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Cleaning your gold jewelry |
Gold will develop a film build up of oils from lotions, powders, soaps, and natural skin
oils which takes away from it's beauty. Chemicals in the air can slightly oxidize the gold depending on the karat grade used. Don't
let your gold jewelry come in contact with chlorine bleach when you are doing household chores because it can damage jewelry over time.
A little time and effort on your part will keep your jewelry looking new like the day you first wore it. We've listed four ways to clean
your gold jewelry. |
1. Detergent Bath
Use any mild liquid detergent found on your home (such as dishwashing soap) and prepare a small bowl of warm suds. Brush the pieces
with an eyebrow brush or toothbrush while they are in the bath. Then transfer them to a wire tea strainer and rinse under warm running
water. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
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2. The Cold Water Soak
Make a solution out of 50% cold water and 50% household ammonia in a cup. Soak the pieces for 30 minutes. Lift out gently clean with
an eyebrow brush or toothbrush. Swish in the solution once more and let the jewelry drain on tissue paper.
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3. The Quick-Dip Method
Buy a brand-name liquid jewelry cleaners found in many stores. Cleaning instructions vary depending on the kit, so read the label and
follow its instructions.
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4. The Ultrasonic Cleaner
This is a small machine that will clean any piece of jewelry that can be dipped in a liquid in a matter of minutes. There are many varieties
of ultrasonic cleaners, but they all consist of a metal cup that you fill with water and detergent. When the machine is turned on, a
high-frequency motion creates the cleaning action. Since each machine is slightly different, read the instructions very carefully before
use.
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Properly storing your gold jewelry |
| When you are not wearing your gold jewelry, they still require proper storage.
Keep your precious pieces in a fabric-lined jewel case, or a box with compartments or dividers. If you can not separate
your jewelry in your jewelry box, wrap each piece individually in tissue paper or place in small plastic pouches. Don't jumble your
diamond pieces in a drawer or jewelry case, because diamonds can scratch your other gold pieces of jewelry, or even scratch each other.
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Traveling with your gold jewelry |
The packing of your gold and diamond jewelry for travel should be given care.
There are many types of jewelry traveling carryalls on the market. They come in all sizes, shapes and patterns and
most have velvet linings inside to attach pins and earrings, and compartments to place your bracelets and necklaces.
To keep your jewelry looking it's best when you arrive, pack a small plastic bottle of prepared jewelry cleaner. |
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