Jewellery tarnishing is inevitable. No thanks to the pollution around us, accessories may corrode and discolour into a pale yellow, brown or even grey or black. Here are a few do-it-yourself (DIY) ways to give your trinkets their original shimmer:
Silver
Silver jewellery may oxidise and discolour. Tackle that in just five steps:
- Line a glass bowl with aluminium foil.
- Coat the silver pieces with a generous amount of baking soda.
- Boil some water and pour it over the pieces, enough to create a paste-like consistency.
- Use a paintbrush or soft toothbrush to gently scrub away the dirt and oxides.
- Rinse with hot water and dry them with a soft cloth.
Pearls
Pearls are a different story altogether. Since they’re hassle-free to clean, all that’s required is a soft cloth. However, if you prefer adding water, you can:
- Gently wipe the pearls with a damp cloth.
- Remove excess water with a dry cloth or air dry for 30 minutes.
Diamonds & Gold
Valuable diamonds and gold are resilient but susceptible to discolouration. Separate your diamond and gold jewellery and restore them in three simple steps:
- Soak your diamond or gold baubles in some gentle dish soap and water for 30 minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush to brush them gently.
- Rinse and leave them out to air dry or use a lint-free cloth.
You could also substitute your cleaning agents with:
- Silver polish.
- Laundry detergent.
- Ketchup.
- Toothpaste.
- Saltwater.
- Hand sanitiser.
- Lemon water.
- Contact lens solution.
- Rubbing alcohol.
Nevertheless, it’s best to research what works best for your gems. Wipe down your jewellery after each wear and store it in a cool, dry location to prevent further corrosion.
Sources: Healthline, Insider, Cosmopolitan