Best Practices for Polishing Precious Metal Jewelry
- Details
- Category: Fine Jewelry, Accessories
- Published on Wednesday, 16 August 2023 12:45
- Written by Mallory Knee
Many enjoy wearing gold, platinum, and silver (or precious metal) jewelry since they are beautiful, durable, and easy to care for. However, making each piece look its best, requires a good polish every now and then.
Taking care of your jewelry is essential, especially if it's highly valuable. Take these specific steps to ensure the jewelry maintains its luster, whether you're selling it or just want to improve its shine. Here are a few best practices for polishing precious metal jewelry looking great.
Elope in the Wedding Capital Of The World™
Buff
While most types of gold jewelry are relatively durable, pieces can still get minor nicks and scratches that make them look less appealing. Buffing them helps to remove small imperfections and maintains the cherished item's high-quality look for longer.
Removing the defects from the surface also makes the jewelry more reflective, allowing it to shine. However, remember that buffing is an abrasive process that removes the top layer of metal, so it should be reserved for worst-case scenarios.
NYFW Accessories: Bandolier Partners with Colin LoCascio for Iconic Runway Show
Wash
Precious metal jewelry can tarnish over time due to the presence of dirt, chemicals, and other materials. Washing them can help remove discoloration and build-up, keeping your items looking like new. Most types of jewelry can be safely cleaned with a simple solution of dish soap and warm water.
Fill up a dish with warm water and add a few drops of soap. Then, let the items soak for up to a half-hour before removing them and dabbing them dry with a soft cloth.
Polish
Once the jewelry has been adequately cleaned and dried, polish it to further improve its shine. If the grime is still stuck on the surface, use a combination of vinegar and baking soda to remove it with a soft bristle brush.
NYBFW ’18 MUSE by Berta Review – Bold Elegance, Intricate Detailing, Sensual Silhouettes
If you have a lot of jewelry, or time is of the essence, use a Dremel tool to complete the task more efficiently. Just be careful and take your time to avoid overdoing it.
Tumble
For more complex tasks, we recommend using a tumbler. A tumbler will increase the quality of the jewelry's finish and reduce the amount of polishing time needed. The result will largely depend on the media and how long the jewelry requires tumbling.
Use ceramic, porcelain, or even plastic media, depending on your needs. Using organic tumbling media removes the risk of exposing yourself to harmful chemicals that pollute the environment and potentially ruin the jewelry.
Accessories: The Most Important Questions to Ask a Jeweler
Extend the Life of Your Favorite Items
If the precious metal jewelry has been in your family for a while, it may be ready for a good polish. Remember to be mindful of the polishing process, as it can significantly impact the overall quality of each piece.
With these best practices for polishing precious metal jewelry, your jewelry will keep its shine for years to come.
