How do you clean your diamond studs?

[sslkrissi]

Hello,
Now that I have these gorgeous earrings, I am wondering how do I keep them clean and sparkly. I have heard so many people on here talking about the ultrasonic thing. Is that what you use for earrings too? What kind of liquid do you put in it? I also have a tiffany''s ring that has lots of smaller diamonds and a necklace from whitehall''s with lots of smaller diamonds. Will the ultrasonic work for those as well?

Don''t know if it matters, but the earrings and necklace are white gold, while the ring is platinum.

Thanks for the help!

 

[aljdewey]

I use the ultrasonic cleaner, and my concoction is a drop or two of Dawn dish soap, two capfuls of Mr. clean, and warm water.

 

[FireGoddess]

I wear mine 24/7 and they get mucked up something fierce after awhile! Every week or so I plop ''em in my SI ultrasonic. It makes a huge difference.....the cleaning liquid is gross afterwards! Which means it really works.

 

[JohnQuixote]

The key is simple but regular maintenance. Lotions, soaps and skin oils create a film and attract dirt, so your jewelry gets a wee bit gunked every time you wear it. Applying hair spray & perfume before you put your studs on will help.

Daily:A spray-on jewelry cleaner and tiny brush is a good start.The least convenient but most important place to clean is the pavilion. Rinse and dry with a clean, soft cloth, preferably chamois or microfiber (available here). Weekly: If you wear them every day the ultrasonic cleaner is a good practice and cleans where brushes can’t reach.They‘re not suitable for pearls or fragile stones like emeralds, opal, amber, etc., so be sure to know what should go in one. Don't use it excessively on pieces with tiny diamonds (yes this machine is addictive).

...If you don't like the US cleaner, warm water mixed with mild dishwashing detergent is great. Soak for 10 minutes, use a tiny brush to scrub away particles, rinse, then dry with a clean soft cloth. Ammonia and water can be effective but it’s not safe for all stones/pearls so use caution.

Some of the PS regulars are sparkle-ninjas and this long thread may be useful to ultrasonic newbies.

 

[snlee]

Date: 8/20/2007 2:17:29 PM
Author: FireGoddess
I wear mine 24/7 and they get mucked up something fierce after awhile! Every week or so I plop ''em in my SI ultrasonic.

Ditto. I do the same.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I don''t have an ultrasound so I soak my earrings in a small plastic bowl w/baby shampoo in it and then scrub them w/a toothbrush. I''m paranoid to use any stronger cleaner that may break down the white gold. I wish now I had gotten the platinum settings since that metal is more durable.

 

[poshpepper]

Date: 8/20/2007 3:26:22 PM
Author: snlee

Date: 8/20/2007 2:17:29 PM
Author: FireGoddess
I wear mine 24/7 and they get mucked up something fierce after awhile! Every week or so I plop ''em in my SI ultrasonic.

Ditto. I do the same.

Thritto... LOL!

Before I got my US I would clean them by hand w/ a toothbrush... I know now that I never really got them clean with that toothbrush

 

[sslkrissi]

Well, it seems from poking through some old threads, that the ultrasonic is a very popular choice. Is it easy to use? Don''t want to sound lazy, but I would like to find the best cleaning method that involves the least amount of work.

Thanks

 

[poshpepper]

Date: 8/20/2007 5:29:24 PM
Author: sslkrissi
Well, it seems from poking through some old threads, that the ultrasonic is a very popular choice. Is it easy to use? Don''t want to sound lazy, but I would like to find the best cleaning method that involves the least amount of work.

Thanks

Easiest cleaning method I have used so far. Just put warm water and your cleaning solution in the tub, put in your jewelery and press the "on" button... after it runs it''s cycle(s) just rinse your jewelry in warm water and empty the tub for the next time.

 

[somethingshiny]

I use a Walmart jewelry cleaner. It has a tiny tray that fits down in the solution, then I use the included brush, rinse and dry. (Okay, I only SOMETIMES dry!) However, at my job, we have an ultrasonic cleaner that I still use regularly. And, even using the Walmart solution every week, I still get a lot of gunk in the US. But, I''d rather not have to BUY an US, so I''ll stick with my walmart!!

 

[Kaleigh]

I use my US, and then wipe them dry with LINT FREE TP. Cottonelle is my fave!! Then I rip off a small square of TP to hold the earrings, while I am putting them in my ears, no finger prints!!! Put them on last after all make up is done, hair spray if you use that, etc...

I know, I need help!!!

But hey don''t knock it till ya try it!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/20/2007 6:46:13 PM
Author: Kaleigh
I use my US, and then wipe them dry with LINT FREE TP. Cottonelle is my fave!! Then I rip off a small square of TP to hold the earrings, while I am putting them in my ears, no finger prints!!! Put them on last after all make up is done, hair spray if you use that, etc...

