It’s been a while since we last spoke about cleaning your jewellery at home - we touched on this subject back when we were all in lockdown last year, baking sourdough and looking for other productive things to do at home… (other than drinking natural wine). With some of us back in lockdown (again!) we thought now was so appropriate time to revisit this topic..

As we all love to keep our jewels looking shiny, maintained and clean, we thought we would recap our most popular journal post for you - How To Clean Your Jewellery At Home. These methods require the use of simple household ingredients and can be applied to any other general metal objects around the house (oil burners, incense holders, vases, silverware or anything brass). 

Firstly, it’s best to understand why tarnish occurs and how to avoid it. Tarnish is actually the result of a chemical reaction, which can be accelerated when your jewellery is exposed to certain elements, or stored away for periods of time. 

Cleaning Tip 1. An ‘Ion Transfer’

This cleaning hack is for sterling silver or sterling silver jewellery that’s gold plated, like our vermeil. It’s also safe for gemstones (if there is no glue involved). The good news is sterling silver is really easy to clean and this method is really quick; it’s literally science! We are chemically reversing the actual tarnishing process, by a chemical exchange, between the silver and aluminum and the sulfur content, this is called an ‘ion transfer’.

You will need:

• Baking soda 
• Hot water 
• Dishwashing liquid 
• A shallow bowl or baking tray
• Tinfoil (aluminum foil)
• A soft cloth 

The Process:

Firstly, line your bowl with the foil and add a heaped tablespoon of baking soda. Add a small amount of dishwashing liquid and then place your tarnished/ dirty jewellery in; ensuring all of the pieces are touching the foil. 

Finally, cover your jewellery with boiling/ hot water.

This concoction should fizz and start to dissolve... This means the chemical reaction is taking place. Leave for 5-10mins, take your jewels out (watch out it's hot!) rinse & then dry. Viola! They should now be clean & sparkling.

Cleaning Tip 2. ‘The Toothpaste Trick’

This trick is for Sterling Silver only and is a very low maintenance cleaning method as it only involves one active ingredient, which everyone has at home - toothpaste! 

A side note: Toothpaste is a great way to give your sterling silver jewellery some instant shine. It acts like a cutting compound as it has tiny abrasive particles, but please tread which caution. We don’t recommend this method for gold plated pieces as gold is a soft metal and it may be too harsh.

You will need:

• Toothpaste (non gel)
• An old toothbrush (or someone else's)
• Water
• A soft cloth 

 The Process:

Simply put a small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush and give your jewellery a good brush with it. You can also use your fingers to give it a really good rub, you’ll feel particles really getting to work then.

Next, rinse off the toothpaste and use a soft cloth to buff dry - the more you buff the better the shine.

Cleaning Tip 3. ‘The Kettle Steam Clean’

This is my favourite method as it’s safe for all metals and works well on gemstones too. You will be surprised by how effective this method is, it melts away any build up of body oils & grime  - especially on chains, or anything detailed and fine.

You will need:

• A kettle
• Water
• A fork or tea strainer

The Process:

Boil the kettle until you see a stream of steam… Place your jewellery in your tea strainer or secure on a fork so it will not fall off.

Take the lid off your kettle and hover your jewellery in the steam, being very careful to not burn yourself! Leave it in the steam for a minute or so, rotating your jewellery so the steam touches all surface area. 

After a minute take it out and rub it dry with a soft cloth - keeping in mind your jewellery will still be hot. 

Your pieces should be beautifully clean and the shine restored.

Thanks for tuning in and cleaning your jewellery with us at home. If you have any questions or need some assistance, please email us - we would love to help!

And lastly - the disclaimer… Please note these are only recommendations  - if in doubt, please check in with your local jeweller.

Nina x