They say diamonds are forever, but what about a damaged one? That's right-even the hardest naturally occurring mineral is susceptible to scratches. Considering the average cost per carat is $5,500, it's not something you just throw out when it gets old.

And what about the ring? Gold and silver wear much more easily than diamonds. So do other gems, like amber or opal. Usually, people who invest in nice jewelry expect it to last a lifetime, and possibly even become an heirloom. It certainly can, but not without some diligent maintenance.

If you need to learn how to clean tarnished jewelry and get your precious keepsakes back their original shine, check out the guide below.

How to Clean Tarnished Jewelry

Cleaning tarnished jewelry isn't difficult, but it is meticulous. The stones and crevices are so small and multifaceted that it can seem impossible to clean them properly. However, it's easily done by following these steps below.

Cleaning Gold

Unfortunately, even the most expensive jewelry is susceptible to tarnishing. It's important to clean jewelry to make it last as long as possible. Thankfully, gold is relatively simple to clean.

All you need is some dish soap and warm water. Let the gold jewelry soak for a few minutes before taking it out and rubbing the tarnish away with a soft cloth. You can also use a toothbrush to really get in there.

Cleaning Silver

To clean silver, you should use a liquid or wipe silver polish. A polish will remove the tarnish and protect the jewelry from future tarnishing.

However, if you don't have polish on hand, you can try baking soda, dish soap, or toothpaste. Use a soft cloth to rub whichever substance onto the jewelry. Don't rub too much or you can remove the finish.

Silver is a little more sensitive than gold. Make sure to pick up a real polish eventually as these quick fixes aren't recommended for repeated use.

Cleaning Gemstones

Gemstones can be cleaned as easily as gold, but use carbonated water instead of regular water. This will help to get into all the cracks and crevices.

After soaking for a bit, grab your special jewelry toothbrush. Make sure to use soft bristles as you don't want to scratch the gems or remove and finishing.

Buff the gemstones in the carbonated water to remove any dirt or grime that's built up. To finish, rinse them under clean water and make sure to dry throughout with a soft cloth.

More Lifestyle and Beauty Tips

If you don't know how to clean tarnished jewelry, just follow the simple steps above. After you get the hang of it, don't forget to schedule a regular time for this necessary maintenance. Cleaning tarnished jewelry isn't just about making it look nice, but making sure it lasts.

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