I know, I need help!!!

But hey don''t knock it till ya try it!!

Do I detect a lil Joan Crawford here??

I use a blow dryer. Uh huh.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Ellen I have used a blow dryer or canned air to dry my jewelry too. I think it works well. I love putting my studs in my u/s b/c stuff gets stuck in the setting really easily. for my pave pieces I soak them (I have already lost a melee once in my u/s so I am scared to use it).

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 8/20/2007 6:51:41 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 8/20/2007 6:46:13 PM
Author: Kaleigh
I use my US, and then wipe them dry with LINT FREE TP. Cottonelle is my fave!! Then I rip off a small square of TP to hold the earrings, while I am putting them in my ears, no finger prints!!! Put them on last after all make up is done, hair spray if you use that, etc...

I know, I need help!!!

But hey don't knock it till ya try it!!

Do I detect a lil Joan Crawford here??

I use a blow dryer. Uh huh.

LMAO!!!!

No wire hangers for moi!!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/20/2007 6:54:45 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
Ellen I have used a blow dryer or canned air to dry my jewelry too. I think it works well. I love putting my studs in my u/s b/c stuff gets stuck in the setting really easily. for my pave pieces I soak them (I have already lost a melee once in my u/s so I am scared to use it).

Yep. I get a lot less water marks that way. We also have terribly hard water, so I feel it helps prevent build up. It''s unreal what''s in our water.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/20/2007 6:57:15 PM
Author: Kaleigh
LMAO!!!!

 

[FireGoddess]

Date: 8/20/2007 6:46:13 PM
Author: Kaleigh
I use my US, and then wipe them dry with LINT FREE TP. Cottonelle is my fave!! Then I rip off a small square of TP to hold the earrings, while I am putting them in my ears, no finger prints!!! Put them on last after all make up is done, hair spray if you use that, etc...

I know, I need help!!!

But hey don''t knock it till ya try it!!

OMG...I didn''t think anyone was as anal as me. CHEERS!!!

I use paper towels instead of tp, for the lint reasons, and also hold the earring with paper towels when putting them in for no fingerprints!! LOL!!!

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 8/20/2007 7:25:40 PM
Author: FireGoddess

Date: 8/20/2007 6:46:13 PM
Author: Kaleigh
I use my US, and then wipe them dry with LINT FREE TP. Cottonelle is my fave!! Then I rip off a small square of TP to hold the earrings, while I am putting them in my ears, no finger prints!!! Put them on last after all make up is done, hair spray if you use that, etc...

I know, I need help!!!

But hey don''t knock it till ya try it!!

OMG...I didn''t think anyone was as anal as me. CHEERS!!!

I use paper towels instead of tp, for the lint reasons, and also hold the earring with paper towels when putting them in for no fingerprints!! LOL!!!

YAY!!!! I''m not alone!!! It works, doesn''t it??? LOL!!!!

 

[lil425]

I clean mine with ammonia & water, then I use lens tissue to hold the earring while I am putting them on so I don''t get any fingerprints on them!

I clean them this way once a week, but everyday I wipe the stones down with a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol (while they are in my ears). This seems to get some of the gunk off them without having to remove them.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 8/20/2007 7:25:40 PM
Author: FireGoddess

Date: 8/20/2007 6:46:13 PM
Author: Kaleigh
I use my US, and then wipe them dry with LINT FREE TP. Cottonelle is my fave!! Then I rip off a small square of TP to hold the earrings, while I am putting them in my ears, no finger prints!!! Put them on last after all make up is done, hair spray if you use that, etc...

I know, I need help!!!

But hey don''t knock it till ya try it!!

OMG...I didn''t think anyone was as anal as me. CHEERS!!!

I use paper towels instead of tp, for the lint reasons, and also hold the earring with paper towels when putting them in for no fingerprints!! LOL!!!

Tissue wrap (like the stuff you use inside gift boxes) works REALLY well. It may be entirely lint free.

 

[lyra]

Hee hee. My US cleaner is on it''s way. I bought the ammonia, Mr. Clean and dish detergent today after reading through all 18 pages of that thread linked above. I can''t wait.

 

[Fly Girl]

I soak mine at night in a small covered bowl of ammonia and water, rinse in the morning and brush with a soft brush, then pat dry with a lint-free towel. I have been doing this for years with my diamond and platinum ring, and the jeweler says mine is the cleanest ring they ever see. One reason I wanted to get platinum settings for my studs was I wanted to use this same treatment for them.

