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's 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 luxury pre-owned jewelry in Paris, discusses the methods available to you.
Silver ring with gemstone: care methods
Vinegar and aluminum are commonly used to clean silver jewelry . When dealing with semi-precious or precious stones, these methods should definitely not be used! Vinegar can damage certain stones or cause them to detach from the sterling silver ring. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning methods should also be avoided. Emerald, for example, is very sensitive to heat.
How to safely clean a silver ring with a stone: warm water and mild soap
The simplest, and probably safest, method is warm soapy water. To safely clean a silver ring with stones, you will need the following:
- 2 containers (one for soapy water, the other for rinsing)
- Dish soap (for sensitive skin)
- “Soft” toothbrush or microfiber cloth
- Polishing towel
- Towel
Proceed as follows:
- Dip the toothbrush or microfiber cloth into the container containing the soapy water
- Gently clean the sterling silver and gemstone using the toothbrush or cloth
- Dip the jewelry into the second container for rinsing
- Dry the jewelry with the towel by dabbing
- Let the jewelry 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! Results can of course vary from one stone to another. When in doubt, it is best to use the soap and water method, which gives excellent results anyway.
Cleaning a silver ring with pearl or amber
Special care must be taken when cleaning a silver ring with pearls or amber . These natural materials are very sensitive to all chemicals. Even special jewelry cleaning products can damage these stones. To clean a silver ring with amber, it is best to use lukewarm water and a mild soap, such as one for sensitive skin. The use of an ultrasonic or steam cleaner is also not recommended for rings with pearls.
How to clean a silver diamond ring?
Since diamonds are the hardest stone on the planet, they are not susceptible to mechanical abrasion. However, this does not mean that a silver diamond ring is not susceptible to chemicals! How do you clean a silver diamond ring? You should follow the general precautions we mentioned. Therefore, use the standard cleaning method of 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, the metal isn't real! However, it's very easy to restore your silver ring to its original shine. The simplest 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 cleaning silver jewelry that has blackened with precious or semi-precious stones . This will need to be done by hand, preferably with a special product for cleaning silver jewelry with stones.
- Used Chimento Ring
