxygen, the jewelry begins to darken due to the oxidation process developing under such conditions. Therefore, with frequent wearing, silver items lose their original appearance over time and cannot be restored.

Gold

It is recommended to keep gold jewelry away from alkalis. Metal does not tolerate direct contact with such substances.

Platinum

Unlike silver and gold, platinum does not tarnish and practically does not oxidize. However, this does not mean that certain rules do not need to be followed when storing this metal. It is recommended to place platinum items separately from gold and silver items. Metal, in constant contact with hard surfaces, becomes covered with scratches, which can only be eliminated by professional polishing.

Amber

Amber requires a delicate approach. When storing the stone, it is necessary to avoid:

• direct sunlight;
• prolonged exposure to air (cracks appear);
• contact with hard surfaces;
• exposure to chemicals and cosmetics.

Also, it is not recommended to touch amber with your hands, as subcutaneous fat harms the stone.

Pearl

Pearl is a soft mineral that cannot tolerate mechanical stress. Therefore, items with such decorations should be stored in a separate bag.

Gems

As noted, each stone has its own requirements. to care for yourself. However, all minerals are recommended to be stored in dark boxes or bags, thereby protecting them from direct sunlight.

At the same time, precious stones cannot be placed in plastic bags. Minerals need to "breathe". In addition, many stones do not tolerate contact with aggressive substances (chlorine, alkali), cosmetics and alcohol.

Other materials

Various materials are used to make jewelry, including threads and fishing lines. In this regard, the rules for storing jewelry may differ significantly depending on the type of product. However, compliance with the recommendations described above will allow you to preserve the jewelry for many years.

Darkening reasons

You may have noticed that any jewelry made with base metals will darken over time. This process is explained by the property of metals to enter into oxidative reactions with other substances. Since jewelry comes into contact with skin, air and water during wear, these reactions occur more quickly. In particular:

• when metal interacts with water, skin and air - the product loses color due to oxidation;
• during contact with other products, the coating may be scratched;
• when in contact with household chemicals, the surface of the jewelry rapidly loses its shine and color.

To protect jewelry from possible oxidative processes and defects:

• remove all jewelry before water treatments;
• protect products from contact with any detergents;
• store jewelry in a jewelry box or soft box;
• Purchase a separate fabric pouch for particularly valuable jewelry.

Do not despair if your favorite earrings or rings have darkened. They can still be restored to purity and shine.

Carbonated sweet soda (Coca-Cola, sprites)

Coca-Cola may not be very good for your teeth, but with jewelry it's completely different:

1. You heat up sweet soda in a non-glass opaque container.
2. You put your rings in a heated cola. Boil for 15 minutes.
3. After that, all dark spots, all rust can be removed very easily - just rinse the jewelry with water, wipe it with a dry cloth and you can put it on.

Well, watch the video with a couple more valuable tips:

Now you know a whole bunch of very simple and cheap ways to restore beauty to jewelry that is dear to your heart.

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How to determine the material of the decoration

Before you start cleaning jewelry, determine the material from which it is made.

Typically, the following alloys are used:

1. Nickel silver (nickel, copper and zinc) - the product is white with a bluish or greenish tint. A distinctive feature is corrosion resistant.
2. Brass (copper and zinc) - the decoration has a yellow tint.
3. Cupronickel (iron, copper, nickel, manganese) looks like silver.
4. The pewter (based on tin) has a silver or gold coating.

Various materials are used for the manufacture of decorative items - glass, copper, metal, plastic, various alloys. When choosing a cleaning method, be sure to consider what the ring, bracelet or earrings are made of.

Almost any jewelry contains metal, which oxidizes under the influence of water, air and contact with the body. Inlaid stones and rhinestones become cloudy and lose their luster. To restore the product to its original appearance, it is necessary to clean it correctly using suitable products.

Cleaning methods

Jewelry is made most often from copper, various alloys (for silver), metal with spraying (for gold), stones, plastic, glass. Any metal sooner or later begins to oxidize, stones from dust and household chemicals darken, glass and rhinestones fade. Each material needs its own care and certain cleaning - one is afraid of moisture, the second does not tolerate abrasives. Before deciding what to clean, determine what your jewelry is made of.

Metal jewelry

You can buy a special paste, tonics for cleaning jewelry, or use homemade products.

• Darkened metal jewelry can be cleaned by immersing the item in a solution of chalk or tooth powder for a few minutes (for its preparation, take 100 ml of water and 2 tablespoons of the product). Pull out and brush with a soft bristled brush. Rinse off the rest of the mixture with water, rub with a woolen cloth.
• It will turn out well to clean the chain with toothpaste: apply it to a soft bristled brush, walk over the problem areas.

