| The first step in dealing with an antique anything is to | | | | water can get trapped behind the setting causing the |
| use caution. If this is a priceless piece by all means | | | | same issues as immersing the stone. |
| take it to a professional for cleaning and for | | | | If these simple cleaning methods are not quite |
| restoration if there are any loose stones. If the piece | | | | enough, a soap, water, and ammonia bath is possible |
| needs minor touch-ups it should be easy enough to | | | | with most pieces. Remember that this should not be |
| clean using items around the house. | | | | done often. |
| In general it is best to avoid frequently cleaning | | | | Here are some tips for a successful cleaning: |
| bracelets with liquids (even soap and water) since it | | | | 1. Check the piece for loose stones first. Use your |
| can damage the jewelry. If the piece has not been | | | | finger or a toothpick to see if the stones wiggle at all |
| worn for more than six months it is good to gently | | | | in their settings. If there is any doubt consider taking |
| clean it to avoid deeper tarnishing, especially sterling | | | | the piece to a professional. |
| silver bracelets. Whatever you do, never use bleach | | | | 2. Check each stone backing for foil. If the piece is |
| on jewelry. This harsh chemical can actually turn | | | | really old some of the foil backings may have come |
| metals like silver darker instead of creating a desired | | | | off with age, so be sure to check each stone. See |
| shine. | | | | warnings above. |
| By the way, did you know that sterling silver is an | | | | 3. If stones are secure and no foil backs are present |
| alloy? It is the copper in sterling silver that tarnishes | | | | then the next step is a test cleaning of a small area. |
| quickly through oxidation. Pure silver does not tarnish | | | | Create a solution of ½ cup warm water, 2-3 |
| at all, but is too soft to use for jewelry. | | | | drops of dish soap, and couple of drops of ammonia. |
| Cleaning Bracelets | | | | 4. Take the smallest end of the bracelet and |
| Start with simply taking a soft dry cloth and gently | | | | immerse for a few minutes in the cleaning solution. |
| wiping the bracelet. If debris is trapped in the detail a | | | | 5. Remove the bracelet from the solution and use a |
| soft bristled toothbrush will usually loosen and | | | | soft (clean) toothbrush to remove any debris. Be |
| remove this dirt. If loose stones are noticed at any | | | | careful during this process to keep the wet away |
| point STOP cleaning and take the piece to a | | | | from the rest of the bracelet. Gently rinse the test |
| professional for repair. | | | | spot under warm running water. |
| If the simple wiping and dry toothbrushing don't clean | | | | 6. Dry the test spot with the soft towel and inspect |
| the piece to your satisfaction, try a damp cloth (not | | | | your work. Check the stone that was cleaned to be |
| a soaking wet cloth, but a damp cloth). Be sure to | | | | sure it is still secure. When cleaning remember to use |
| test the damp cloth on one small area first before | | | | caution, and after testing one spot, continue only if |
| wetting the entire bracelet. Any time water is used | | | | you are happy with the results. If everything looks |
| on jewelry it is important to first check for | | | | okay immerse the whole bracelet or clean small |
| foil-backed stones. | | | | sections at a time. |
| Foil-backed stones should NOT be immersed in water. | | | | 7. The soft toothbrush will usually be enough for |
| Doing so will eventually remove the foil backing from | | | | most detail work, but special brushes, pipe cleaners, |
| the stone thus deteriorating the piece of jewelry | | | | and tooth picks are also handy when used with |
| rather than enhancing it. When using a damp cloth the | | | | caution. |