How to clean a silver ring with a stone?
You may be familiar with effective methods for cleaning a silver ring. But what about when the jewelry is set with a stone? Since silver metal and gemstones are chemically different, it is normal to have the reflex to take special precautions. How to safely clean a silver ring with a stone ? Miller, the specialist in antique and second-hand luxury jewelry in Paris, discusses the methods available to you.
Silver ring with gemstone: maintenance methods
Vinegar and aluminum are common methods for cleaning silver jewelry . In the presence of semi-precious or precious stones, these methods should not be used! Vinegar can attack certain stones, or detach them from the sterling silver ring. Methods with ultrasound and steam should also be ignored. Emerald, for example, is very sensitive to heat.
How to clean a silver ring with a stone safely: warm water and mild soap
The easiest, and probably safest, method is warm soapy water. To safely clean a silver ring with stones you will need the following things:
- 2 containers (one for soapy water, the other for rinsing)
- Dish soap (for sensitive skin)
- “Soft” toothbrush or microfiber cloth
- Polishing towel
- Towel
Do this:
- Dip the toothbrush or microfiber cloth into the container with the soapy water.
- Gently clean sterling silver and gemstone using the toothbrush or cloth
- Dip the jewelry in the second container for rinsing
- Dry the jewelry with the towel by dabbing
- Let the jewel dry to evaporate the water lodged in the interstices
How to clean a silver ring with toothpaste?
Some sites mention cleaning a silver ring with stones with toothpaste, acknowledging that this method is riskier. This is the case, so you should refrain from doing so , at the risk of damaging the stone in your ring! The results can of course vary from one stone to another. When in doubt, you should prefer the method with soap and water, which gives excellent results anyway.
Cleaning a silver ring with pearl or amber
Special precautions must be taken when cleaning a silver ring with pearl or amber . These natural materials are very sensitive to all chemicals. Even special products for cleaning jewelry can damage these stones. To clean a silver ring with amber stone, it is best to use lukewarm water and a mild soap, such as for sensitive skin. The use of an ultrasonic or steam cleaner is also not recommended for rings with pearl(s).
How to clean a silver diamond ring?
Since diamond is the hardest stone on the planet, it is not affected by mechanical abrasion. However, this does not mean that a silver diamond ring is not sensitive to chemicals! How to clean a silver diamond ring? You must follow the general precautions we have mentioned. So use the standard cleaning method with warm soapy water and a toothbrush.
How to clean silver jewelry that has turned black?
It's normal for silver jewelry to turn black . This process is the result of the metal's oxidation , which is natural. If your vintage sterling silver ring doesn't turn black at all, it's because the metal isn't real! However, it's very easy to restore your silver ring to its original shine. The easiest method is to soak silver jewelry in a mixture of water, vinegar, and baking soda for about an hour. The aluminum foil and baking soda combo also works wonders.
Unfortunately, these methods will damage the stones. Therefore, you should refrain from doing this if you want to clean silver jewelry that has blackened with precious or semi-precious stones . This will have to be done by hand, preferably with a special product for cleaning silver jewelry with stones.
- Used Chimento Ring
