If you’re a big fan of gem guides, you may be asking yourself: what’s the most valuable birthstone? Learn more about birthstones here now!
Gifting someone a piece of jewelry that features their birthstone is a thoughtful gift that shows you took the time to think about something that was personal to them.
Have you ever thought about what the most valuable birthstone is? You may think that diamonds, April’s birthstone, are at the top of that list, but is that really the case?
Value can mean a lot of things to people, such as something being worth a lot of money or having a high sentimental value to them. Whatever your definition is, in this guide, we’ll break down each month’s birthstone and let you know the value of each one.
January – Garnet
A garnet may look similar in color to a ruby, but its value could not be any more different. Garnets feature hints of earthy tones such as orange mixed in with the bright red.
Garnets are associated with healing powers, with their name coming from the Latin word for “pomegranate.” It is sometimes used as a protective gem, creating a barrier between the wearer and those who may cause them harm. As pretty as garnets may be, they are one of the least valuable birthstones.
February – Amethyst
Ever since large amethyst deposits were found in Brazil in the early 1800s, the value of amethyst has declined. Before that, they were considered as precious as rubies, diamonds, and sapphires. More than 5,000 tons of amethyst are mined around the world every year for a variety of purposes.
It is a form of crystalline quartz and it is thought to bestow wisdom, heal ailments, and protect against poisons. While it is not considered a valuable gem any longer, it is still thought of to be a semi-precious stone.
March – Aquamarine
The word aquamarine comes from the Latin word for seawater. Its soft blue color mimics the shades of blue found in the actual ocean. Aquamarine gems are often connected to tranquility and the ability to see into the future.
Like with amethysts, aquamarine birthstones are to be semi-precious. The stones are available in large sizes and their price is dependent upon the clarity and purity of color.
April – Diamonds
You would think that diamonds are the most valuable birthstones but that is not the case. Diamonds can be crystal clear or come in various colors. They are often associated with loyalty, love, and fidelity.
The value of a diamond is dependent upon the cut, how many carats, and the gemstone quality. A tiny speck of a diamond can be worth next to nothing, but if you want one of a substantial size, it’s going to cost you a pretty penny.
May – Emerald
Emeralds are a source of luck and give the wearer protection against evil beings. There was an entire city made from emerald, after all. Their bright green hue is incredibly striking, making for an exquisite piece of jewelry.
If you thought emerald was the most valuable birthstone, then you are incorrect. While they are rarer than diamonds, they aren’t the most valuable gem.
June – Pearl and Alexandrite
People born in the month of June are lucky to get two birthstones to choose from. Pearls are associated with love and integrity, with the white shade symbolizing purity.
Alexandrite also comes in a lot of different colors, such as green, blue, pink, and yellow. Crystal healers believe they have healing properties.
Natural pearls can be expensive and rare, especially if you’re seeking a perfectly symmetrical and round pearl.
July – Ruby
At long last, we have landed on the most valuable birthstone – the ruby. Rubies convey passion and love. The deep red color of the ruby is thought to preserve life and ward off evil.
Rubies fetch a higher price in comparison to other stones, such as diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. There are many synthetic replications of the stone, but a pure and genuine ruby that is a decent size is simply the most valuable gemstone out there.
August – Peridot
Peridot is another green birthstone, just at a slightly lower price point than an emerald. It’s thought to be a spiritual protector, guarding the wearer against evil intentions and spirits.
The peridot is a semi-precious stone, with its dollar value starting as low as $25, going on up to over $900. It all depends on the size, color, and quality of the stone.
September – Sapphire
Sapphires are the epitome of sophistication and elegance, with many members of the royal family wearing wedding rings featuring the blue stone. The stone is associated with increased mental clarity and protection against any negative energy.
Like with a lot of other birthstones, their monetary value depends a lot on the color, cut, and clarity. Sapphires can run as low as $25/carat or up to $11,000/carat. Sapphires come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple.
October – Opal and Tourmaline
October is another lucky month that has two birthstones. Opal comes in a variety of colors, from black to white. The stones also have flecks of silica in them, which gives them that iridescent sheen.
Tourmaline also comes in multiple colors and is associate with reflection, inner peace, and wisdom. While both stones are beautiful, they don’t hold the same monetary value as others.
November – Topaz
Topaz comes in a variety of colors, but it is usually shown in its yellow form. It is associated with abundance and wealth. The most valuable color is the golden yellow-orange, with the value increasing as the color grows deeper.
December – Blue Zircon, Turquoise, and Tanzanite
The idea behind having multiple birthstones is to give purchasers more affordable options to choose from. The vibrant hues of violet to blue give people a variety of stones to choose from. Tanzanite tends to be the most modern of the three since its discovery in 1967 and is also the most valuable.
