SHINE BRIGHT: HOW TO CLEAN AND CARE FOR YOUR STAINLESS STEEL AND GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY

Shine Bright: How to Clean and Care for Your Stainless Steel and Gold-Plated Jewelry

Jewelry, whether it's stainless steel or gold-plated, is an investment that deserves proper care to maintain its luster and longevity. While stainless steel is known for its durability, and gold-plated jewelry exudes elegance, both need attention to keep them looking their best. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to clean and care for your stainless steel and gold-plated jewelry so you can continue to shine bright.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Jewelry:

Stainless steel jewelry is beloved for its resistance to tarnish and corrosion, making it a low-maintenance option. However, it can still accumulate dirt and smudges over time. Here's how to clean it:

1. Gather Your Supplies:

You'll need a few common household items:

  • Mild dish soap
  • Warm water
  • Soft-bristle toothbrush or a soft cloth
  • Microfiber cloth

2. Soak and Scrub:

  • Create a soapy water solution by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
  • Submerge your stainless steel jewelry in the soapy water for a few minutes to loosen any dirt.
  • Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristle toothbrush or a soft cloth, paying attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
  • Rinse the jewelry under warm running water to remove all soap residue.

3. Dry and Polish:

  • Pat your jewelry dry with a clean, soft cloth or allow it to air dry completely.
  • To bring out the shine, gently polish the jewelry with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion.

Caring for Gold-Plated Jewelry:

Gold-plated jewelry combines the beauty of gold with affordability. However, the thin layer of gold can wear off over time if not properly cared for. Here's how to care for your gold-plated pieces:

1. Avoid Contact with Water:

Water can cause the gold plating to wear off more quickly. Remove your gold-plated jewelry before showering, swimming, or doing the dishes.

2. Keep Away from Chemicals:

Chemicals like perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays can damage the gold plating. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry and ensure they are fully absorbed before wearing your pieces.

3. Store Separately:

Store your gold-plated jewelry in a separate compartment or pouch to prevent scratching and minimize contact with other jewelry that might tarnish or damage it.

4. Clean Gently:

To clean gold-plated jewelry, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt and oils. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals as they can strip the gold plating.

5. Replate if Necessary:

If you notice the gold plating wearing off in spots, consider having your jewelry professionally replated. This will restore its original shine.

Whether you're adorning yourself with stainless steel jewelry for its resilience or donning gold-plated pieces for their charm, taking good care of your jewelry is essential to keep it looking stunning. Regular cleaning and proper storage will help your jewelry maintain its brilliance and longevity. With the right care, your jewelry can continue to be a source of beauty and joy for years to come, allowing you to shine bright in every moment.

Cleaning, maintaining and things to avoid with 925 sterling silver jewelry

Cleaning, maintaining and things to avoid with 925 sterling silver jewelry

How do I maintain 925 sterling silver jewelry?

Sterling silver is a popular metal for jewelry, and 925 sterling silver is a high-quality alloy that contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Here are some tips for maintaining 925 sterling silver:

  1. Store your silver jewelry in a dry, cool place, such as a jewelry box or pouch, to prevent tarnishing.
  2. Avoid exposing your silver jewelry to chemicals such as perfumes, lotions, or hair sprays, as these can cause discoloration.
  3. Clean your silver jewelry regularly with a soft cloth or a silver polishing cloth to remove any tarnish or dirt. You can also use gentle soap and warm water to clean your silver jewelry.
  4. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your silver jewelry, as these can scratch or damage the metal.
  5. Use a silver dip or polish specifically designed for silver jewelry to clean heavily tarnished pieces.
  6. Consider using anti-tarnish strips or pouches to help prevent tarnishing.

By following these tips, you can help keep your 925 sterling silver jewelry looking its best for years to come.

How do I clean 925 sterling silver jewelry?

Cleaning 925 sterling silver jewelry can be done with a few simple steps:

  1. Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap in a bowl.
  2. Place your sterling silver jewelry in the solution and let it soak for a few minutes.
  3. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth to gently scrub the jewelry, paying extra attention to any crevices or details. Be gentle to avoid scratching the silver.
  4. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue.
  5. Dry the jewelry with a soft cloth or towel, being sure to remove any excess moisture.

Note: If your sterling silver jewelry is heavily tarnished or has a lot of buildups, you may need to use a specialized silver cleaner or polishing cloth. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions when using a silver cleaner.

