Carol said, “How do I clean a necklace that is gold and silver?”
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Gold and silver are the two most popular jewelry metals, so it’s no surprise that some pieces are made of both. Although they each have some cleaning methods that work well for them separately, they also can be cleaned together when needed. Follow the steps below to clean your silver and gold piece.
Cleaning the Jewelry
You Will Need:
- A cloth
- A sink
- Mild detergent
- A bowl
- White vinegar
- Tomato juice
- Milk
- Baking soda
Steps to Clean the Jewelry:
- For a general cleaning, gently wipe the jewelry with a soft cloth to remove any dust, or dirt.¹
- For a more thorough cleaning, plug the sink drain¹ and wash the piece with a mild detergent, such as dish liquid.²
- For a deep clean or to remove tarnish, put the piece of jewelry in a bowl.³
- Select a natural acid to clean the jewelry, such as white vinegar, tomato juice, or milk. Pour enough of your selected acid in the bowl to completely cover the item.³
- Leave the item in the bowl to soak overnight, then wash the item in the morning with warm water³ and a mild detergent, such as dish liquid, to remove any remaining residue from the acidic cleaner.²
- If there are any uneven areas, moisten a cloth with some water, then sprinkle some baking soda on the damp cloth. Gently rub any spots that need a touch-up with the cloth.³
Additional Tips and Advice
- Always be gentle when cleaning jewelry as it may be plated, which can easily rub off.¹
- Always use extra caution when cleaning jewelry that contains a stone as each stone may react differently to your selected cleaner.
- Never submerge a watch in any type of liquid unless you are sure it is a waterproof watch and safe to do so.
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Sources
- How to Clean Practically Anything by Consumer Reports
- Fix It, Clean It, Make It Last, by Gayle K. Wood
- Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond
I have a gold (916) ring with a 1.8 carat ruby stone. Can I soak it in vinegar overnight?
Joe,
To be on the safe side, it would be best not to soak the ruby in acid. Some sources say that acids can damage rubies, whereas others say they have no special care requirements. Instead, use some mild dish liquid and water in a bowl. Instead of soaking it, as is needed for silver, you can just wash the ring directly. Here is the guide you need: How to Clean Gold. Good luck!
Source: Jewelry Notes – How to Clean a Ruby Ring
Source: International Gem Society – Gemstone Care Guide
Source: GIA – Ruby Care and Cleaning