Gold jewelry looks attractive immediately after purchase and for some period after that while it is in use. But gradually the shine of metal and stones fades. The beauty of the product is preserved, only it brings less joy to the owner, and is not so attractive with brightness.
If you do not take care of the product in time, the precious stone, like the metal itself, will completely lose its original properties - it will darken. We need to find the optimal solution for how to clean gold at home with stones. To do this, use available methods: based on products, household chemicals.
It is also necessary to properly care for rings, earrings, and bracelets.
Why gold darkens and loses its shine. Techniques for cleaning gold jewelry
If the appearance of jewelry deteriorates, you should immediately pay attention to the likely factors contributing to its darkening. This will stop the development of negative processes in the structure and surface of materials.
Blackened gold chain with a cross
Reasons for darkening of gold jewelry:
- secretion of sebaceous and sweat glands: biological fluids may contain components that interact with metal;
- contact with substances that tap water contains;
- use of cosmetics, perfumes;
- applying special compounds to jewelry to improve properties during pre-sale preparation;
- low quality metal: the content of additives is too high, these components react with oxygen, and a patina is formed.
Healing abilities of the mineral
In addition to its magical properties, the stone is also famous for its healing abilities, among which are:
- The main healing property of chrysolite is to improve the functioning of the nervous system. Thus, the gem will relieve its owner from anxiety, restlessness, help normalize sleep, successfully cope with insomnia, and eliminate nightmares. There are cases where the stone helped people heal from stuttering that arose due to fear or any other stressful situation;
- improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- the mineral has a beneficial effect on the organs of vision. Moreover, it copes equally well with both myopia and farsightedness, and slows down the development of cataracts and glaucoma;
- the musculoskeletal system of the body is treated with the help of chrysolites;
- normalizes lung function and respiratory tract;
- Peridot will also help cure diseases of the stomach and kidneys; for this purpose, it is necessary to apply the mineral to the sore spot.
Nuances of purifying gold with precious stones
Existing methods for caring for precious metals are almost all highly specialized - they are used under certain conditions, they are selected taking into account the composition of the metal and the type of stone.
This means that special cleaning techniques are used for different products.
Purification of gold with precious stones
Cleaning jewelry with hard stones
In order to effectively and, most importantly, safely return an inlaid piece of jewelry to its original appearance, it is necessary to consider only permitted methods (taking into account the properties of the stones):
- topaz: withstands mechanical impact with a brush, does not lose properties when in contact with aggressive environments;
- diamond or diamond: quickly returns shine when using ammonia (10%), soap;
- pomegranate: it is best to use liquids based on cleaning agents;
- emerald: restores properties thanks to alcohol, aqueous solutions based on detergents;
- sapphire: a soft toothbrush, alcohol, gasoline or other cleaner is recommended for cleaning;
- chrysolite: the best option is a soft rag soaked in alcohol;
- cubic zirconia: use liquid soap, powder is not recommended;
- ruby: easily clean dirt using alcohol-based products and shampoo-based solutions.
Cleaning items with soft stones
Soap scum and fatty deposits can also be removed from soft stones, but it is recommended to use products with a low level of aggressive action:
- opal: clean with water, felt;
- coral: a damp cloth is enough;
- pearls: use water, potato starch, a very weak soap solution (in extreme cases);
- turquoise: cannot be wetted, turquoise can change its external characteristics, so use only special products - from a professional line;
- amber: felt is used, chemicals are prohibited.
The method of boiling gold to remove plaque
The boiling method for removing plaque from soft stones is not recommended.
Important! Cleaning gold jewelry with stones eliminates the use of abrasives and acids; most often this leads to clouding of stones and metal.
General information about chrysolite
Due to its amazing beauty and aristocracy, the mineral is called the “evening emerald”. If we look at products with gemstones under artificial lighting conditions, they lose their yellow tint, changing it to green, and really begin to look very much like a natural emerald.
Find out what awaits you today - Horoscope for today for all zodiac signs
Due to numerous requests from subscribers, we have prepared an accurate horoscope application for mobile phones. Forecasts will arrive for your zodiac sign every morning - it's impossible to miss! Download for free: Daily Horoscope 2020 (available on Android)
The famous representative of the group of giant chrysolites with a rich olive green color is a historical landmark, and is stored in the Diamond Fund (Russian Federation).
