Tips to keep jewelry bright and clean

The jewels should be worn. And if they do, these parts can often collect dirt or treat stains. What can you do to keep your jewelry in perfect condition? Theresa Murphy, owner of the Newstar jewelers in Joliet, gives tips on how to keep your jewelry clean:

1. Use detergent

If you don't have a jewelry cleaning solution at home, the solution may be to mix warm water and a mild detergent.

"The one that doesn't contain bleach," said Murphy.

Soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then use a brush in the bottom of the room where dirt likes to hide to remove dirt. Use warm water for rinsing.

"Remember to close the drain first," said Murphy. "Just in case the coin escapes your hands."

Remember: some colored stones and pearls require special care when cleaning. Ask your jeweler how best to clean your jewelry at home.

2. Let go of the toothpaste

While toothpaste can work wonders on your teeth, it can damage your jewelry.

"Toothpaste is a story of old women," said Murphy. "Toothpaste sticks to the stones, making them cloudy and scratching the metal."

3. Keep away from chemicals.

Chlorine can be very harmful to jewelry. Therefore, be sure to remove your jewelry before going for a swim or using strong household cleaners.

"Repeated exposure to chlorine can cause the metal to become brittle and teeth and cracked rings to appear," said Murphy. "And never put gold in a silver cleaner."

4. Take it to the experts.

Make sure that your jewelry is professionally cleaned and checked at least every six months. "The jewelry stores will have an ultrasonic cleaner that loosens the dirt and a spray bottle to remove that loose dirt," said Murphy. "We will also look for loose, cracked or damaged stones, worn or missing teeth, worn or broken closures, cracks in the metal or anything else that doesn't work properly every day."

Newstar Jewelers: 2417 W Jefferson Street: Joliet, IL 60435: 815.741.8502: https://www.newstarjewelers.net/

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