Turquoise has been used in cultures for many years and is something that is commonly found in jewelry stores. Turquoise conveys positive energy and harmony. Blue Zircon bestows prosperity and wisdom on the wearer, and can also stimulate a good night’s sleep.
Which Is the Most Valuable Birthstone?
If we’re looking purely at monetary value, the ruby is the most valuable birthstone. Depending upon your birth month and how important your birthstone is for you, that can create more personal value. Each stone has its own special meaning, making it all the more special.
If you’re looking to add some more pieces of jewelry to your collection, check out our online shop for something special.
Are you curious about everything you should know about essential oil lava stones? If yes, we’ve got you covered. Find out why you need a lava stone now!
The many metaphysical properties of lava stones have made this gem a treasured find for years. In fact, even in the middle ages, this stone was considered the king of gems.
Since then, essential oil lava stones have become a staple piece in the jewelry cabinets of women all over the world. From necklaces to earrings, these beautiful pieces are quickly becoming a must-have for both fashion and wellness.
So what is it about essential oil lava stones that make them so special? Follow along to discover everything you need to know about the lava stone essential oil diffuser elements in your jewelry and why they should be a part of your everyday accessories.
What Are Essential Oil Lava Stones?
Essential oil lava stones are actually one of the oldest stones known to man. These little beads are formed when volcanic molten makes contact with the cool earth. When the volcano erupts, this molten then cools down and hardens to a porous, black stone.
Because this stone is formed from the depths of the earth, its believed to be incredibly grounding for the wearer. In fact, when sporting this gem, you may experience feelings of calm, connection with mother earth, and even a clearer, less fluttery mind.
The stone comes in all shapes and sizes, making it the perfect addition to any piece of jewelry.
How Do They Work?
As we mentioned above, this stone is unique for its porous nature. Without any influence from the outside world, the stone contains many small ‘holes’ on the surface. This sets it apart from the smooth appearance of most other gemstone beads.
These holes make it easy to absorb and diffuse essential oils for long periods of time.
To use your lava stone essential oil jewelry, simply choose your favorite essential oil and apply 1-2 drops directly to the stone. Use your fingers to massage the oil into the stone for better absorption and diffusing time.
You can also use an essential oil roller to ‘roll’ the oil onto the stone and infuse it with the beautiful aroma of the oil. Let the stone absorb the oils for around two minutes before wearing.
Throughout the day, the oil slowly escapes the pores of the lava stone. This allows you to experience the fragrance of the oil meeting your skin as well as the powerful benefits each oil holds.
Lava Stone Essential Oil Jewelry Benefits
Picking up a piece of lava stone essential oil jewelry is a great way to stay up to date with the latest trends. But did you know there are actually incredible benefits to choosing jewelry with lava stones?
From your essential oil necklace lava stone to the diffuser bracelet you love to wear, your jewelry is much more than a stylish accessory.
Perfume Replacement
We all love to smell fresh and fabulous when we set out for the day. Unfortunately, those synthetic fragrances are packed with over 4000 sneaky chemicals that aren’t listed on any perfume label. These chemicals and toxins can cause serious health problems ranging from headaches to endocrine disruption.
Of course, this doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the simple pleasure of smelling great. Essential oils are a safe, natural alternative for the sweet aroma of perfume. With so many plant, flower, and tree-based oils, you’ll find an oil that perfectly matches your unique personality in no time.
The lava stone essential oil diffuser will continue to release your fragrance long after application. This means you can smell fresh and floral all day long.
Bug Repellant
Are you on a journey to cut out harmful toxins and chemicals from your daily life? It’s no surprise that perfume isn’t the only chemically enhanced substance we spritz on our skin. Bug spray is one of the most difficult toxins to ditch as oftentimes, the alternative to the stinky spray is being eaten alive by pesky mosquitos.
That is, until now.
Not only can oils like citronella chase away those nasty bugs, but the aroma is far more pleasant than your deep woods bug repellant. Simply place a few non-invasive drops on your beads and enjoy the great outdoors without the itchy side effects.
Wellness Diffuser
Beyond a beautiful scent and bug-repelling benefits, essential oils boast a range of emotional and physical support properties. Depending on the oil you choose, you can influence mood, energy levels, and even processes like creativity and forgiveness.
Introduce a little nurturing self-care into your daily routine by trying essential oils. Use them to calm your nerves, amp you up for a big day, or even help you work through an emotionally difficult time.
You can take your healing helpers to yoga, work, and everywhere in between to ensure you’ve always got the best supportive tools on your team.
Metaphysical Benefits
Gemstones are filled with symbolism and metaphysical properties and lava stone is no exception. As you already know, this stone is for grounding, offering strength in the wearer’s connection to mother earth. It provides us with strength and courage in times of change and offers stability through the challenges.
If you tend to become hot-headed or angry, this stone can help calm your reactions and view the situation with guidance and understanding.
