admin answers:
Your cleaning arsenal should consist of a polishing cloth, an ultrasonic cleaner, an old soft tooth brush and a bottle of Mr. Clean - just straight Mr. Clean. Put hot water into your ultrasonic device and just a dash of Mr. Clean. Use the polishing cloth on the item first and then put into the ultrasonic cleaner for the appropriate amount of time, remove item from cleaner, scrub thoroughly with toothbrush and dip back into get clean. Dry with a soft lint free cloth.
Special care has to be taken with certain gems - I'm listing them out. Diamond jewelry requires no special care - you can allow it to soak overnight in a gentle cleaner. Sapphires and rubies can be left in the cleaner for a few minutes but not much longer than that. Amethysts, garnets, citrine, aquamarine and topaz can go in the cleaner for a couple of minutes but not in ultra hot water. Use care when scrubbing with the toothbrush as some of these stones abrade easier than others. Opals, tanzanites and emeralds can be dipped quickly in room temperature water and quickly removed. You can then gently remove any debris with the brush before dipping them again. Pearls should never go into the cleaner and should be cleaned by gently rubbing them with clean tissue paper and if absolutely necessary a slightly damp cloth.
After cleaning your jewelry take a few minutes to examine each piece under a bright light. I use a toothpick to gently remove any missed debris and to gently press on each stone to see if it moves. I also look at each prong or setting to make sure that it is still holding the stone correctly and to make sure that it's not too thin. Next, I test each clasp and safety to make sure that they're secure. Do not continue to wear jewelry when the stones are loose or the prongs that hold the stones in are worn down or pulled up and away from the stone. Take any item needing repair to a reputable jeweler for an estimate. If you have any doubts about needed repairs go to the jeweler and get them to clean and check the item for you.
Never, ever allow your jewelry to come into contact with anything that contains bleach or any other strong household chemical. You will not like the results. Do not swim in your jewelry, your gold will get pits and flake. One other suggestion for those with fine jewelry - each piece of jewelry that you own that is worth over $500 should have an appraisal for insurance. Keep the appraisals and photographs of each piece in a safe deposit box.
