Oxidised jewellery, also known as blackened or antique jewellery, is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique appearance. However, the oxidisation process can cause the jewellery to become tarnished and lose its lustre over time. If you’re wondering how to clean your oxidised jewellery to restore its shine and beauty, read on for some helpful tips and tricks.
Understand the Material
Before cleaning your oxidised jewellery, it’s important to understand the material it’s made of. Oxidisation is a chemical process that causes a layer of patina to form on the surface of the jewellery.
This patina can be made of various materials, such as copper, silver, or brass. Each metal requires a different cleaning method, so it’s essential to identify the material before proceeding.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Once you’ve identified the material, it’s time to gather your cleaning supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Warm water
- Mild soap or dish detergent
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth or soft cotton cloth
- Baking soda (for stubborn stains)
- Lemon juice or vinegar (for brass jewellery)
- Clean with Warm Water and Soap
To start cleaning your oxidised jewellery, mix some warm water with mild soap or dish detergent in a bowl. Dip the jewellery in the mixture, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the surface.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can scratch or damage the jewellery. Once you’ve scrubbed the entire surface, rinse the jewellery thoroughly with warm water and pat it dry with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth.
Use Baking Soda for Stubborn Stains
If your oxidised jewellery has stubborn stains or tarnish, you can use baking soda to help remove them. Mix baking soda and warm water in a bowl to create a paste.
Apply the paste to the surface of the jewellery and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub gently. Rinse the jewellery with warm water and pat it dry with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth.
Clean Brass Jewellery with Lemon Juice or Vinegar
Brass jewellery requires special care because it can easily tarnish and lose its shine. To clean brass jewellery, mix lemon juice or vinegar with warm water in a bowl. Dip the jewellery in the mixture and let it soak for a few minutes.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the surface, then rinse the jewellery with warm water and pat it dry with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth.
Polish the Jewellery
After cleaning your oxidised jewellery, you can polish it to restore its shine and lustre. There are several ways to polish jewellery, including:
- Jewellery polishing cloth: This is a special cloth designed to polish jewellery without scratching or damaging it. Simply rub the cloth on the surface of the jewellery until it shines.
- Toothpaste: Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use it to gently polish the jewellery. Rinse the jewellery with warm water and pat it dry with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth.
- Baking soda: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the jewellery and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the surface. Rinse the jewellery with warm water and pat it dry with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth.
Store the Jewellery Properly
After cleaning and polishing your oxidised jewellery, it’s important to store it properly to prevent it from becoming tarnished again. Here are some tips for storing your jewellery:
Store each piece separately to prevent scratching and tangling. Store your jewellery in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight, as moisture and heat can cause tarnishing.
Cleaning oxidised jewellery doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right materials and techniques, you can easily restore your jewellery’s shine and lustre.
Remember to identify the material, gather your cleaning supplies, and be gentle when cleaning and polishing. By following these tips and tricks, you can keep your oxidised jewellery looking beautiful for years to come.
