In the last article, we talked about how to store and maintain your antique jewelry. With this article we move on to the cleaning of jewelry made of different metals and stones. Some well known jewelry cleaning methods can be harsh on precious metals and stones. Hence, using the right cleaning technique for your vintage ornaments is very important to make them look beautiful forever. After all antique jewelry is really special.

• Before you start with the cleaning process check, using a magnifying lens, if the stones are nicely fixed. Use the softest toothbrush that you can find for anything dwindling. For any lose gems or stones, don't clean the jewelry before you get it fixed. Check for dust particles or any other deposits. using the magnifying glass.
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• Before cleaning always do a test cleaning to ensure it's working as per the expected flow and sequence.
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• Do not carelessly put your vintage jewelry under running water or a water bowl. The foil used in your ornaments might get spoiled.
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• Usually warm soap water solution is suggested for cleaning silver and gold jewelry. But antique jewelry is not any other regular jewelry. Soapy solution is not suggested for gemstone jewelry. Soaps might leave a residue deposit on your them.
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• To avoid any risks, get a vintage jewelry cleaning solution from the market specifically made to suit the metals and stones used in your jewelry. Make sure the solution does not contain harmful chemicals like alcohol, ammonia, vinegar, etc. DO NOT use a solution meant for, say pearls, for cleaning any other stone. Same goes for metal jewelry cleaners.
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• Use the toothbrush (the softest one) to gently clean away the dust. You can also use a soft damp cloth for it.
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• Use a toothpick to clean between any gaps or spaces. Be really soft and careful while you do this.
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• A soft polish with a special polishing cloth (like a Sunshine Polishing cloth) can also get back the original new-like shine to your cherished jewelry.
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• Always dry it well before storing it back.
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• After its completely dried store your antique jewelry properly.

The old magic of your antique ensemble is not worth a risk. So make sure you give each stone the right treatment with our read stone/metal specific cleaning tips. Get your jewelry glistening new by following the above order of activities and using the right cleaning solution for different gems.

Gold Jewelry : Use lukewarm soapy water to wash. Use a very very soft toothbrush or a paintbrush to clean dirt if any. Dry well before storing. Alternatively, use can use dilutable jewelery cleaner.

Silver Jewelry: Same as for Gold. For tribal antique jewelery that lacks luster, apply a thick paste of bicarbonate soda and water. Clean softly with your finger tips. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue settlement. Dry well. May use blow dry on a low heat setting.

Beaded Jewelry: Never immerse in water. Use dry cloth/cotton to clean.

Diamond Jewelry: Same directions as for silver jewelry.

Pearl jewelry: Never immerse in water. Use dry cloth/cotton to clean.

Gem stone Jewelry: Amber, Coral, Emerald, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, and Turquoise - Never immerse them in water. Use soft dry cloth or damp cloth/cotton tips to clean. For harder gems – Same directions as for silver jewelry.