Many of my customers in my former brick n mortar beverly hills boutique and online (as well as personal friends) ask me how to keep their jewelry clean and sparkly. It only takes a few minutes, & it is gross to see rings & necklaces that have your body oil deposits on them--- it looks tacky & unsightly to wear dirty jewelry--like dirty teeth (and just as easy to clean!). If your jewelrly was a gift, or if you purchased it yourself, you are wearing an "investment" in an accessory that enhances all your fashions--and shows everyone that you have "style" and flair.  It's essential that your jewelry looks first-rate, just like you do. NAG, NAG, NAG...I know...but I love gemstones, and all types of jewelry, so you are hearing from someone who is obsessed....with the look, the design, & someone who notices what every one is wearing--Your jewelry choices tell a bit of history about you....

  First of all, if you buy sterling silver, PLEASE save $$$$ on all the fancy NON-tarnish holders. And you don't need that foul smelling ammonia either. Simply use a ZipLock baggie to store your jewelry in when not wearing it.  If you polish with a smooth soft l00% cotton cloth (baby's diapers work, as do dishtowels) before placing in the baggie, you will never see the natural tarnish & oxidation produced on sterling silver....& you will only have to polish infrequently.  To clean, buy one of the non-alcoholic, toxic free cleaners that are sold at Gem & Jewlery shows, or use toothbrush & toothpaste & rinse (yes, it really works!), or mild dishwasher detergent & rinse.  They all work very well & won't harm your jewelry. Make sure that you don't soak pearls or the silk cord will stretch and you will have to have the item re-strung (costly).  Also, be careful with soft stones like turquoise & lapis lazuli---If you have any questions about your stones, don't hesitate to email me and I will be happy to make suggestions. Also, be cautious with diamonds  and ultra-sonic home cleaners...they tend sometimes to loosen the stones from the mountings....Always check to make sure your stones are not loose before cleaning. 

Personally, this may sound wacky,  but here's a great tip ----- I have a Scunci steamer (for household chores) and found that it works great to clean jewelry--First I rinse my baubles in a gentle cleaner, then I steam, and rinse---takes all of 8 minutes or less, and I don't have to drive to a mall or shopping center. Try it, but lay jewelry on a surface and don't hold it while steaming, so that you don't burn your hands.I hope these tips are helpful to you.......I am a jewelryaholic since age 5 (quite a few years ago), passionate about jewelry designs and making sure that whatever I wear to accessorize my outfits looks sparkly & dazzling.....so if you are a kindred soul, DON'T FORGET TO CLEAN YOUR JEWELRY and DAZZLE 'em!!!!!!! sincerely, pauli