Spring Cleaning... Ring Cleaning

by Judy Ellis

Spring is here and I decided I would begin some of my Spring cleaning. At my house this consists of opening all the windows, getting out the mops, scrubbing gloves, rags and the cleaner.. It includes windows, walls, doors, dressers and blinds - all the places that the winter dust congregates!

As I was dusting my dresser I thought, why not pull out my rings and necklaces and give them a good cleaning as well as the rest of my house. So, today I thought I'd share a few ideas about keeping your jewelry clean and healthy!

Instructions

Why Ring Cleaning Is About More Than Just Shine

As a jewelry maker, you know how important it is to maintain the integrity and appearance of your pieces long after they leave your bench. One of the best tips you can pass on to customers-or use yourself-is to prioritize regular ring cleaning.

Professional cleanings every six months help preserve both beauty and value. A trained jeweler can inspect rings for early signs of wear, loose stones, and weakened prongs-issues that, if caught early, can prevent costly repairs or lost gems.

At-home cleanings once a month are also key to keeping jewelry looking its best. Encourage customers to gently remove everyday buildup like oils, sweat, lotions, and household residue that can dull metal and damage settings over time.

But here's a benefit most don't expect: cleaning rings also protects your health.

Studies have shown that rings can trap bacteria even after handwashing. One study of ICU nurses found higher bacteria levels on hands with rings than those without. Another found that even after proper handwashing, fingers wearing rings retained more germs than bare fingers.

Let your customers know: for both sparkle and sanitation, it's best to remove rings before washing hands-and to clean both the ring and hands separately.

Whether you're creating fine jewelry or everyday wear, educating buyers on proper care helps ensure your work is cherished for years to come.

Doing it yourself - Cleaning your jewelry at home

We have several great articles to help you clean your jewelry at home, here's a few I'd recommend:

Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Jewelry

How to Clean Copper and Brass Jewelry

Helping your Silver Jewelry Survive the Summer - This is a great article as we begin prepping for the summer months!

Cleaning and Polishing Supplies for all jewelry

ShineBrite Silver Dip - 8 Ounces

In less than two minutes you can easily remove tarnish and oxidation to restore the shine and brilliance to all silver jewelry. ShineBrite will even remove Liver of Sulphur! Instantly bring out lost shine to sterling silver, fine silver, and silver plating.

Simply place silver pieces into the included basket, let it soak for up to two minutes and then rinse with warm water. Dry and polish with a soft cloth. ShineBrite is made in the USA and is biodegradable. Does not have a bad smell or odor and comes in an 8 ounce container. Not recommended for use on soft stones (pearls, opals, etc.).

Quick Brite Cleaning Solution Spray

This cleaning solution is biodegradable, safe, fast and easy to use. Simply spray a mist of QuikBrite onto the object to be cleaned.

Allow it to set one to two minutes and wipe off with a clean cotton cloth. This cleaner contains enzymes to remove all body oils, general debris and grime accumulated on all jewelry and stones. QuikBrite is organic in nature and is non-toxic. It contains no phenols, ammonia, sulphur compounds, nitrates or harmful components.

Judy Ellis's Spring Cleaning... Ring Cleaning - , General Education, , Quick Brite

Polishing Cloths - Pack of 4

These cloths can be used to polish wire and sheet metal but you must put some red rouge on them. They do not come pre impregnated with polish. Just lay them down and scratch your red rouge bar against them about 10 times and their ready to polish. -Four piece colored terry wiping cloth set

Judy Ellis's Spring Cleaning... Ring Cleaning - , General Education, , Terry wiping cloths

Red Rouge Polishing Paste - 4 Ounce

Used for polishing and buffing gold filled wire, 14 karat gold wire, silver, brass, and copper. 1/4 pound bar. Does not contain any coarse material. Great for creating a mirror finish on all metals.

Judy Ellis's Spring Cleaning... Ring Cleaning - , General Education, , Red Rouge

Tumbler Jewlery Polishing Kit

If you're looking to polish your metal or jewelry pieces like a pro without spending a fortune, this tumbler kit is a game changer.

It comes with a heavy-duty single barrel tumbler that can run nonstop, plus stainless steel shot in different shapes to hit every angle of your piece, and a powerful, odorless polishing compound that leaves everything sparkling clean. It's quiet, built to last, and easy to use-even comes with a step-by-step guide!

Judy Ellis's Spring Cleaning... Ring Cleaning - , General Education, , Tumbler Kit

Benchtop Polisher

This great new polisher from Euro Tool is smaller than a mouse pad. It has pre-lubricated ball bearings and a dust-proof motor housing that makes it almost maintenance free. This precision polisher is well balanced so you don't have to sacrifice quality or speed. It works with standard wheels and buffs up to 4″.

This polisher includes 2 tapered spindles, 2 medium abrasive wheels and 2 replacement motor brushes. It is 110 volts with 1/6 HP motor. It is UL listed and has a variable speed from 1,800 to 7,500 RPM. 1-year warranty.

Judy Ellis's Spring Cleaning... Ring Cleaning - , General Education, , Polisher lathe

If your looking to just do a little personal "spring cleaning" or if you need cleaning and polishing supplies for the jewelry that you create and sell, we carry everything you need to keep your jewelry in tip-top-shape!

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

WireJewelry Single Barrel Rotary Tumbler, Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit, Includes 1 Pound of Jewelers Mix Shot and 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound (2021 Version)

G24-1V2-KITSS