How to Clean aged Jewelry Bracelets

The first step in dealing with an ancient anything is to use caution. If this is a priceless piece by all means take it to a professional for cleaning and for restoration if there are any loose stones. If the piece needs minor touch-ups it should be easy enough to clean using items colse to the house.

In general it is best to avoid frequently cleaning bracelets with liquids (even soap and water) since it can damage the jewelry. If the piece has not been worn for more than six months it is good to slowly clean it to avoid deeper tarnishing, especially sterling silver bracelets. anything you do, never use bleach on jewelry. This harsh chemical can absolutely turn metals like silver darker instead of creating a desired shine.

Magnetic Jewelry

By the way, did you know that sterling silver is an alloy? It is the copper in sterling silver that tarnishes fast through oxidation. Pure silver does not tarnish at all, but is too soft to use for jewelry.

Cleaning Bracelets

Start with simply taking a soft dry cloth and slowly wiping the bracelet. If debris is trapped in the detail a soft bristled toothbrush will ordinarily loosen and take off this dirt. If loose stones are noticed at any point Stop cleaning and take the piece to a professional for repair.

If the uncomplicated wiping and dry toothbrushing don't clean the piece to your satisfaction, try a damp cloth (not a soaking wet cloth, but a damp cloth). Be sure to test the damp cloth on one small area first before wetting the entire bracelet. Any time water is used on jewelry it is foremost to first check for foil-backed stones.

Foil-backed stones should Not be immersed in water. Doing so will finally take off the foil backing from the stone thus deteriorating the piece of jewelry rather than improving it. When using a damp cloth the water can get trapped behind the setting causing the same issues as immersing the stone.

If these uncomplicated cleaning methods are not quite enough, a soap, water, and ammonia bath is possible with most pieces. Remember that this should not be done often.

Here are some tips for a victorious cleaning:

1. Check the piece for loose stones first. Use your finger or a toothpick to see if the stones wiggle at all in their settings. If there is any doubt think taking the piece to a professional.

2. Check each stone backing for foil. If the piece is absolutely old some of the foil backings may have come off with age, so be sure to check each stone. See warnings above.

3. If stones are derive and no foil backs are present then the next step is a test cleaning of a small area. originate a explication of ½ cup warm water, 2-3 drops of dish soap, and concentrate of drops of ammonia.

4. Take the smallest end of the bracelet and immerse for a few minutes in the cleaning solution.

5. take off the bracelet from the explication and use a soft (clean) toothbrush to take off any debris. Be meticulous during this process to keep the wet away from the rest of the bracelet. slowly rinse the test spot under warm running water.

6. Dry the test spot with the soft towel and seek your work. Check the stone that was cleaned to be sure it is still secure. When cleaning remember to use caution, and after testing one spot, continue only if you are happy with the results. If all things looks okay immerse the whole bracelet or clean small sections at a time.

7. The soft toothbrush will ordinarily be enough for most detail work, but special brushes, pipe cleaners, and tooth picks are also handy when used with caution.

How to Clean aged Jewelry Bracelets