Perhaps the simplest and easiest way to clean any kind of jewelry is to prepare a small bowl of warm, sudsy water, using any kind of mild liquid detergent. Let the pieces soak a few minutes and then brush gently with a soft complexion brush or soft-bristled toothbrush, keeping the piece submerged in the sudsy water. Rinse thoroughly under running water (make sure the drain is closed; some prefer to place the jewelry in a strainer before putting it under running water) and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel.
For karat gold jewelry without gemstones, rubbing with a soft chamois cloth will restore much of the luster. Tarnish can be removed with a solution of soap and water to which a few teaspoons of ammonia has been added. Using a soft toothbrush, brush the jewelry with the solution, rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Grease can be removed by dipping in plain rubbing alcohol before washing.
Never clean opals or emeralds in an ultrasonic cleaner. They can crack opals, and remove oil treatments from emeralds, making inclusions more visible and weaken the apparent color.
For advanced cleaning methods go to back to Fine Jewelry Care!
Here is a product the can prevent skin discoloration:
Smudge BlockTM Skin Relief.
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