Cleaning and shining gold and silver jewelry
Your jewelry is dull or blackened? Restore their original shine with simple products.
Recommended Materials
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda
- Soft toothbrush
- Aluminum foil (for silver)
Steps to follow
Step 1
For GOLD and precious stones (Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies): Prepare a bowl of lukewarm water with a few drops of degreasing dish soap. Soak the jewelry for 15 minutes. Rub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush (don't forget the back of the stone where dirt accumulates and prevents light from passing). Rinse with clear water and dry with a soft cloth.
Step 2
For blackened SILVER (Oxidized) - Gentle method: Put a dab of classic toothpaste (white paste, not gel) on the jewel. Rub with your fingers or a damp soft brush. Toothpaste acts as a very fine abrasive that removes the black layer. Rinse and wipe to shine.
Step 3
For very blackened SILVER - Chemical method (Magic): Line a bowl with aluminum foil (shiny side up). Place your silver jewelry on it (they must touch the aluminum). Sprinkle a tablespoon of fine salt and one of baking soda. Pour boiling water over it. A chemical reaction (electrolysis) will occur (it smells like rotten eggs, it's the sulfur leaving). Wait 10 min. Rinse. The silver comes out like new without rubbing.
Step 4
For pearls and porous stones (Turquoise, Opal, Emerald): WARNING! Never use chemicals, baking soda or toothpaste that would scratch the mother-of-pearl. Simply clean them with a slightly damp soft cloth. Do not let them soak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coca-Cola ?
The phosphoric acid in Coke cleans gold, yes, but it is very sweet and sticky. Dish soap is just as effective and less messy.
Costume jewelry turning green ?
If the metal layer (plating) is gone and copper appears (green), it cannot be repaired. To avoid this, put a coat of clear nail polish inside the ring.
Precautions
- Plug the sink before rinsing (so as not to lose the jewel!).
- Do not use the aluminum method for jewelry with glued stones (boiling water melts the glue).