Arsenal 20 ways to clean gold
To clean expensive products from fresh and dried dirt, please note that when using liquid products, you need to place foil at the bottom of the container. This will make your rings and earrings sparkle. Common cleaning methods to eliminate visible defects (plaque, dirt, fatty components):
- an aqueous solution with ammonia or ammonia: hydrogen peroxide (30 mg), ammonia (1 tsp), 250 ml of water, rings and earrings should be soaked in the solution until they are clear of plaque;
- hydrogen peroxide (40 mg), add ammonia (1 tsp) and water (1 glass), liquid soap (2 tsp);
- toothpaste, powder: both products provide a cleansing effect; it is enough to apply a little substance (without abrasives in the composition) on a rag to remove dirt;
- foil and soda: leave foil at the bottom of the container, pour in the prepared liquid (2 tablespoons of soda, 200 ml of hot water), leave the decorations overnight;
- "Fairy" and other dish detergents: add 1 tsp. of this product in water without other additives, place in a water bath, place decorations in the container and boil for several minutes:
- liquid soap with peroxide: take the components in a ratio of 1:2, add warm water, soak the gold for 20 minutes;
- salt solution: you will need 3 tbsp. l., as well as hot water (no more than 250 ml), when the salt has dissolved, the decorations are immersed in the solution;
- lens product: do not dilute it, use it in its pure form - soak the jewelry overnight, clean it with water without additives in the morning;
- sugar syrup: the sweet component is dissolved in water (it is better to immediately use lukewarm liquid) - 2-3 tbsp. l. and 200 ml, soak gold for several hours;
- vinegar 9-%: prepare a solution based on water and table vinegar - the recommended ratio is 1:1, the method is effective, but only if the decorations remain in the solution for at least 30 minutes;
- citric acid and citrus fruits: citric acid (1/4 tsp) is dissolved in hot water (125 ml), gold is left in the liquid for a short time (5 minutes), and the acid can be replaced with lemon juice;
- hygienic lipstick: applied to rags, rub gold jewelry with it until they begin to shine;
- onion juice - take 1 piece, you need to dilute it with water (2 tbsp), soak bracelets and earrings for at least 3 hours;
- baking soda solution: mix soda with water (the amount is determined at your discretion), then rub rings, gold bracelets, and then rinse;
- “Coca-Cola” and other fizzy drinks: products become shiny when using the drink without additives, leave decorations in the container, fill them with Cola, after 2 hours they can be cleaned, this method is suitable not only for gold, but also for silver, with the exception of products with stones;
- medical alcohol or vodka: there is no need to leave jewelry in an aggressive environment, moisten a woven cloth with alcohol and rub the product - this method is one of the fastest;
- alcohol-containing perfume: it may seem that it helps with contamination of gold, but this is not entirely true, because it is upon contact with such substances that the external parameters of jewelry deteriorate, which means that perfume can be used to clean gold, which contains a minimal amount of additives;
- beer and egg: you will need 1 chicken egg yolk, as well as no more than 50 ml of beer, the resulting mixture is used for mechanical cleaning;
- glass care liquid - a concentrated substance, it is not diluted, but is used according to the standard scheme - moisten a rag in the liquid, apply it to a gold ring or other items;
- pharmaceutical hyposulfite: you only need 2 tsp, the substance is dissolved in water (you can take 200-250 ml), and it is important to leave the jewelry in a container with liquid for 20 minutes.
Why does amethyst become cloudy?
Sometimes the stone seems to be covered with a cloudy film and turns pale. The main factor influencing the loss of color brightness is the location of production. Mountain lilac quartz grown in the company of crystal is difficult to discolor. In this regard, Ural specimens are valued. Crystals formed in sedimentary rocks can darken and lose color under the sun. Therefore, when choosing a product with amethyst, you need to pay attention not only to the appearance of the insert, but also to the region of origin.
Magicians say that the black-purple eye stone takes away the negative, therefore it brightens. Gemologists explain the reason for the loss of color by saying that the mineral grew in volcanic rocks.