 

[surfgirl]

Date: 8/20/2007 7:30:59 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 8/20/2007 7:25:40 PM

Author: FireGoddess

Date: 8/20/2007 6:46:13 PM

Author: Kaleigh

I use my US, and then wipe them dry with LINT FREE TP. Cottonelle is my fave!! Then I rip off a small square of TP to hold the earrings, while I am putting them in my ears, no finger prints!!! Put them on last after all make up is done, hair spray if you use that, etc...


I know, I need help!!!

But hey don't knock it till ya try it!!

OMG...I didn't think anyone was as anal as me. CHEERS!!!

I use paper towels instead of tp, for the lint reasons, and also hold the earring with paper towels when putting them in for no fingerprints!! LOL!!!

YAY!!!! I'm not alone!!! It works, doesn't it??? LOL!!!!

Psssst! FG and Kaleigh, can you guys scootch over so I can take a seat on the Anal Retentive Sparkle Ninja Express (ARSNE)? I do that too...I dont use an US though, never. I use 1/3 Simple Green and hot water and soak. Then I keep two sable paint brushes in my toothbrush holder. One is larger for overall cleaning after I take the rings out of the solution, the other one is very fine with a stiffer brush tip and I use that one for a last go over and it fits inside all the setting nooks and crannies...I know I have a problem but I dont care. I revel in my psychosis!

 

[snlee]

Date: 8/20/2007 5:29:24 PM
Author: sslkrissi
Well, it seems from poking through some old threads, that the ultrasonic is a very popular choice. Is it easy to use? Don''t want to sound lazy, but I would like to find the best cleaning method that involves the least amount of work.

Thanks

US cleaners are VERY easy to use! You don''t have to do much - just put the cleaning solution in, turn it on, rinse your jewelry, and dry! Easiest cleaning method I''ve ever used.

 

[FireGoddess]

Date: 8/20/2007 10:35:54 PM
Author: surfgirl

Date: 8/20/2007 7:30:59 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 8/20/2007 7:25:40 PM

Author: FireGoddess

Date: 8/20/2007 6:46:13 PM

Author: Kaleigh

I use my US, and then wipe them dry with LINT FREE TP. Cottonelle is my fave!! Then I rip off a small square of TP to hold the earrings, while I am putting them in my ears, no finger prints!!! Put them on last after all make up is done, hair spray if you use that, etc...


I know, I need help!!!

But hey don't knock it till ya try it!!

OMG...I didn't think anyone was as anal as me. CHEERS!!!

I use paper towels instead of tp, for the lint reasons, and also hold the earring with paper towels when putting them in for no fingerprints!! LOL!!!

YAY!!!! I'm not alone!!! It works, doesn't it??? LOL!!!!

Psssst! FG and Kaleigh, can you guys scootch over so I can take a seat on the Anal Retentive Sparkle Ninja Express (ARSNE)? I do that too...I dont use an US though, never. I use 1/3 Simple Green and hot water and soak. Then I keep two sable paint brushes in my toothbrush holder. One is larger for overall cleaning after I take the rings out of the solution, the other one is very fine with a stiffer brush tip and I use that one for a last go over and it fits inside all the setting nooks and crannies...I know I have a problem but I dont care. I revel in my psychosis!

MC, tissue paper....the gears are turning....that is definitely more lint free than tp or pt!!

Surfgirl, consider me scootched over! There's room for more! Now I'm thinking I need a stiff brush as well. That's a great idea. For AFTER I've put the earrings on with the tissue paper. hmmmmm......

Tickets!!! Get your tickets here!! The ARSNE departs on the hour every hour!!!

 

[Ellen]

Why are you people messing with paper?? BLOW DRYERS are the way to go.

Honestly, amateurs....

thanks for the laugh

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 8/21/2007 4:11:10 PM
Author: Ellen
Why are you people messing with paper?? BLOW DRYERS are the way to go.

Honestly, amateurs....

thanks for the laugh

Ok will try but bet it leaves water marks.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/21/2007 4:13:56 PM
Author: Kaleigh
Ok will try but bet it leaves water marks.

OK

Seriously, blow the excess off first, before the dryer.



And, how do you dry the pavillion area??

 

[FireGoddess]

Date: 8/21/2007 4:11:10 PM
Author: Ellen
Why are you people messing with paper?? BLOW DRYERS are the way to go.

Honestly, amateurs....

thanks for the laugh

So what keeps the fingerprints off when you put them in? Or confess...you''ve had your prints sanded off!!!

Maybe it''s a basket versus baby bezel thing...there''s no way to avoid diamond paw-age when putting those baby bezel suckers in.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/21/2007 4:26:41 PM
Author: FireGoddess

So what keeps the fingerprints off when you put them in? Or confess...you''ve had your prints sanded off!!!

Maybe it''s a basket versus baby bezel thing...there''s no way to avoid diamond paw-age when putting those baby bezel suckers in.

I either use a polishing cloth, or one of hubby''s clean hankies.