How to Restore Shine to Your Jewelry

Few things sparkle like spanking-new gold, silver, platinum, and precious or semiprecious stones. After even a few days' wear, though, they can dull from lotions, body oil and everyday dust and dirt. Regular cleaning can keep your baubles looking fresh-from-the-jeweler brilliant all the time.

Instructions

Silver

1

With an old soft-bristle toothbrush, rub the piece with toothpaste. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

2

Wash in a bowl of sudsy warm water with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid. Rinse.

3

Polish dry with chamois or other smooth cloth that's free of lint.

Gold, platinum and diamonds

4

Remove greasy film by rubbing with or soaking in rubbing alcohol or vodka.

5

Drop two fizzing tablets (such as Alka-Seltzer or denture cleaner) into a glass of water. Immerse the jewelry for 2 minutes, then remove it. Or soak for several minutes in a bowl of sudsy warm water with a few squirts of dishwashing liquid.

6

Scrub gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush.

7

Rinse thoroughly.

8

Polish dry with a smooth, lint-free cloth or chamois.

Pearls and other soft or porous gems such as emeralds, opals and tanzanite

9

Remove traces of cosmetics and dirt with a tissue.

10

Dip in a sudsy bowl of mild soap (such as Dove) and warm water. Quickly remove.

11

Gently remove buildup with a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab. Rinse.

12

Polish dry with chamois or other soft, lint-free cloth.