• Try cleaning your silver jewelry at home using a paste: add enough water to the baking soda to make a gruel. Apply it to the surface and allow a little time for the mixture to eat away at the dirt a little, then you can clean the metal with a toothbrush. Rinse, wipe with a soft cloth.
• Silver-look jewelry can still be cleaned with ammonia: soak a cloth in it and wipe the surface, polish with a dry cloth to a shine. Or immerse in concentrated soapy water for 10 minutes and rinse. If not all stains are gone, try brushing them with a toothbrush soaked in the same solution.

Copper jewelry

If copper jewelry has darkened, at home it can be cleaned with a vinegar mixture: mix finely ground salt with vinegar until pasty, put the gruel on a rag and rub the surface, rinse off the remaining salt with water, dry with a soft cloth.

A bit strange, but very effective cleaning of copper with garlic. Grate a few cloves, mix with a pinch of salt and apply the mixture to the decoration. Wash it off after 5 minutes.

Dusty jewelry

Do not even try to clean gold-like jewelry with abrasive products: you will wipe off all the dusting!

Only gentle cleaning is allowed here: dissolve soap in warm water, place a yellow metal product in the solution, wash with a soft sponge or cloth.

Hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned with a cotton swab. And add the shine of jewelry with gold dusting with ammonia: just drop a few drops of this alcohol into a glass of water. Or try cleaning the surface with a rag soaked in wine vinegar, rinse and let the product dry on its own.

Glass and rhinestones

Glass, plastic jewelry at home should be cleaned in soapy water. Dissolve the dishwashing liquid in warm (not hot!) Water, place your treasures there for a certain time (the dirtier the surface, the longer you keep in the solution). Shake the container where the jewelry is getting wet so that the dirt better lags behind, rinse thoroughly.If you add a spoonful of ammonia to the cleaning solution, your "diamonds" will stop being cloudy and will shine again.

Imitation pearls, unlike real ones, are not afraid of water, so you can safely clean them in soapy water.

Natural, artificial stones

Do not wet jewelry with stones if you are not sure whether it is a real stone or not. Better to clean it with a woolen cloth, as if polishing.

How to store without refrigerator

At room temperature, butter will start to deteriorate after two days. However, there are several ways to help keep it fresh for a little longer.

Water

The simplest and, nevertheless, effective method: dip a piece of oil in a bowl of cold water and put it in the coolest place in the house. The method works even in the warm season. There is another option for liquid storage. The product is placed in a glass jar. It is placed in a pot of water so that the liquid reaches the middle of the container. A cotton cloth is placed on top of the jar, pre-moistened and well wrung out. The ends of the flap should sink into the water.

Salt

To keep the butter fresh, you will need:

• salt - 20 g;
• water - 1 liter;
• parchment paper;
• deep dishes (it is best to take enamel or glass).

A piece is pre-cut into portions weighing 150-200 g, and each piece is wrapped in parchment. For these purposes, baking paper is suitable, which can be found in every housewife. The sticks are put in a saucepan or jar and poured with cool water with salt dissolved in it. The fluid must be changed daily. It works best if you use oppression. This way the product will last up to three weeks.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a great preservative and will help extend shelf life at room temperature. To do this, you need to prepare a vinegar solution and pour it into a glass jar. Oil placed in such a liquid will last longer. Another way to store the product with vinegar will require a cotton cloth. The flap is moistened in a solution made from water and table vinegar, after which it is wrapped in butter. The prepared product is placed in a saucepan or other container, sprinkled with sugar and covered with a lid.

Storage options

The best choice for storing jewelry that meets the above conditions is an organizer. This cabinet contains many small drawers, in each of which you can place one piece of jewelry. But other equally suitable options are used to store jewelry.

Wall Ways

This option is suitable for beads and other long pieces of jewelry that can get tangled in boxes. The convenience of this storage method lies in the fact that the jewelry is always in sight, and there is no need to look for the desired product.

Jewelry does not need to be hung on hooks. For wall storage of jewelry, original panels or open boxes are made. Thanks to this method, you can create full-fledged compositions that will decorate the room.

Organizer

A jewelry organizer is a compact box with many small compartments for jewelry. Some of these products are supplemented with special devices that make it easier to store rings and earrings. Thanks to the organizer, jewelry owners can immediately find the required jewelry.

For storing jewelry, it is recommended to purchase boxes with a rigid frame and inner walls lined with soft cloth. Wood organizers are not suitable for silver. In addition, for storing chains and bracelets, drawers with a long compartment are used, in which these products can be placed without creases.

Caskets

The organizer can be called one of the varieties of boxes. Only in the latter, special rollers are usually not provided for storing earrings and rings.It is better not to use boxes for storing jewelry. This is especially true for beads. Caskets can be purchased for storing a small amount of jewelry, since there are few separate compartments in such cabinets.

Drawers in the chest of drawers

For storing jewelry, you can select a separate drawer in the chest of drawers, placing trays with dividers in the latter for each decoration. This option is convenient because it allows you to hide all products in one place.

In the closet

Instead of a chest of drawers, you can select a separate drawer for jewelry in the closet by placing trays with dividers. Also, for storing jewelry, special holders with transparent pockets are placed on the door.