Bring back the sparkle: Easy ways to re-shine your jewellery

Jewellery is more than just an accessory, it is a reflection of personal style, sentimental value, and, in some cases, a significant investment.

Over time, exposure to air, moisture, and everyday wear can cause jewellery to lose its shine.

Fortunately, there are simple yet effective ways to bring back its brilliance.

Here is a guide on re-shining different jewellery types using safe and effective methods.

Understanding your jewellery type

Before cleaning or polishing, it is important to know what material your jewellery is made of.

Different metals and gemstones require specific care to prevent damage.

Gold: resistant to tarnishing but can lose its lustre.

Silver: prone to oxidation, leading to tarnishing.

Platinum: durable but can get dull over time.

Diamonds and gemstones: may accumulate dirt, affecting their sparkle.

Pearls: extremely delicate and require gentle handling.

DIY cleaning solutions for different jewellery types

1. Gold jewelry

Gold jewellery can easily accumulate dirt and body oils, making it appear dull.

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1. Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and soak the jewellery for about 15 minutes.

2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt then rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

3. If you want extra shine, buff with a microfiber cloth.

2. Silver jewellery

Silver tarnishes easily, but you can bring back its shine with household ingredients:

1. Create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the jewellery using a soft cloth or using your fingertips.

2. Gently rub and then rinse with warm water.

3. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth, ensuring no moisture is left.

Alternatively, soak silver in a solution of vinegar and baking soda for deep tarnish removal.

3. Diamond and gemstone jewellery

Gemstones attract dust, oil, and grime. To keep them sparkling by following these steps:

1. Mix warm water with mild dish soap then soak the jewelry for 15-20 minutes.

2. Gently scrub around the stones with a soft toothbrush.

3. Rinse well and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Diamonds and gemstones are very delicate, so avoid harsh chemicals, as they may damage the setting.

4. Pearl jewellery

Pearls are delicate and require special care to maintain their natural glow:

1. Always wipe with a damp, soft cloth after each wear to remove body oils.

2. For deeper cleaning, dip a soft cloth in a mild soap solution and gently wipe each pearl.

3. Avoid soaking pearls, as moisture can weaken the silk thread.

4. Store in a soft cloth pouch to prevent scratches, always store them separately.

Polishing jewellery for extra shine

After cleaning, enhance your jewellery's brilliance by gently rubbing it with a polishing cloth designed for gold, silver, or platinum. Always opt for an anti-tarnish cloth for silver and avoid rough materials that may cause scratches.

Professional cleaning and maintenance

For expensive or intricate pieces, professional cleaning is recommended. Jewellers use ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, and polishing tools to restore it to its original shine.

Consider getting your jewellery professionally cleaned once or twice a year.

Preventative care tips

To keep your jewellery looking its best, remove it before showering, swimming, or exercising, store each piece separately to prevent scratches, use anti-tarnish pouches for silver, and avoid contact with harsh chemicals.

Regular cleaning and proper care will ensure your favourite pieces remain as stunning as the day you got them.