Around this time of year I always do a full-on cleaning of my jewelry collection, both fine and fashion pieces. Polishing my jewelry helps me get in the holiday mood and decide what to wear (and buy) for upcoming family celebrations, nights on the town, and the inevitable office parties.
My friends at Connoisseurs recently reminded me that they get “frequently asked questions” at the holidays about jewelry cleaning hacks and homemade DIY jewelry cleaners—everything from toothpaste to beer to ketchup! So I thought it might be helpful to separate the naughty from the nice: to review the best ways to achieve beautifully sparkling jewelry for this magical season…and beyond.
Naughty: Just Say No to Jewelry Cleaning Hacks
Many well-meaning bloggers recommend jewelry cleaning hacks that are “natural” recipes made from “common household ingredients.” But professional jewelers and collectors will tell you there are solid reasons why it’s best to avoid these homemade jewelry cleaners.
- Take the oft-cited witch hazel or vinegar methods, for instance. Both liquids are acidic and can harm soft or porous stones, and gold or silver plating in your jewelry.
- Toothpaste and baking soda are extremely abrasive, and can easily leave softer stones and metals with visible scratches.
- What about soaking your jewelry in dishwashing detergent? Well, if it cuts baked-on grease in your turkey pan, and removes spilled oil sludge from a duck’s feathers, it’s definitely not made for jewelry cleaning. Some dishwashing liquids have ingredients that can leave a thin film on your jewelry that will make it look dull.
- All of the above hacks recommend using “an old toothbrush” to brush ingredients onto dirty jewelry. Not only is an old toothbrush abrasive, and coated with abrasive toothpaste, it can actually transfer germs and bacteria to the jewels you wear on your body!
Nice: Clean It Yourself with Professionally Formulated Jewelry Cleaners
If, like me, you’ve invested good money in your jewelry, don’t put it at risk with homemade DIY jewelry cleaners. Look for Connoisseurs, the professionally formulated cleaners for your specific jewelry needs, at your local jeweler, big box store, or drugstore.
Connoisseurs is the top choice among jewelers, retailers, and people like us who are obsessed by jewelry. With an array of non-toxic cleaning products for gold, silver, diamonds, precious and semiprecious stones, and more, no wonder Connoisseurs is the best-selling jewelry cleaning brand in the world!
Everything You Need for Your Entire Jewelry Wardrobe
Draped Circle Crystal Earrings by Alessandra Rich.
- A Dazzling Lineup. Connoisseurs Sonic Dazzle Stik…the hand-held appliance that cleans jewelry “like a jeweler cleaned it.” Dazzle Drops Advanced and Dazzle Drops Silver…make fresh solution every time (professional brushes and dipping scoops included).
- Reinvented Reds. Connoisseurs Classic Jewelry Cleaners in the familiar red jars have new easy-to-read labels to help you choose just the right cleaners for every type of jewelry.
- On-the-Go Glow. Three grab-and-go products perfect for traveling and quick cleanups: Diamond Dazzle Stik (winner of the People’s Choice Award in New York magazine); Connoisseurs Jewelry Wipes, dry disposable wipes in a bright red compact; and Fashion Jewelry Wipes, pre-moistened tossables for costume jewelry, including plastic and resin.
As Seen in New York Magazine: Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik
4.7 out of 5 stars, 891 reviews.
“So this is basically magic. Like many people, I keep my ring on 24/7. Shower, occasionally dishes without gloves, washing my hands many times a day, and even if I take it off to lotion up my hands, some residue gets on my ring when I put it back on. In less than a minute, this has my diamonds sparkling like brand-new. Now I won’t be able to get any work done because I’ll be staring at my finger all day!”
