How to Clean Your Jewelry (white/yellow gold and sterling silver)

Jewelry made of fine metals such as gold and silver is a personal treasure. To care for it properly and ensure it survives for generations to come, jewelry must be cleaned occasionally, especially if it has multiple moving components such as hinges. While you can take jewelry to a jeweler for cleaning, you can perform routine cleaning at home with common household items and gold or silver polish.

Instructions

Silver

1

Fill a bowl with warm water.

2

Run the silver through the water. Keep the piece from banging against itself to avoid abrasions.

3

Remove the piece from the water. Pat it dry gently with a soft cloth.

4

Apply silver polish to your piece of jewelry if it's tarnished or still dull after rinsing. You may alternatively use a silver cleaning cloth.

5

Rub the polish evenly and gently on the jewelry with a soft cloth. Wipe away remaining polish after you have restored its shine.

White and Yellow Gold

6

Fill a bowl with 2 cups of warm water.

7

Mix in three or four drops of mild dish washing soap.

8

Dip the gold into the mixture. Allow it to soak for 3 to 5 minutes.

9

Scrub the surface gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

10

Rinse the gold in warm water. Pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth.

11

Apply gold polish if washing failed to restore the article's luster.

12

Rub the polish evenly and gently with a soft cloth. Wipe away remaining polish after you've achieved optimal shine.