Jewelry can be a lifelong companion if taken care of correctly. Just because it is made from metals doesn’t mean it can last forever! Dirt can wear away between seams and loosen prongs, causing you to lose stones. If cleaned and stored properly, this can be easily prevented. Not only are there mechanical upsides to keeping jewelry clean, but it also makes it more shiny and new looking.
Pearls
Because pearls are a natural substance, they are porous and susceptible to the environment around them. Try not to spray perfume on pearls or get moisturizer on them, and always take them off in the shower. Being submerged in water deteriorates the silk they are strung with, so wipe clean with a damp cloth instead to avoid string contact. Use only water and a soft cloth unless the pearls are stained, in which case you can use a gentle soap such as Dawn dish soap in the water. Tick Tock also carries a pearl cleaning solution for $10 which is the safest way to go.
Rings with stones
Tick Tock offers free ring cleanings, and we recommend you have that done every 4-6 months or so. If you notice it needs spot cleaning in between, a toothbrush and warm slightly soapy water will help remove dirt. Always clean underneath exposed stones to make sure light can properly reflect off of them and keep them shiny. Before you do any hardcore scrubbing, check to make sure all of your prongs are tight and stable. If they are loose, have them repaired at Tick Tock immediately or you stand the chance of losing a stone.
Sterling silver
Sterling jewelry that is not worn often has a much faster tarnishing rate. Bright sun also speeds up tarnishing, so avoid wearing jewelry while swimming or sun tanning. Lotions, perfumes, and hair products are not good for sterling either. While not being worn, store sterling in an airtight plastic bag. Keeping a piece of chalk in the drawer with your jewelry will also help keep humidity down in storage. To remove tarnish, soak sterling silver jewelry in ½ cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons baking soda for 2 hours and rinse with warm water. Dry with a microfiber or lint-free flannel cloth. Tick Tock carries a sterling cleaning solution that would work even better.
Plain gold pieces
A soft toothbrush and Dawn dish soap in water will shine up plain gold jewelry. Always take off your gold jewelry before showering because other soaps will damage your gold. There is no substitute for having your gold professionally cleaned. At Tick Tock, it’s free, and will get it the cleanest.
Earrings/Necklaces
After checking your prongs and making sure there are no loose stones, your earrings and necklaces can be rinsed with water and Dawn dish soap. Scrub under the stones lightly with a toothbrush to keep the bottoms clean and create more sparkle. Jewelry cleaners from Tick Tock Jewelers will always do the best job.