How do I clean silver jewelry?

Question

My grandmother gave me a pair of antique diamond earrings. The silver is kind of tarnished, and because of that I think the diamond doesn't sparkle as much as it normally would, but it might be a little dirty too. How would I clean the diamond with out hurting or damaging the silver? Or vise versa?

And I'd rather use household items instead of running to the store.

Thanks. :)

-Erin

Answer 1

brasso?  Maybe.

Answer 2

I can't think of any items around the house that would work as well as Silver cleaner or silver polish. I know you don't want to run to the store but if you go to Wal-Mart for example, You can pick up a container of silver cleaner for about 5 bucks. I have some for my sterling silver necklaces and it works well. All you do is soak them in the solution for about 10 seconds, depending on how dirty they are and they will come out sparkling as if they were new. You won't be dissapointed! for 5 bucks it's worth it!

Answer 3

If it is an antique its best you take it to your local jeweler to get it cleaned. There prices are pretty cheap.

Answer 4

Warm water and washing-up liquid

Answer 5

If they are antique diamond earrings the settings may actually be made of white gold or platinum.  You can clean them gently in a cleaning solution made for jewelry.  If you have a sonic cleaner at home, I might try it.  They are really very gentle.

As far as at home solutions:  If they are silver, try a solution of baking soda, salt and hot water. Place the items in a baking pan on aluminum foil.  Dissolve the salt and baking soda in the hot water and pour over the silver needing to be cleaned.  It should take the tarnish right off!  Will not hurt the diamonds or silver.

Windex also actually works well on diamonds, believe it or not.  

I might check with your Mom or another family member about the earrings to see if they are gold or silver. (as I stated above)..it is likely they may be white gold or platinum settings.

You are smart to want to be as careful as possible.  Might even want to check with a jeweler if none of the solutions above work and have them steam clean the earrings.

Good luck!