Semi-precious gems are quite strong and are considered durable. But their crystal lattice is afraid of exposure to high temperatures:
- at a temperature of 200 degrees the crystal turns pale, but after cooling it returns to its tone;
- when heated to 300–500 degrees, the stone becomes colorless forever;
- At a temperature of 600 degrees, amethyst turns into bright yellow citrine.
The amazing shine of the gem may fade or become cloudy over time due to contact with hand and face cream, household chemicals, and sweat.
Delicate cleaning of white gold
When deciding how and with what to remove contaminants from a precious metal, you need to take into account that it is subject to mechanical stress, despite its high hardness. Recommendations for caring for white gold:
- prepare distilled water, a few drops of detergent, the resulting liquid is used to clean platinum;
- It is permissible to use a toothbrush, but provided that it has soft bristles, a soap solution is applied in this way.
It is acceptable to consider liquids based on ammonia and soda.
Cleaning white gold at home
How to clean amethyst
Over time, semi-precious minerals lose their brightness and transparency, and develop chips and scratches. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to return the perfect original appearance. The best option is to take the jewelry to a jeweler for ultrasonic cleaning. Purple quartz should not be exposed to irradiation as the stones may permanently lose or change color.
Ultrasonic cleaning allows you to safely remove dirt and grease deposits. The mineral itself will remain unharmed.
Cleaning at home involves cleansing both physically and energetically. It is believed that amethyst attracts and accumulates negativity, negative emotions and illnesses. This negatively affects its appearance and transparency. During magical cleansing, the lunar cycles are taken into account, the elements of water and fire, salt, and grass are used.
Running water is recognized as the best cleanser for negativity; it will help get rid of darkening. You need to hold the jewelry under a lukewarm stream of water twice a month to restore the energy structure of the stone.
You can clean amethyst at home, but it is important to choose the right product. For example, a solution of washing powder or salt will only do harm. The chemical reaction from the interaction will disrupt the crystal lattice, then nothing will help the clouded gem.
As a preventive measure and for minor contamination, the following methods are useful:
- after wearing the jewelry, carefully wipe the mineral with a soft cloth;
- keep the product under a running stream for a short time every day;
- make a soap solution, leave the stone in it for 25–30 minutes;
- Brush lightly with a soft brush; hard bristles may scratch the crystal.
The stone is framed in silver or gold, so when cleaning it is necessary to take into account the properties of both materials.
So, gold is cleaned with ammonia, but the mineral does not tolerate it. Silver is cleaned with tooth powder, which can scratch the amethyst. It is recommended to treat jewelry with dirt around the stone with glycerin. You can put the product in a soapy solution for half an hour, rinse thoroughly, and rub with felt.
Handling an amethyst incorrectly will most likely ruin your ring or earrings. It is better to take the jewelry to a jewelry workshop for professional ultrasonic cleaning so that the gem begins to sparkle and shine again.
Care and regular visits to a jeweler to check a piece with a precious stone
To avoid having to boil gold jewelry in the future, risking ruining it, or using other methods at home, you need to follow simple rules:
- before taking a shower or bath, remove all rings and earrings;
- You should not play sports without taking off your jewelry;
- body and hand cream is applied before putting on rings and other jewelry;
- do not visit the bathhouse without removing gold earrings and bracelets, especially if these are inlaid items;
- periodically carry out cleaning with improvised means so as not to damage the products;
- You should not polish jewelry yourself, as this may cause the stone to become loose;
- It is important to store gold items separately; for this purpose, use a box with inner lining;
- Every year they turn to a specialist to prevent the formation of defects: they check for chips, scratches, and the reliability of fastenings.
Rules for storing amethyst
The sensitivity of violet quartz to heat and ultraviolet radiation requires compliance with certain rules. The main condition is to store in a dark place. After a day of wearing, you need to wrap the jewelry in a dark cloth so that the stone restores its color intensity. This may take a week or a couple of months. For mild clouding, a few days will suffice.
Proper care of amethyst involves storing jewelry separately. It is better to put beads, bracelets, rings in different bags (linen, cotton). Having packed the jewelry separately, you can store them in one box.
Address: 02091 Kyiv, st. Verbitsky, 1
Telephone: 380 (44) 562-20-25, 380 (68) 637-95-91 (Sales Department) Orders are accepted daily from 09:00-21:00 at 380 (96) 055-82-55
Category: question-answer
Is it possible to clean a diamond ring yourself?
