Over time, jewelry can lose its original beauty due to tarnishing, dullness, or dirt accumulation despite holding significant emotional and monetary value. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your jewelry looking its best, from everyday cleaning to deep polishing.
Why Should You Clean Your Ring
Regularly cleaning your ring is crucial to preserve and uphold the overall quality of your jewelry and extend its lifespan. Frequent cleaning and maintenance will help you detect any irregularities that require attention, as dirt and environmental debris can often conceal them. The most common causes of ring tarnish are body oils, sweat, lotions, and other external factors. Proper cleaning makes it easier to spot any necessary repairs, so it’s essential to clean your rings frequently.
How Often You Should Clean Your Ring
Experts recommend that you get your jewelry professionally cleaned and polished every six months, depending on its frequency of use and the circumstances, in order to keep it in top condition. For instance, an occasionally worn item such as a gemstone ring for special occasions will require less cleaning than an everyday item.
How To Clean Your Ring At Home
To clean and polish your ring at home, immerse it in a solution of warm water, dish soap, and aluminum foil for five minutes. Gently scrub the ring with a new toothbrush and rinse it with warm water before air-drying it on a towel. Household products like lemon juice, club soda, and Alka-Seltzer can also be used, but research their impact on precious metals first to avoid damage. Avoid using baking soda, as it can cause scratches. Different metals require different cleaning processes, and professional services are available for those without materials or expertise.
How To Store & Care For Your Rings
To properly store and prevent damage to your rings, avoid overcrowding them and keep them in a jewelry box or a soft, lined pouch. Remove them before engaging in activities that may cause damage and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. Regular professional inspections ensure that stones are secure and the settings are in good condition.
Understanding the Professional Clean, Polish, & Inspection Process
While cleaning your jewelry at home can be a convenient and cost-effective option, there are times when it may be necessary to seek out the expertise of a professional cleaner. A basic clean, polish, and inspection are part of the routine care and maintenance needed to keep your jewelry looking like new.
During the inspection process, the jeweler will examine all parts of the jewelry, including the setting, the prongs, and the metal itself. They will check for any cracks, scratches, or discoloration that may have occurred due to daily wear and tear. Furthermore, they will ensure that the gemstones are securely set and not in danger of becoming loose or falling out. In some cases, they may also use special tools to test the authenticity of the gemstones and metals.
The 3 Steps of a Professional Clean & Polish
Step 1- Buffing & Polishing: The jewelry is buffed and polished to remove any minor scratches. This step will make the surface of your jewelry smooth and shiny.
Step 2- Cleaning: To remove dirt and other substances from jewelry, it’s cleaned based on the gemstones present. An ultrasonic cleaner can be used for robust stones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Fragile ones like opals and pearls require special cleaning. A steam cleaning is then done to remove any leftover dirt or cleaning agents.
Step 3- Plating:White Gold jewelry is Rhodium plated and requires re-plating after cleaning for a bright finish. Similarly, gold or silver-plated items made of sterling silver or brass also need re-plating after buffing, polishing, and cleaning to restore the finish.
A Summary To Ring Cleaning & Polishing
Ultimately, the key to maintaining your jewelry’s appearance and value is to stay proactive and not wait until a problem arises. Regular maintenance from a professional jeweler can help ensure that your favorite pieces of jewelry will last a lifetime and beyond.
For a full breakdown of our professional clean & polish services, please visit Clean & Polish Services.
Updated 7/2/23
My Jewelry Repair
Premier Ring Repair Services
At My Jewelry Repair, we understand that your rings are more than just pieces of jewelry; they are cherished symbols of love and memories. When your ring needs quality care and repair, we are here to provide it. With our online mail-in service, you can have your rings serviced by master jewelers in elite environments from anywhere in the U.S. without leaving the house.
To learn more about our ring repair services and master jewelers, please visit our Ring Repair Services Page.
“The nib on my Mont Blanc was bent after I dropped it on the floor. I sent it My Jewelry Repair. Shortly after it was
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“The nib on my Mont Blanc was bent after I dropped it on the floor. I sent it My Jewelry Repair. Shortly after it was repaired and returned, it started leaking ink. I returned it was told it would cost $85 to repair. I protested, saying that it didn’t leak when it was under my control and that had it been leaking, I would have mentioned it. After looking it over, a My Jewelry Repair craftsman concurred and the pen was repaired for no extra charge. That, to me, is great customer service. I have no financial interest in MJR, do not know anyone affiliated with the company, nor have I been remunerated for this review. I just like to compliment excellent customer service when I experience it.”