What should I avoid when cleaning 925 sterling silver jewelry?

When cleaning 925 sterling silver jewelry, it's important to avoid certain materials and methods that can damage the metal or any gemstones that may be present. Here are some specific things to avoid:

  1. Do not use hot water, as it can cause the silver to expand and warp.
  2. Avoid using abrasive materials such as steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads, as they can scratch the surface of the silver.
  3. Do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals, as they can discolor or damage the silver.
  4. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage certain types of gemstones that may be set in the silver.
  5. Do not soak your silver jewelry for extended periods, as this can also cause damage to the metal.

If your sterling silver jewelry has any gemstones or pearls, be sure to check their specific cleaning requirements before using any cleaning products.

METHODS FOR CLEANING YOUR CUBIC ZIRCONIA RINGS

In our last blog, you read about some top reasons why you should get Cubic Zirconia Rings. We hope you enjoyed reading our previous article & must have bought CZ rings for your loved ones from our huge inventory of CZ Rings.

We are back again, but this time we are here to answer the most asked question, i.e., how to clean your Cubic Zirconia Rings.

Cleaning cubic zirconia rings absolutely can be done in many ways. Learn which options are best for your personal CZ Jewelry pieces.

CLEANING CZ RINGS & IT’S SETTINGS

The best approach for restoring the shine & brilliance of your cubic zirconia rings is largely decided by the setting it has been mounted in & the different gemstones that have been joined in the piece. Soft metals can easily get scratches & gemstones of low density can be forever scarred unless handled properly.

CZ can be cleansed utilizing methods that are acceptable & pretty much similar to cleaning diamonds. Even a good-quality jewelry brush will not scratch the crystals. With this knowledge, you must always pick the best cleaning method for the most delicate material used in the ring.

  • POLISHING CLOTHS

Utilizing polishing cloths manufactured from soft cotton fabric is deemed one of the least harmful materials for cleaning zirconia rings. Just rub the CZ engagement ring & setting carefully to remove dirt, oils & restore its original sparkle & shine. 

This method works perfectly with almost any other material. Still, it's especially great for sterling silver settings, delicate pearls & turquoise.

  • COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS

Commercial jewelry cleaning solvents work, but you must read the labels thoroughly to conclude if they are suitable for the minor gems & metals utilized in your rings.

Utilizing a harsh kind of cleaner on pearls & coral may damage the finish on these elements altogether.

  • LIQUID SOAP OR WARM WATER

Warm water & liquid soap will do wonders for restoring a crisp, clean look to CZ rings. You can wash the jewelry piece with your fingers pretty gently or with a soft cloth. However, do not skip to rinse the ring completely to eliminate all traces of detergent, or your jewelry piece might get a filmy residue that will dull the brilliance of your gem.

  • STEAM CLEANERS

This method has become pretty popular in recent years & is utilized on stuff ranging from household appliances to jewelry.

Although an excellent stream of steam will melt most gunk & contaminants lurking in the crannies & nooks of a Cubic Zirconia ring, at the same time, steam heat can harm softer gemstones, so try this method with caution.

  • ULTRASONIC CLEANERS

These sorts of cleaners are the first choice for most jewelers. These machines carry a water reservoir that cautiously holds the jewelry. At the same time, it is attacked with hundreds or thousands of ultrasonic waves that loosen the debris ambushed within the setting.

While this approach is excellent for standard Cubic Zirconia rings, ultrasonic cleansing may damage some softer gems & metal, so it's important to learn the qualities of each material applied in your ring.

KEEP YOUR CUBIC ZIRCONIA RING SPARKLING FOREVER

Cleansing cubic zirconia rings or CZ Jewelry is an essential part of preserving the brilliance quality of each piece. However, for the jewels themselves, the frequency of the cleansing is actually more significant than how those purifications are carried out.

However, since many Cubic Zirconia jewelry pieces incorporate other gems, it's always a great idea to seek professional cleaning advice from your local jeweler to avoid damaging your pieces. In addition, you can contact professionals at Chic Jewelry & ask for help.

We have been manufacturing rings and other jewels with experience going back 35 years. Our skilled staff is a part of a 75-year dynasty of three generations. We operate from the Los Angeles Jewelry District, providing service to the retail and the entire jewelry industry. Being in the heart of where it all happens, we have every resource at our fingertips to provide all the services our customers demand.

With regular care & maintenance from Chic Jewelry, your CZ rings will retain their beauty & be ready to pass on to generations to come.