What Do Jewelers Use To Clean Their Jewelry?

Have you ever wondered how professional jewelers keep your favorite pieces looking as dazzling as the day you bought them? At Robinson's Jewelers, we use a combination of specialized tools and techniques to restore the brilliance of your cherished jewelry. From diamond-encrusted rings to delicate pearl necklaces, each piece receives expert care to maintain its sparkle and longevity.

In this guide, we’ll pull back the curtain on the professional methods jewelers use to clean jewelry, ensuring your treasured pieces stay radiant for years to come. Whether you own a stunning tennis bracelet or a timeless eternity band, understanding these techniques can help you care for your jewelry at home or appreciate the value of professional cleaning services.

Ultrasonic Cleaners: Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Dirt

One of the most effective tools in a jeweler's arsenal is the ultrasonic cleaner. These machines use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles in a liquid cleaning solution. As these bubbles collapse, they generate gentle yet powerful vibrations that dislodge dirt, grime, and oils from even the tiniest crevices of your jewelry.

Ultrasonic cleaners are particularly effective for intricate pieces like pavé settings or filigree rings, where dirt can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. However, not all jewelry can withstand ultrasonic cleaning. Delicate stones like opals, pearls, or emeralds may be damaged by the process, which is why professional assessment is crucial.

Steam Cleaners: A Gentle Yet Powerful Approach

For jewelry that can't undergo ultrasonic cleaning, jewelers often turn to steam cleaners. These devices use pressurized steam at high temperatures to blast away accumulated dirt and oils, leaving your pieces looking refreshed and vibrant. The steam is particularly effective at removing built-up residues from everyday wear.

Steam cleaning works wonders on white gold and platinum jewelry, restoring their brilliant shine. It's also excellent for cleaning diamond studs and other pieces with secure settings. However, like ultrasonic cleaning, steam isn't suitable for all gemstones, especially those sensitive to heat or sudden temperature changes.

Specialized Cleaning Solutions: Tailored Care for Every Piece

Professional jewelers use a variety of specialized cleaning solutions designed for different metals and gemstones. These solutions range from mild detergent mixtures for general cleaning to pH-balanced formulas specifically created for delicate materials. For instance, cleaning a ruby pendant requires a different approach than cleaning a sterling silver charm bracelet.

At Robinson's Jewelers, we carefully select cleaning solutions based on each piece's composition. Rose gold jewelry, for example, benefits from solutions that enhance its warm hue, while sterling silver requires solutions that prevent tarnishing. For organic materials like pearls or coral, we use extra-gentle cleaners that won't damage their delicate surfaces.

Polishing Cloths: The Finishing Touch

After cleaning, jewelers often use specialized polishing cloths to give jewelry its final shine. These cloths are typically impregnated with a fine polishing compound that removes microscopic scratches and brings out the metal's natural luster. Different cloths are used for different metals – you wouldn't use the same cloth on yellow gold as you would on platinum.

For pieces like cuff bracelets or bangles that have large metal surfaces, polishing cloths can make a dramatic difference in appearance. They're also ideal for maintaining the shine of wedding bands between professional cleanings.

The Soaking and Brushing Technique

For jewelry that needs a more hands-on approach, jewelers often use the soaking and brushing method. This involves immersing the piece in a mild cleaning solution to loosen dirt and debris, followed by gentle scrubbing with soft-bristled brushes. The brushes used are specifically designed for jewelry cleaning, with bristles soft enough not to scratch even delicate surfaces.

This technique is particularly effective for pieces with intricate details, like halo rings or baroque pearl jewelry. It's also excellent for cleaning the underside of gemstone settings, where dirt and oils often accumulate unnoticed.

Professional Inspection: More Than Just Cleaning

When you bring your jewelry to Robinson's Jewelers for professional cleaning, you're getting more than just a surface clean. Our jewelers perform a thorough inspection of each piece, checking for loose stones, worn prongs, or other potential issues. This is especially important for frequently worn items like engagement rings or eternity bands that undergo daily wear.

We examine the security of each stone's setting, the integrity of the metal, and the overall condition of the piece. This comprehensive approach ensures that your jewelry not only looks its best but is also in good structural condition. Many potential problems can be caught early during these inspections, saving you from more significant repairs down the line.

Caring for Your Jewelry Between Professional Cleanings

While professional cleaning is essential, proper at-home care can help maintain your jewelry's beauty between visits. Here are some tips from our experts:

1. Store each piece separately to prevent scratches – a diamond can scratch a sapphire, and even gold can be scratched by harder metals.

2. Remove jewelry before applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray, as these can dull surfaces and accumulate in settings.

3. Clean your pearl earrings with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove body oils.

4. Have your engagement ring professionally checked and cleaned at least twice a year.

5. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water for quick cleanings of diamond jewelry at home, being careful around delicate settings.

When to Bring Your Jewelry for Professional Cleaning

While regular at-home maintenance is important, certain situations call for professional attention:

- Your jewelry has been exposed to harsh chemicals or saltwater

- You notice significant dullness that doesn't improve with gentle cleaning

- Settings appear to have buildup that you can't remove safely

- Stones seem less brilliant despite cleaning

- You're preparing for a special occasion and want your pieces at their most dazzling

At Robinson's Jewelers, we recommend professional cleaning every six months for frequently worn pieces and annually for items worn less often. This regular maintenance not only keeps your jewelry looking its best but also allows us to catch any potential issues early.

Trust Your Jewelry to the Professionals

While there are many jewelry cleaning products available for home use, nothing replaces the expertise and specialized equipment of professional jewelers. At Robinson's Jewelers, we combine industry knowledge with state-of-the-art technology to care for your precious pieces properly.

Whether you own a family heirloom, a recent engagement ring purchase, or a collection of fashion jewelry, we have the tools and expertise to keep each piece looking its absolute best. Visit us today to experience the difference professional jewelry cleaning can make!