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How to care for your Jewellery & Crystals
Jewellery Care
Jewellery is the perfect accessory to any outfit, when it isn’t dull and tarnished. Proper storage in a jewellery box that keeps pieces separate and away from direct sunlight and moisture is a great way to keep jewellery in tip-top shape, but even so, tarnish happens. Luckily, restoring gold, silver and even costume jewellery’s shine is pretty easy, especially if you follow these simple steps below.
However, Before you try any of these cleaning methods on your jewellery, make sure that your jeweller or jeweller's manufacturer doesn’t recommend a cleaning method specific to that brand or piece. Some jewellers, like Pandora, have instructions and cleaning products specifically formulated to clean pieces from their line.
Keep in mind that all of these methods call for gentle rubbing, brushing or wiping. You don't want to be too rough with your most delicate treasures! If you aren't sure what kind of jewellery you're working with, it is best to leave the cleaning up to a professional jewellery who can assess the piece, determine the material it's made from and use a cleaning method less likely to cause any irreparable damage to your jewellery.
When wearing your Jewellery, whether it be a Crystal piece or other, it is vital that you protect it from scratches, sharp blows, chemicals, water, constant direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Crystals are fragile, even though some are high in the Mohs scale, as being very hard and durable. However, this does not mean because the stones are hard and durable, that they are indestructible. Its important to note and be aware, that some Crystals actually react to water. They may start to dissolve or release toxic chemicals.
Gemstones are precious stones, that are formed from the earth. They need to be appreciated and respected for this very purpose! - not just because they are expensive and look pretty.
Here are a few top tips, to help you care for your Jewellery.
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Do not wear your Jewellery in a swimming pool, hot-tub, or whilst showering/bathing.
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Take your Jewellery off whilst undertaking exercise, or other forms of sports, that would cause you to sweat.
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Gently Clean your jewellery occasionally to remove any oils, dust.
Cleaning your Semi-Precious Crystal Jewellery
You can do this by using a soft clean lint-free cloth. - Simply polish each crystal with a dry cloth, using a gentle circular action.
If your jewellery or Crystal has stubborn marks that won't shift, it might need a deeper clean.
This can be done with a soft-bristle toothbrush and some soapy water. (But ENSURE you check if your Crystal and / or metal is suitable to be cleaned with water)
Here are a few Crystals that should avoid water - Malachite, Calcite, Hematite, Fluorite and Selenite.
Most commercially prepared jewellery cleaners are safe, but beware of those that contain ammonia or chemicals that can damage sensitive gems like pearl or amber.
If the gemstone you are cleaning is not recommended to be submerged in water or any other kind of liquid, then we recommend dipping a soft lint free cloth into the solution and wiping the jewellery clean.
Once the jewellery has been wiped clean, give it a rinse in room temperature water and dry it using a soft lint free cloth.
Before putting your jewellery away, leave it out to dry for a little while longer just to ensure that it dries under the settings.
3 DIY Silver & Gold Jewellery cleaning hacks
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Dish soap: Mix a few drops of dish liquid with warm water. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and rub the silver to remove the tarnish. Rinse with cool water and buff dry with another soft cloth.
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Baking soda: For heavier tarnish, mix three parts baking soda to one part water. Wet the silver and apply the paste with a soft, lint-free cloth. Work it into the crevices and turn the cloth as it picks up the tarnish. Rinse well and buff dry.
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Toothpaste: In the same way mild abrasives in toothpaste remove stains from your teeth, they can also remove tarnish from silver. Apply a tiny dab of white paste toothpaste (not gel) to your finger or a soft cloth and very gently rub it on the tarnished silver. Then, rinse well with warm water and buff to a shine with a soft cloth.
Step By Step guide on cleaning your Pearl Jewellery
Because they're porous, pearls hold on to dust and dirt and easily lose their luster. Whether real, cultured or faux, you must clean them with care. Rule number one: Never soak pearls as doing so can cause the string to weaken and break. This no-soak treatment also works well for turquoise and opals (which are also porous stones). Special pearl care cleaning kits, include tissue sachets of cleaner and a polishing cloth to make cleaning strands of pearls easier and less tedious.
What You'll Need:
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Small makeup brush
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Mild shampoo
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Clean microfiber cloth
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Lay the strand of pearls on a soft cloth.
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Mix together a cup of warm water with a light squeeze of mild shampoo. Dip a clean makeup bush into the mixture and shake off the excess, then go over all sides of each pearl. Apply minimal pressure and use gentle movements to avoid causing any damage.
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Rinse the pearls. Use a well-wrung damp cloth to rinse the pearls well then allow to air dry flat to prevent the string from stretching.
