Cleaning Those Trinkets and Treasures

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

08 Feb 2007 06:02 AM

Our dressing tables and those items that adorn our appearance need special treatment in order to do their job. They help to keep us looking our best, and as such, we can't forget or ignore them. Here are some tips for those trinkets and treasures that live in your house. Read on, whether you prefer gold or silver.

Amber Jewelry Mineral oil on a soft cloth will do wonders for your amber pieces. Rub the oil on gently and then buff dry with a soft cloth.

Pearls, Cultured and Otherwise Apply a little olive oil to a soft cloth to clean your pearl jewelry. I can't promise you will develop a taste for classical music or the opera if you don't already have one, but your pearls will shine!

Opals Opals are very delicate and you must take special care when cleaning these stones. Never use soap or detergent. Give them a soft brush with warm water only.

Lapis and Turquoise These beautiful stones can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth dipped in a little cool water and detergent. Rub gently and do not ever use soap.

Cameos Mix a solution of ¼ teaspoon dish soap, 3 drops ammonia and ½ cup warm water. Dampen a soft cloth with the mixture and dab it carefully onto your cameo. Dry the piece with a cloth of chamois.

Silver Jewelry Rub a soft cloth dipped in baking soda. For those small areas, use a toothbrush that isn't busy. After cleaning, rinse well and buff dry.

Gold Jewelry Mix 2 tablespoons liquid hand soap, 1-cup warm water and ½ teaspoon ammonia. Wipe the solution onto the gold piece with a lint-free cloth and buff dry. You can also use rubbing alcohol applied with a soft cloth.

Diamond Jewelry Bring 2 cups water, 4 drops ammonia and 1-tablespoon soap flakes to a boil. Place the item in a tea strainer and dip it into the solution for three seconds only. Remove and rinse off in cool water.

Do YOU have any jewelry cleaning tips to add? Please share.

Related Reading:

"Your Cleaning ABC's"

"Washing Windows: A Carefree Diversion"

"Removing Carpet Stains"

Challenging Carpet Stains

http://blogs.families.com/admin/b2browse.php?blog=23&p=22847

"Closet and Wardrobe Care" http://blogs.families.com/admin/b2browse.php?blog=23&p=22847

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger