If your once-sparkling earrings have lost their luster, fret not—we have the solution for you. It’s time to address the potential buildup of grime and pollutants that may be dulling the beauty of your earrings. Airborne particles, dirt, hairspray, makeup, body oils, sunblock, and moisturizers are among the culprits that can diminish the shine of your earrings. Fortunately, restoring them to their original brilliance is a simple process. To guide us through the art of earring cleaning, we sought advice from Kim Kanary, a Certified Diamontologist and Senior Vice President of Marketing & Brand Management at JTV based in Knoxville.
Determining the Cleaning Frequency
According to Kanary, earrings typically do not require extensive cleaning after every wear. The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear them. As a general rule, maintaining a cleaning schedule of about once a month is advisable.
Crafting the Best DIY Jewelry Cleaner
For a cost-effective and efficient jewelry cleaner that you can make at home, Kanary recommends using mild dish soap combined with warm water. Follow these simple steps:
- Mix two tablespoons of mild dishwashing liquid with one quart of warm (not hot) water.
- Soak your jewelry for 10 to 20 minutes to soften residue and dirt.
- Gently brush with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a clean cloth.
Kanary emphasizes the importance of inspecting your jewelry both before and after cleaning to ensure all stones are secure. Additionally, she advises caution when cleaning over a sink, reminding us to plug the drain to prevent any accidental mishaps.
Customized Care for Gemstone Earrings
Gemstones possess diverse physical properties, requiring tailored care. According to Kanary, varying gem types demand specific attention. For pearls, sensitive to chemicals, avoid abrasive cleaners. Low-hardness gems like fluorite should steer clear of potential scratching devices, and highly included gems like emeralds should avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
Fortunately, she expresses that in spite of this, you can play out an essential, safe cleaning for most gemstones likewise. She states, “for each day cleanings, basically utilize a delicate cleaning material and tenderly rub away any soil or oils. On the off chance that your gems needs a more intensive clean, you can utilize warm water and a gentle dishwashing fluid to scour more significant soil and grime delicately. At the point when you’re through, Kanary says you ought to dry your hoops completely with a delicate fabric to eliminate all the dampness from the metal surface. however, guarantee that you dry it completely a while later so the dampness is eliminated from the metal surface.
Preserving Precious Metal Earrings
Kanary advises extra care for precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum due to their relatively soft nature. Wiping them consistently with a dry, gentle cloth is the key to maintaining their brilliance. To restore shine, use a microfiber or silver polishing cloth for silver, avoiding circular motions to prevent magnifying tiny scratches. In cases where additional cleaning is necessary, a mild dishwashing liquid and water solution can be applied. Kanary even suggests that the natural oils from your skin can assist in cleaning and maintaining the shine of silver jewelry, making regular wear beneficial.
