Let’s be real—your jewelry is the MVP of your outfit. But over time, it gets dull, tarnished, or just downright dirty (we see you, lotion buildup!). Consider how frequently you wear your jewelry to determine how often to clean it. Remember how shiny and pretty your jewelry was when you first got it? The good news? You don’t need fancy products or a chemistry degree to bring back the sparkle. Here’s your hip, no-fuss guide to keeping your jewelry looking fabulous.
Gold’s Glow-Up: Keeping It Shiny
Gold may never tarnish, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t lose its luster! Sweat, perfume, and lotions can leave a dull film. Here’s how to fix it:
Quick Fix: Soak in warm water with a drop of dish soap for 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse, pat dry, and bam! good as new! Tip: Store your gold jewelry separately to prevent scratches. Gold is softer than your other metals!
Silver, But Make It Sparkle
Silver jewelry loves to tarnish, it’s just science. But no worries, you can turn that dull finish into a dazzling shine. The more you wear silver the less you need to be polishing it.
Hack Alert: Line a bowl with aluminum foil, add hot water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Drop your silver pieces in, and watch the magic happen (aka a chemical reaction that lifts tarnish away). Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
Warning: Skip toothpaste—it’s too abrasive and can scratch your silver!
Diamonds, Moissanite & Bling: Get That Fire Back
Your sparkly gems can get cloudy from oil and dirt (yeah, even your engagement ring needs a wash!).
DIY Cleaner: Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap, soak for 15 minutes, and use a baby toothbrush to scrub gently. Rinse and admire the sparkle! Extra Shine: A splash of vodka on a cotton pad can help remove stubborn residue. Just don’t drink it… yet. 😉
Pearls Need Love Too!
Pearls are high-maintenance queens and need extra care.
Rule #1: Never soak them! Instead, wipe with a damp cloth and store them away from harsh chemicals (yes, that includes perfume!).
Fun Fact: The more you wear your pearls, the better they look! Natural oils from your skin keep them hydrated.
Everyday Jewelry TLC: Do’s & Don’ts
Do clean your jewelry regularly, once a month keeps it looking fresh. Do take off jewelry before swimming, showering, or hitting the gym. Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia (yikes!). Don’t store all your jewelry in a tangled pile—use soft pouches or lined boxes.
Your Jewelry Deserves Love!
Your jewelry is more than an accessory—it’s a statement. Treat it right, and it’ll keep you looking effortlessly chic. Need stylish new pieces to add to your collection? You know where to find them (hint: @shopbijoucrush ).
Now go forth and shine, darling!
How They Cleaned Jewelry Back in the Day
Good Ol' Soap & Water: Before fancy cleaning supplies, people kept their jewels fresh with just soap and water—basically the OG cleaning hack.
Tarnish Begone: Silver jewelry would get that ugly tarnish over time, but no worries! They’d use a mix of vinegar, baking soda, and salt to banish the dullness. DIY magic, am I right?
Polishing Cloths (AKA Jewelry’s BFF): Ancient people had these soft cloths, like linen, that they’d rub on their jewelry to bring back the shine. No need for fancy tools, just a little elbow grease.
Ash & Charcoal: Yup, you read that right—ashes and charcoal were used to gently scrub the metal back to life. Who knew they were so eco-friendly?
Herbs & Oils: They didn’t just clean with oils—they added some herbal flair! Gemstones would get a natural glow-up, with a bonus of a sweet scent. Think of it like nature’s skincare routine for your jewels.
Salt & Lemon: Feeling zesty? Ancient folks sure were! Salt and lemon juice were the dynamic duo for cleaning gold jewelry. Nature’s cleaning squad at its finest.