How to Clean Costume Jewellery
Costume jewellery can tarnish quite quickly, because it is made from less precious metals like brass, copper and aluminium. You can keep this kind of jewellery shiny with some of the same tips for keeping precious jewellery looking its best - like keeping it away from water, storing away from direct sunlight and applying lotions and perfumes before putting any jewellery on.
What You'll Need:
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Dish soap
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Microfiber cloths
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Mix together a solution of water and dish soap. Just a few drops of dish soap are enough.
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Dip a cloth in the solution and wipe the sudsy water over the jewellery. Wring the cloth well and wipe gently to avoid damage. Because stones are often glued on rather than set, don't soak costume pieces in water or the glue could loosen and the faux gems could pop off.
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Rinse the jewellery with plain water. Dip a clean cloth in plain water and wipe gently over the costume jewellery to rinse.
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Pat dry and allow to air dry. Lay the pieces upside down on a clean micro fiber cloth or towel so moisture doesn’t soak into the setting.
Crystal Care
Crystals are truly fascinating and beautiful!
Gemstones are organic materials that form from elements reacting together in the depths of the earth, each with their very own uniqueness in all forms. Its understandable that people become addicted to collecting them, either to showcase them in their home as ornamental pieces or other. Some semi-precious crystals are that rare, they hold a lot of value, just like gold and other precious metals.
Stones have varying levels of porosity, which can also affect their durability and appearance over time. Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are considered non-porous as they have tightly packed crystal structures, whereas other stones like opals and pearls are typically more porous, making them more susceptible to damage from exposure to liquids, oils, or chemicals.
Crystals come in all sizes from tiny points to huge geodes. However, the cleaning and care practices, to keep them clean and free from dust/dirt is the same and can be accomplished, using a few tools found from around the home.
As per cleaning your Jewellery, first you require to confirm if your Gemstone is suitable to be immersed or cleaned with water. - If not, you can continue with the below cleaning method minus the use of water.
If your Crystal is suitable to withstand being cleaned with water, then follow the below steps.
What You'll Need:
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Small make up brush
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Soft Toothbrush
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Toothpick
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Water
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Clean micro fiber / lint free cloth
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Paper towels
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Ensure the Gemstone is sitting on a stable surface and soft cloth
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Applying minimal pressure and use gentle movements to avoid causing any damage, carefully use your toothbrush and toothpick (if ness) to pick out any grease, dirt etc from the crooks and crannies of the stone.
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Use the micro fibre or lint free cloth to slowly polish the stones exterior and wipe down as much surface as possible, before immersing your stone (if suitable), in water for a deeper clean.
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Rinse the Gemstone and use the paper towels or cloth to dry the Crystal. - Then allow to stand and dry naturally.
How to Cleanse your Crystals
Cleansing your Crystals and Jewellery is somewhat of a ritual.
Many people use crystals to soothe their mind, body, and soul. Some believe that crystals act on an energetic level, sending natural vibrations out into the world.
Crystals often travel long distances, from source to seller, before a purchase is made. Each transition exposes the stone to energies that may be misaligned with your own.
And when used for healing, these stones are said to absorb or redirect the negativity you’re working to release.
Regularly cleansing and recharging your stones is the only way to restore your crystal to its natural state. This act of care can also reinvigorate your own sense of purpose.
Read on to learn about some of the most common cleansing methods and how to cleanse your pieces
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Regularly cleanse your crystals to re-energise their powers by either; placing them under the moonlight overnight, sunlight, or water (again please check prior to using water on your crystals to see if its suitable)
Recommended Cleanse methods:
When there is a full moon, carefully place your items in a bowl or on a soft cloth and place it on a window ledge overnight, where the moon has direct access. You could also, place your jewellery or Crystals outside, however you need to ensure that the elements of the weather i.e rain, does not interfere.
Another method to cleanse your Crystals or Crystal Jewellery is with the use of other Gemstones. Stones such as: Selenite, Carnelian and Quartz all hold powerful cleansing qualities and can be used to cleanse other Crystals and the environment.
Smudging with Sage Herb or using a Singing Bowl, are other popular methods to cleanse and set intentions.
How to Clean your Copper Jewellery
Why does copper turn your skin green?
Copper naturally oxidises as a result of a chemical reaction due to being exposed within its environment - mainly open air or when wearing due to perspiration. The copper then corrodes and creates copper salts, which can be transferred onto the skin. Copper salts are typically green or blue and is called patina.
The patina actually protects the copper below the surface from further corrosion.
How to look after your Copper Jewellery! - Amore Designs copper jewellery is natural and untreated, unless I use a varnish to help preserve it. When your Jewellery is not in use, store it in plastic bags to slow the tarnishing process.
If your copper should tarnish, as copper naturally does, you can clean your jewellery using various methods to restore its original shine - occasionally washing it with lukewarm, soapy water helps.