Expert opinion
Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich
Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop
If for various reasons it is impossible to contact a specialist, and the jewelry has lost its attractiveness, choose one of the methods given above - for hard stones. The best methods: a solution of ammonia, soap or peroxide. Moreover, unlike other hard stones, diamond quickly deforms, which means it is not recommended to use a brush.
Which method is suitable for cleaning cubic zirconia earrings?
Expert opinion
Pribrezhny Gennady Valentinovich
Jeweler 6th category
The stone is moderately hard, and therefore requires more careful handling than other types. The best cleaning method is a mild soap solution. An alternative option: alcohol or glycerin, there is another method of mechanical action - an eraser. The last of them removes surface contaminants that have not yet penetrated the structure of the material.
When cleaning a gold ring in Coca-Cola, it changed color, what does this mean? How to return the color?
Expert opinion
Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich
Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop
Many people use proven materials and jewelry cleaning products. Among the suitable methods is the Coca-Cola drink. However, upon contact with the substance, the metal becomes colored, which is due to the presence of a large number of additives in its composition. They interact with the environment. You can remove brown marks from gold using different means: ammonia, soap. Thanks to such means, the original color of the jewelry is returned.
Gold jewelry
How to clean gold at home to make it shine with ruby?
Expert opinion
Pribrezhny Gennady Valentinovich
Jeweler 6th category
Prepare a solution using one of the main ingredients - alcohol. An alternative option is shampoo, but any other detergent or cosmetic product will do. Gold that has darkened is treated with alcohol or an alcohol-containing product. Ruby is cleaned using the least aggressive methods, and without abrasives.
A gift from my husband has become cloudy, how can I clean earrings with stones at home without damaging them?
Expert opinion
Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich
Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop
Changes in color and other properties of jewelry can be caused by improper handling (exposure to hot water, soap, chemicals, the formation of a layer of fat) or a natural consequence of changes in the body (with a decrease in immunity, other processes develop, biological substances are produced that react with components in composition of jewelry). This means that you should pay attention to the accompanying factors that could affect the condition of the jewelry when external characteristics change. Plaque can be removed in different ways, but it is important to understand whether these are surface or structural changes in the material. It is possible to return the original properties of gold only in the first case. To do this, use the means given above: soap solution, toothpaste, vinegar solution, etc. The choice is made taking into account the inlay.
Gold ring after cleaning
Follow the rules
Stones in gold jewelry quickly become dirty. If you decide to do the cleaning yourself, follow the basic rules:
- An aqueous solution of ammonia 1:6 will help remove dirty deposits and add brightness. The method is suitable for cubic zirconia, citrine, zircon, ruby.
- Do not soak in aggressive solutions - if the stones are glued, they will fall off.
- Do not use ammonia or abrasive substances when cleaning soft stones: coral, pearls, turquoise, amber, hematite, etc.
- Do not clean gold with stones with sharp objects: a needle, a toothpick.
- Do not wash transparent stones (aquamarine, alexandrite, etc.) with soapy solutions - the shine and play of light disappear. They are cleaned with starch, microfiber, flannel.
- Maintain regular care - jewelry that is worn every day should be cleaned monthly.
Jewelry will become dirty less often if you follow the recommendations:
- Remove jewelry when coming home, taking a bath/shower, going to the beach, solarium, or any place exposed to sea water, UV and sweat.
- Protect from contact with perfumes and creams.
- Store away from ultraviolet light, moisture, on soft pads/velvet.
Types of precious stones
Expensive gold items with half-hidden stones, including diamonds, are best left to a specialist. The cleaning service is inexpensive and guarantees safety.
How to clean gold plate
Of course, you cannot use any aggressive agents or abrasive cleaning in this case - there is a risk of damaging the thin layer of gold plating. It is better to clean a gold-plated chain, bracelet or ring in the following way:
- Prepare a solution: 1 liter of warm water, 1 tsp. soap shavings, 5-6 drops of ammonia.
- Soak the jewelry for half an hour - they should be completely immersed in the solution.
- Rinse in running water, dry on a napkin or towel.
- Polish with a suede cloth.
