Bling Basics

Bling Basics

We received a request from Vamp Susan for some tried and true home remedies for caring for diamonds. We emailed a few Vamps whose bling we’ve admired, and here’s what they said for how to keep your sparklers sparkling (and some other jewelry cleaning tips, too!):

Vamp Rachel writes with three suggestions:

1. One of my co-workers swears by soaking her diamond rings in Efferdent (a denture cleaner!!!) for about 10-15 minutes. She lets the tablet dissolve and then drops the rings in for 10-15 minutes. Take them out, and brush with a toothbrush (not the same one you use for your teeth, of course) under lukewarm water.
2. My Aunt was in the jewelry business for 30 years and she loves plain old Windex. Mix 1 part Windex with 1 part warm water and soak diamonds for about 20 minutes. Give them a quick brush with the handy toothbrush under warm water and they will certainly sparkle. (This is what I use to clean my rings, and it's GREAT.)
3. For a quick shine to any sterling silver pieces, rub some toothpaste on it with a soft cloth. I have no idea how it works—but it does! Just make sure the sterling is simple and doesn't have any small crevices on it, or else the toothpaste will get stuck in the grooves. It won't work on VERY tarnished pieces, but it will give a shine to ones that are a little dull.

Vamp Shanna shared two tips:

1. Soak in a solution of mild dish detergent (a good time is while you are in the shower) then use a soft bristle brush to gently clean around the prongs, etc.
2. Steam it with steam from a teapot.

Vamp Shanna and Vamp Robin:

Both Vamp Shanna and Vamp Robin wrote about the most reliable cleaning method, though: the jeweler. Robin writes, “There is really no substitute for a professional steam clean. A lot of places will actually clean them for free if you have done business there before or, if not, will charge a very small amount. I am very cautious about it, though, and I only go to places I trust. It also only takes like minutes to clean a ring, so if you don't know the jeweler and he asks to keep it overnight or for an extended amount of time, a big red flag should go up. There have been cases where stones have been swapped and replaced with CZ!”