Does anyone have any ideas on how to clean diamond earrings/pendants? They are a bit small for scrubbing by hand with a brush and just need something safe to rid them of soap residue and body oils trapped behind the stones. Would soaking them in a bit of bathroom scum remover harm them?
Any hints would be greatly appreciated!
Lee-Ann
You can either soak them in white vinegar or ammonia. White vinegar is the best choice, because if there's residue remaining, it won't cause an allergic reaction on your hands.
Place the vinegar in a small jar (like a clean baby food jar) put your jewelry inside. Let the items soak for about 15-20 minutes. Shake the jar gently (just in case you didn't tighten the cap enough) for a few seconds. Rinse under hot water. You might have to repeat if there's sludge under the stone, but a few dousings should do the trick! (01/21/2005)
By Judy
I use household ammonia diluted with plain tap water to clean all of my stone and gold jewelry, with the exception of pearls and opals. I dilute it about half and half and just let the pieces soak for a few minutes. You can then scrub them with a soft toothbrush or a stiff artist's paintbrush. Rinse well with hot water and towel dry. You can get household ammonia at just about any grocery or drug store. (01/21/2005)
By Pat Giles
Use plain old alcohol. Place your earrings in a small paper cup or a cap (like maybe from a clean ketchup bottle) and fill to cover with alcohol. Good luck. (01/21/2005)
By joesgirl
Take them to any jeweler in the mall that cleans diamond rings for free. They can put the earrings in their ultrasonic cleaner as well. (01/21/2005)
The best jewelry cleaner I have found that is gentle and completely removes scum and dirt is Woolite or Delicare (the cold water fabric soaking liquids.)
I use a tiny bit of the Woolite or Delicare diluted in water, and scrub the ring, necklace, etc. with a combination of a Q-tip and an old, used toothbrush, making sure to get in all the crevasses and corners. It works like a charm every time, and leaves the jewelry clean and shiny without any scum.
Good luck!
Nancy from PA (01/22/2005)
By Nancy Maffia
I once had a jewelry store owner tell me that the best thing to clean jewelry with is toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush. Just put a dab of the toothpaste on the brush and gently go over the item then rinse off with water and dry with a lint free cloth (I use paper towels). I've always cleaned mine this way and then after I clean them I go over them with rubbing alcohol, makes the diamonds shine and sparkle! But only do this with hard stones not on pearls or opals or any other soft stones. (01/22/2005)
By tiffany
Use denture cleaning tablets. Put your jewelry into a small cup and add the tablets. The bubbles will clean the earrings. (01/22/2005)
By Cheryl from MO
I have used a 35mm film canister half filled with water and drop of baby shampoo to clean my diamond earrings. I usually let them soak overnight and give it a shake in the morning. They come out clean and shiny with very little effort. (01/22/2005)
By Connie
I went to a Premiere Jewelry Party and the host stated that the best thing to clean all jewelry, even sterling silver is Woolite. It is gentle and on silver, it won't rub away layers like silver polish does. (01/25/2005)
By Teresa
A friend who is a jewelry designer once told me that toothpaste or baking soda were ideal for general jewelry cleaning. You use a tooth brush and then rinse completely to make sure that no residue is left. For diamonds, she recommended using Windex with a toothbrush. It works well. Using toothpaste or baking soda to clean gold and silver works well and saves on jewelry cleaner. I keep a dedicated toothbrush for this purpose. I generally use one I would otherwise discard, and keep changing every time I would have discarded a toothbrush. (03/01/2005)
Take a toothbrush and some Dawn - it works wonders! (05/15/2007)
By Gaynel
When cleaning silver use toothpaste or vinegar! (06/04/2008)
By J.T.
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