How To Clean Sterling Silver And Turquoise Jewelry
This method isn t suitable for silver pieces that have porous stones or gems such as pearls shells or turquoise or for antiques such as candlesticks or jewelry that are affixed with glue.
How to clean sterling silver and turquoise jewelry. Thoroughly dry the stone after cleaning. Clean any hard to remove tarnish from the silver by dipping a moistened cotton swab into silver polish and rubbing the tarnished area with it being careful not to use the silver cream on the turquoise. Repeat these steps until the sterling silver is cleaned to your satisfaction. Rinse the piece under tepid water to remove the silver cream. Cleaning your silver turquoise jewelry is easy but it s important to be careful with the turquoise.
Pour a small amount of the cleaning agent in a small bowl. Remember that turquoise is a porous stone and it will absorb water. Take your brush and just lightly brush the surface of the turquoise stone. After a few seconds rinse in water and pat dry. Avoid getting the agents on the turquoise stone.
All you need to do to clean the turquoise parts is wipe them with a damp cloth and dry them with another clean cloth. Make sure the brush isn t soaking wet either. Remember that many sterling silver and turquoise jewelry pieces are not designed. Dryingtake a dry washcloth and make sure that you rub down every inch of your turquoise stone and whatever metal that the piece is set into. Limit the exposure of your turquoise to these cleaning agents.
The electrolyte method for cleaning silver uses a basic chemical reaction with baking soda salt water and aluminum foil to clean and polish sterling silver. Don t use any cleaners on the stone since even dish soap and laundry detergent can damage it. Make sure that the jewelry doesn t receive direct sunlight. When using these products be patient. Unfortunately even the gentlest soap can damage turquoise so it is important to only use water.
Using a soft toothbrush or acid brush apply the agent to the sterling silver. Wipe down the piece thoroughly with a soft lint free cloth.