Jewelry care tip: store unworn jewelry in sealed containers or bags and not in humid locations like the bathroom.
Gold (and precious stones)
To clean (decades of) gunk from gold and precious stones, soak in warm soapy water. Follow up with a soft bristle brush (like a soft toothbrush) to get into all the crevices. Finally soak in Windex and use your brush to polish, it will will make your pieces sparkle like brand new!
The most versatile and easy method for cleaning all metal jewelry is by rubbing the piece with dry 0000 steel wool. You can also get anti-tarnish tabs to keep in the containers holding your jewelry, to help reduce tarnish when not worn.
Silver is a common, easy metal to maintain. Storing your silver in an air tight container helps, as Silver tarnishes most when it is not worn. Even a zip lock bag will help! We do not recommended using silver cleaner or dips, they actually speed up re-tarnishing!
It is best to use a treated cloth such as Sunshine cloths or 0000 steel wool.
Silver
The most versatile and easy method for cleaning all metal jewelry is by rubbing the piece with dry 0000 steel wool. You can also get anti-tarnish tabs to keep in the containers holding your jewelry, to help reduce tarnish when not worn.
Brass and copper tarnish the most from humidity during wear, contact with skin oils, beauty products, etc and will show spots after getting wet. When you do get these metals wet, it helps to dry immediately with a clean cloth. You can clean and polish by rubbing the metal with dry 0000 steel wool or with Penny Brite, a good non toxic cleaner that works on brass and copper. Aluminum shouldn’t tarnish. Minor scratches can be smoothed by steel wool.
Brass/Copper/Aluminum
Acrylic/Lucite
If there is a smudge, oil from hair products, or makeup just wipe with a clean dry cloth. For anything sticky, or stubborn to remove, a drop of baby oil will help loosen and remove. Follow up with a clean and dry cloth.
The Most Important thing is to remember when wearing Lucite, Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer will make your lucite crack (almost immediately!) Avoid alcohol in any form, from touching your lucite jewelry!
For Metal + Lucite Combinations: See silver and gold care for cleaning your ear wires. See brass care for cleaning brass charms combined with lucite.
