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Jewelry Cleaning Amethyst - Before cleaning the jewelry, make note of the precious metal that is holding the gemstone in place and use cleaners that would clean both but would not harm one or the other. Using a fine toothbrush and bowl of soapy water gently rub between the stone and the jewelry to remove any residue that may have clinged to it in every day usage. Rinse completely in water and brush away any soapy residue. Rinse completely and thoroughly in clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Allow the piece to dry thoroughly.  Amber- Considered one of the softest gemstones, Amber should be treated with extra care. Amber should only be cleaned with mild soap and water or with a special cloth that is specially suited for jewelry. Ultrasonic cleaning is not advised and harsh chemicals or jewelry cleaner should be avoided.  Aquamarine - Aquamarine is beautiful gemstone that should only be cleaned with a mild soapy solution in lukewarm water. You can scrub the jewelry with a fine brush to loosen deposits of dust and dirt. Rinse in clean water. Aquamarine can also be cleaned with a soft jewelry cloth.  Turquoise - Turquoise should be cleaned with a soft flannel cloth and water avoided. You should avoid contact with silver cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, heat and ammonia.  Tanzanite - Clean tanzanite is a solution of dishwashing liquid and a warm water bath. Let sit for 15 minutes and then scrub with a soft toothbrush to remove residues. Any type of sonic cleaner should be avoided. Dry with soft cloth. Tanzanite can also be cleaned with as soft cloth specifically used for jewelry cleaning such as flannel.
 Diamonds - Use care when cleaning diamond rings and make note of any accent stones or precious metals that you have in conjunction with your diamonds. Care must taken to use materials that clean everything properly. If you have any doubts seek professional advice. Diamonds can be cleaned in dilute solution ammonia in three parts water or in a clean rinsing detergent. Soak and scrub gently with a fine comb brush, such as a toothbrush and rinse with freshwater thoroughly. Dry with a lint free cloth and polish until it sparkles.  Opal - Opals are soft gemstones and utmost care should be used when cleaning them. Do not soak opals in anything. Opals are porous and moisture can damage it. Wipe with a dry clean soft cloth.
 Ruby - Rubies can be cleaned in warm soapy water and left to air dry. Clean and polish with soft cloth. Keep rubies away from softer gemstones due scratching or bumping. Rubies are very hard stones and can also be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning. Care should be used with the latter if the stone is know to have cracks or fissures. If this the case, it should be cleaned by a professional.  Sapphire - Sapphires can be cleaned in warm soapy water and left to air dry. Clean and polish with soft cloth. Keep sapphires away from softer gemstones due scratching or bumping. Sapphires are very hard stones and can also be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning. Care should be used with the latter if the stone is know to have cracks or fissures. If this the case, it should be cleaned by a professional.  Pearls - Cleaning pearls should be done by hand with a small amount of clean water with a mild soapy solution. Wipe each pearl individually until clean. Allow to air dry. Because pearls are soft, never use abrasive cleaners, ultrasonic baths and harsh detergents. If at all possible clean with soft lint-free cloth.
Page Two - Jewelry Cleaning Tips
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- English
Sunday, July 20, 2008
