How to Clean Jewelry

Each type of stone is rated for relative hardness from 1 to 10 on the Mohs' scale. Diamonds are the hardest stones, with a Mohs' rating of 10. They are often held in place by gold or another precious metal and can withstand strong cleaning techniques.

Cleaning Jewelry / Soft Gemstones

Most of the gemstones used in ColorSpark Jewelry are softer stones that need gentle cleaning, which means by hand and never with harsh chemicals and never in an ultrasonic, ionic or steam cleaner. A light touch is needed to avoid removing or scratching the polished surface of the gemstones. The basics of jewelry care apply also to ColorSpark Jewelry.

In high-quality necklaces, gemstone beads of 5mm and larger are usually strung on knotted silk thread so the strands drape gracefully and, if a strand breaks, only a few beads will drop off. Silk is used because it's the strongest natural fiber and holds dyes well so there are hundreds of colors available. Most importantly, silk remains flexible even when knotted. As with all silk, though, the thread will be damaged if it gets soaking wet. To avoid that, never immerse your jewelry in water, but instead wipe the stones with a slightly damp cloth while the piece of jewelry is laying flat.

If more cleaning is needed, rub gently with a cotton swab that has been dipped into diluted non-phosphate dishwashing liquid (such as Dawn, Ivory or Simple Green), and then wipe off. Try to avoid getting the thread wet. Lay the piece flat on a cotton cloth until you're sure it's completely dry. Then wrap in jewelers' anti-tarnish tissue and seal it in an airtight plastic bag for storage. This is especially helpful if silver is in the piece of jewelry you're cleaning. For more information about taking care of silver jewelry, see How to Clean Silver Jewelry.

If pearls or opals are part of the jewelry, wrap each piece in anti-tarnish tissue and put it into a plastic bag, but don't seal the bag. Those gems need moisture from the air to maintain their special luster.

Storing Jewelry

Store your clean jewelry flat rather than hanging to help avoid stretching the silk thread. The stretching can take a long time, and depends on the weight of the stones, how well made the necklace or bracelet is to start with, how often you wear the piece, and how it's stored. When gaps show between the beads (and it's so noticeable it bothers you), it's time to have the piece restrung.

Additional Tips About Cleaning Jewelry

Never use toothpaste to clean jewelry. You may have seen toothpaste recommended elsewhere, but it's never a good idea to use toothpaste to clean jewelry because even the gentlest toothpaste contains abrasives that will harm jewelry. I've also seen baking soda recommended as a cleaning agent, and again, that's too abrasive. It's best to use a gentle liquid detergent carefully applied if your jewelry needs more cleaning than just a wipe with a damp cloth.

Taking Care of Jewelry ~ Summary

• Soft stones absorb and are damaged by chemicals so always put your jewelry on after applying perfume or lotions.
• Store each piece of jewelry flat, wrapped in jewelers' tissue and in its own plastic bag.
• After wearing, wipe gently with a cotton cloth.
• Use a slightly damp cotton swab if more precise cleaning is needed.
• Do not clean soft gemstones in an ultrasonic, ionic or steam cleaner.
• Do not use toothpaste or baking soda as a cleaner for any jewelry.
• Feel the chill when you first put on a necklace of gemstones; the initial coolness is a sign that the beads are natural stones and not man-made synthetics.
• Wear the rich colors of gemstones, the earth's treasures, with confidence!