“I found this company online, and mailed my 1949 watch in for restoration. I thought the watch might be a total loss, with damage beyond
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“I found this company online, and mailed my 1949 watch in for restoration. I thought the watch might be a total loss, with damage beyond repair. However, the end result was a stunning, amazing work of art, true to the original watch. It’s a sentimental piece, and I am so happy.”
“I am 100% satisfied with the craftsmanship and quality of the work that was done on my charm. If ever i need any of my
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“I am 100% satisfied with the craftsmanship and quality of the work that was done on my charm. If ever i need any of my jewelry repaired again i will be coming back. I’m very happy”
“Words cannot express my thanks to this company! I recently lost a diamond out of my engagement ring. To make matters worse, it happened literally
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“Words cannot express my thanks to this company! I recently lost a diamond out of my engagement ring. To make matters worse, it happened literally the day after the store we bought the ring closed. I was reaching my breaking point until I was directed to this website. I was skeptical to say the least, I mean this was my engagement ring! After talking with a representative who assured me that everything would be fine, I sent my ring in. I followed the process diligently and any point I had a question I emailed the representative and received responses almost immediately. To top it all off, it was returned to me before my requested date! I have never had such wonderful customer service and will be using this company for all my jewelry concerns in the future!”
Arkansas
“Searched All Over Russia/Ukraine for the Parts Needed”
“I do understand that this was harder project given that it’s a vintage Russian movement, but I can’t tell you enough how much it meant
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“I do understand that this was harder project given that it’s a vintage Russian movement, but I can’t tell you enough how much it meant that you searched all over Russia/Ukraine for the parts needed to complete the work. The watch is running absolutely amazing and can’t believe how good it is running. It’s truly a centerpiece to my vintage watch collection and I absolutely love it. Thanks again for all the hard work and time you put into it and that’s what prompted this message. I do believe in acknowledging hard work and this is truly wonderful. Thank you again and keep up the good work.”
“I sent in an at least 80 year old diamond art deco heirloom ring that needed 12 channels/prongs rebuilt and a resizing. The master jewelers
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“I sent in an at least 80 year old diamond art deco heirloom ring that needed 12 channels/prongs rebuilt and a resizing. The master jewelers restored this ring to like-new, it is JUST stunning the kind magic they work. You can completely trust this company from beginning to end– this is the 2nd item they have repaired for me– nothing I have had done locally even comes close to their meticulous craftmanship. THANK you master jewelers! You are true experts and I love you all!!”
“The repair job they did on the ring… is little short of astounding”
“I searched the country for someone to repair my University of Michigan athletic championship ring, but had given up hope when I stumbled on My
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“I searched the country for someone to repair my University of Michigan athletic championship ring, but had given up hope when I stumbled on My Jewelry Repair via the Internet. The repair job they did on the ring, which in 55 years had gone through some hard use (the center stone had cracked and was lost), is little short of astounding; it seems to be better than when I won it in 1962. The staff at MJR was incredibly helpful, and the final cost was about half what I expected. I couldn’t be more pleased, or grateful.”
Apple Valley, CA
“My wife’s watch was not working for years. It was sitting in my desk. I searched the internet and found My Jewelry Repair. They looked
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“My wife’s watch was not working for years. It was sitting in my desk. I searched the internet and found My Jewelry Repair. They looked the watch over and gave me an estimate. I agreed and they made the repairs. The watch arrived and was packaged in a new nice box. The watch was also polished and it’s working fine.”
“I am extremely pleased with the service provided . It was easy, fast and the job done on the replacement of the lost diamond on
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“I am extremely pleased with the service provided . It was easy, fast and the job done on the replacement of the lost diamond on my wedding ring is perfect.”
Cedar Park
“I inspected it and have to say that they did a beautiful job”
“Sent my automatic watch to these folks for repair as it was no longer keeping accurate time, they assessed the watch for needed repairs and
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“Sent my automatic watch to these folks for repair as it was no longer keeping accurate time, they assessed the watch for needed repairs and sent me the estimate which I approved.
About three weeks later I received a email stating that my watch had shipped, they provide a tracking number that I might keep a track of it, upon receiving the watch I inspected it and have to say that they did a beautiful job on the exterior cleaning and polish plus they replaced the clasp, I can only assume that the work done to the movement is of equal quality and detail this will be born out over time as I see how the accuracy is.
They also provided the pressure test ticket in the return package.
I would recommend this company if you have need of jewelry repair.”
Ohio
