At Robert White Jewellers, your trusted Brisbane family jeweller, we understand that your jewellery holds precious memories and sentimental value. Keeping it clean ensures it always looks its best and continues to bring you joy. While we always recommend professional cleaning for intricate or valuable pieces, here are some simple methods you can use at home for specific types of jewellery.

1. Reviving Your Silver Jewellery

Tarnished silver doesn't have to stay that way! This simple method uses common household items to bring back the shine:

  • Prepare your setup: Find a suitable container (glass or ceramic works well) and line it completely with aluminium foil, ensuring the shiny side is facing upwards.
  • Add the magic: Sprinkle a layer of bicarbonate of soda (bi-carb soda) evenly over the bottom of the foil-lined container.
  • Place your silver: Lay your silver jewellery pieces directly on top of the bi-carb soda.
  • Activate the clean: Carefully pour boiling water over the jewellery, fully submerging the items. Be very cautious when handling boiling water!
  • Let it fizz: You'll notice the mixture start to fizz – this is the cleaning reaction happening. Let the jewellery sit until the fizzing completely stops.
  • Rinse and dry: Once the fizzing has ceased, carefully remove your silver pieces (they might still be warm!). Rinse them thoroughly under clean running water and gently pat them dry with a soft, clean cloth.

2. Caring for Your Stone-Set Pieces

Jewellery featuring gemstones needs a slightly different approach to safely clean both the metal and the stones:

  • Gentle soak: Begin by letting your stone-set jewellery soak in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water mixed with a few drops of standard dishwashing liquid. This helps loosen dirt and oils.
  • Stable scrubbing: After soaking for a few minutes, carefully place the jewellery piece onto a clean dish sponge. This provides a stable, non-scratch surface to work on.
  • Spray and scrub: Lightly spray the jewellery with Windex (or a similar ammonia-based window cleaner). Using a very soft baby toothbrush, gently scrub the piece, paying particular attention to the areas around the stone settings where grime tends to accumulate.
  • Rinse well: Rinse the jewellery thoroughly under clean running water, ensuring all traces of dishwashing liquid and Windex are removed.
  • Dry carefully: Let the piece air dry completely, or gently pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

3. The Gentle Touch for Pearls

Pearls are organic gems and require very delicate care to maintain their lustre and prevent damage:

  • Keep it simple: The best way to clean pearls is to simply wipe them over gently with a clean, soft cloth that has been dampened with water.
  • Wipe and dry: After wiping, you can let them air dry or gently pat them with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid detergents, chemicals, or abrasive materials, as these can permanently damage the pearl's surface.

Important Considerations from Your Brisbane Jeweller

While these home cleaning methods can be effective, please remember:

  • Safety First: Always be cautious when handling hot or boiling water.
  • Know Your Jewellery: These are general guides. Some finishes (like oxidised silver) or delicate stones (like opals, emeralds, or turquoise) require specialised care and may be damaged by these methods. Windex should be used cautiously, as ammonia can affect certain porous gemstones or metals over time.
  • When in Doubt, Ask the Experts: If you're unsure about the best way to clean a particular piece, or if you have valuable, antique, or delicate jewellery, it's always best to bring it to us.

At Robert White Jewellers in Brisbane, we offer professional cleaning services and expert advice tailored to your specific treasures. Visit us anytime – we're here to help keep your jewellery sparkling for generations to come!