Suppose you’ve ever taken a piece of jewelry to a jeweler for professional jewelry cleaning. In that case, you’ve likely noticed that when you get that piece of jewelry back, it’s far shinier and more sparkly than it would have been had you just cleaned your jewelry at home.
What magic is your professional jeweler performing to make your jewelry look as good as new? And can you replicate it at home?
Here’s everything you need to know about how to professionally clean jewelry.
What You Will Learn
What Do Jewelers Use to Clean Jewelry?
So, what do professional jewelers use to clean jewelry? It’s unlikely that your favorite jeweler is in the back of their shop, mixing a blend of baking soda and water and scrubbing your diamond jewelry with a toothbrush, right? Do jewelry professionals have special chemicals or machines that the average person cannot access?
Well, kind of — or at least they have a few methods you probably haven’t thought of. Here are a few of the most popular methods jewelers might use to clean your jewelry.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Many professional jewelers use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean fine jewelry, including your diamond engagement ring.
Ultrasonic cleaners combine a cleaning solution with high-frequency sound waves. On an elementary level, this process creates high-vibrating sound waves that create cavitation bubbles, which “scrub” away dirt or debris on the item.
After using their ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, many jewelers polish your jewelry using a polishing wheel. They may also rinse the jewelry in steam.
However, this process isn’t safe for every type of jewelry, especially jewelry with physical damage or loose stones. The ultrasonic cleaning process can damage some more delicate gemstones or treated stones. Here is a list of jewelry with gemstones that should not go into an ultrasonic cleaner:
- Opal jewelry
- Emerald jewelry
- Ruby jewelry
- Sapphire jewelry
Steam Cleaning
If you want to get your jewelry professionally cleaned but fear that an ultrasonic cleaner may damage it, steam cleaning may be your answer. Some jewelers may offer steam cleaning as an alternative (though do note that some delicate jewelry materials, including opals and pearls, should still not be steam-cleaned).
Steam cleaners work precisely how you might expect. A jewelry-specific steamer blasts the piece with a hot stream of steam, which helps blast away all residue.
How to Replicate Professional Jewelry Cleaning Methods at Home
It is possible to personally purchase ultrasonic and steam cleaners for jewelry for at-home use. However, we do not recommend it. Professional jewelers are trained experts in caring for jewelry of all types, and you can rely on their expertise to keep your jewelry looking as good as new.
Think of cleaning your jewelry in the same way you clean your teeth. You brush and floss your teeth at home regularly, and that keeps your teeth healthy and looking great. However, you still need to go to the experts twice a year to get that deeper level of cleaning that is impossible to get at home.
Similarly, you should care for your jewelry at home with a few precautions and light, regular cleanings, but leave the more intensive stuff to the experts.
How to Keep Your Jewelry Looking Its Best Between Professional Cleanings
On that note, what should these light and regular cleanings look like? You’ll need a few household items to clean your jewelry between professional cleaning sessions. The best part? You likely already have the best cleaner for jewelry right in your kitchen.
Gather:
- A bowl of warm water
- Mild dish soap
- A soft-bristled brush
- A soft cloth
First, mix the dish soap and the warm water. Then, let your jewelry soak in the warm, soapy water for a few minutes. If your jewelry shows noticeable grime and dirt, gently scrub it away with the soft brush. Lastly, use cool, new water and a soft cloth to rinse the soapy water and any residual grime off your jewelry, then dry it thoroughly.
You can use this process for gold jewelry, sterling silver jewelry, and silver jewelry.
Suppose you follow the above steps and still find that your jewelry isn’t clean enough for your liking. In that case, it’s time to seek a professional jeweler for cleaning.
How Do Jewelers Clean Jewelry FAQs
TL;DR? Here are all the quick need-to-know facts regarding “What do jewelry stores use to clean jewelry?”
What Do Jewelers Use to Clean Rings?
How do jewelers clean rings to look as perfect as the day you bought them? It’s all thanks to the ultrasonic cleaner that jewelers use to essentially “vibrate” your jewelry clean. This vibration removes the tiniest residue, restoring your jewelry to its finest form. After this process, many jewelers will polish and steam your jewelry before returning it.
What Machine Do Jewelers Use to Clean Jewelry?
Jewelers use either an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner. You can purchase either or both of these machines for at-home usage.
What Chemicals Do Jewelers Use to Clean Jewelry?
Jewelers use specially made cleaning solutions designed for ultrasonic cleaners. These cleaners are typically non-toxic, ammonia-free, and safe for most jewelry types.
Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Jewelry Safe
Beyond regularly cleaning your jewelry at home and taking it to a professional, you can also follow a few best practices to keep your jewelry looking as new and clean as possible.
Store Your Jewelry in a Jewelry Box
When you’re not wearing it, tuck your jewelry safely into your jewelry box, separating pieces into individual drawers and cubbies to prevent scratching or damage. Be sure your jewelry box is in a room that does not experience intense temperature fluxations or high humidity.
Don’t Expose Your Jewelry to Chemicals
You may know to remove your jewelry before cleaning the house or jumping in the pool. However, other seemingly benign chemicals in your everyday life could still harm your jewelry. Perfume, hair products, bath products, lotions, and more can all damage your jewelry, so only wear your jewelry after you’ve applied any cosmetics, and take them off before encountering any substance other than water.
Invest in Jewelry Insurance
Last but certainly not least, keep your jewelry safe and pristine by investing in specialty jewelry insurance that can come to the rescue if you ever need extra repairs. BriteCo makes insuring your jewelry easy. All it requires is a few minutes, and you can get a free quote for yearly coverage. Find out more now!
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