Jewellery

There are many ways of cleaning your much loved jewellery - it’s simply a matter of picking what works best for you. Here are some methods you may want to try.

Toothpaste
Believe it or not that old toothbrush you sometimes use to scrub the bath is the easiest and cheapest way to clean many of your most treasured items. Ok, so maybe you shouldn’t use that one, but pick up a cheap soft headed alternative and use it along with some toothpaste to gently bring up a shine. Still in doubt? The reason this works so well is because of the active ingredients in toothpaste such as baking soda.
• You can use a toothbrush and toothpaste on gold and silver jewellery without damaging any stones

Cleaning Wipes/Cleaning Cloth
These are a quick and easy solution. Unlike baby wipes in every way, most jewellery wipes are dry. Many also have an anti tarnish finish to help prolong shine…Always a bonus for those slynkey girls who like a bit of glimmer. Cleaning cloths do pretty much the same job as wipes.
• Wipes will safely clean and polish gold, sterling silver, gemstones and costume jewellery

Solution
Using solution takes a bit more time but is good for getting into those nooks and crannies! You may need to buff with a cloth afterwards to really bring up a shine.
• You can get specific gold or silver solutions as well as general ones, which are suitable for both
• All are ok for gemstones

Jewellers
If you’ve been scrubbing away but still can’t bring up a shine, you can take your jewellery in to your local jeweller who will buff it up for you. This service is generally free of charge – a big bonus for the slynkey girl on a budget!

Care of your jewellery
We know how busy you slynkey girls can get, so here are some simple steps to caring for your jewellery:

• Showers or a bubble bath and champas with that special someone are all good, but remember to take off your jewellery first!
• Silver and gold are soft metals, so don’t expect bangles and rings to stay in perfect shape. But you can take these items in to your jeweller to get reshaped.
• Try not to wear your jewellery when doing house work…a good excuse for not doing it! But be aware that all jewellery will scratch over time from general wear and tear.
• We know how much slynkey girls love glamour, but finish your beauty regime before you adorn yourself with those gorgeous jewels. Perfume, hair spray, make-up and other such products are not good for your jewellery.
• Try not to store your jewellery clumped up with other pieces. Instead keep your more important pieces wrapped up safely in a soft cloth so it doesn’t become scratched or damaged by other pieces.

By Dan Harrington - herjewellers.co.nz - Auckland