Amplify Other Gems
By combining the amazing benefits of lava stone and essential oils, you’ll experience an amplification of properties like never before. By pairing your essential oil necklace lava stone with other meaningful gems, you can experience the healing benefits of both the oils and the gemstones in one wear.
Beyond this, many essential oils have the ability to amplify the effects of your gemstones, helping to cleanse, restore, and energize their properties.
Pair your lava stone jewelry with your favorite gemstones to experience deeper healing, more supported emotions, and of course, gorgeous style.
Choose Your Essential Oil Lava Stones
From the formation of this beautiful black stone to the properties and benefits, now you know everything you need to get started on your essential oil lava stones selection. With so many beautiful options to choose from, you’ll be experiencing the aromatic, emotionally supportive benefits of your new jewelry in no time.
Want to get your hands on the best lava stone essential oil jewelry today? Shop our selection of carefully designed and affordable pieces and start your journey to a healthier, happier day.
Imitation jewelry is a beautiful but inexpensive way to show that special woman in your life how you feel. Discover Valentine gift ideas for her within.
Americans spend approximately $27.4 billion on Valentine’s Day, with at least $5.8 billion going to jewelry.
Men spend three times as much as women to appease their partners, but their efforts are often in vain. 43 million Americans get an unwanted gift for Valentine’s Day.
Any man could struggle when shopping for the perfect gift for his girlfriend. Finding Valentine gift ideas for her is difficult when there are so many options available to choose from.
Jewelry is one of the best options, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Imitation jewelry creates accurate, beautiful replicas that make perfect gifts.
The more information you have, the less likely you are to give an unwanted gift. Read our Valentine gift ideas to learn what your options are and why imitation jewelry is a perfect choice.
Choosing Jewelry
When Valentine’s day comes and you want to treat your significant other, you may look to what others buy for ideas for gifts for her. Seven of the most popular gifts for Valentine’s day are jewelry, flowers, special meals, greeting cards, wine and chocolate, gift cards, and clothes.
Jewelry is one of the most popular options. It’s a personalized, beautiful accessory a woman can wear anywhere. This is only the case if the man chooses the right piece, though, because it will sit unused if they don’t.
When choosing jewelry, there are several factors to keep in mind to avoid purchasing an unwanted Valentine’s day present. Consider the color, stone, and personal significance.
Color
Each color of jewelry has a unique significance. They also tend to complement certain styles and colors your loved one wears.
Purple compliments almost all skin tones and clothing styles. It also draws attention to natural beauty and creates a regal air.
Blue adds to a formal or business look, making it perfect for a date night. It also represents trustworthiness and loyalty in relationships.
Green comes in a variety of shades, as there are several different green gemstones to choose from. It creates a calming aura and stands out against contrasting dark colors such as blacks and browns.
Red is an eye-catching color that compliments white or dark grey outfits. It represents passion and love, making it a great choice for a Valentine’s Day gift.
Pink is a delicate but versatile color that doesn’t clash with any outfit. It represents harmony and support in relationships, but it’s also a great choice for non-romantic gifts because it represents friendship as well.
Combining colors is one way to provide more than one of these benefits. Try adding multiple stones of various colors, multiple-colored bands, and other elements.
Most women also have a favorite color, and adding it to your loved one’s piece is a great way to personalize it for them. Also, make sure the colors you choose don’t clash with their skin tone or favorite outfits.
Stones
The stone is one of the most important choices you can make when picking a piece of jewelry for your loved one. It’s the focal point of the piece, the area where their eyes and the eyes of all onlookers will go.
One of the easiest ways to ensure that you choose a personalized, beautiful stone is to choose your loved one’s birthstone. Choose the one for the month they were born and place it in the center of the piece.
There is a specifically designated birthstone for each month of the year., each with its own unique color and significance. They are, in order:
Red garnet for January
Purple amethyst for February
Aquamarine for March
Diamond for April
Green emerald for May
Pearl for June
Red ruby for July
Peridot for August
Blue sapphire for September
Opal for October
Citrine for November
Turquoise for December
Birthstones are a beautiful way to commemorate your loved one. They create a dazzling focal point for the piece, have bright, eye-catching colors, and represent more than a specific month.
There is a wide range of other stone options as well if you don’t want to choose your loved one’s birthstone or if they prefer a different option. Choose the size, color, and type that best fits your loved one’s preferences.
Personalized Pieces
The key to giving a great Valentine’s Day present is to ensure that it has as much personal significance as possible. The more it means to the recipient, the better, which makes personalized jewelry a wonderful option.
Try creating a piece of jewelry with a hidden morse code message that your loved one can look back on whenever they like. It can say whatever you want it to, creating a personal piece your loved one can treasure for years.
You could also create a design based on a meaningful aspect of your relationship. Choose a significant location such as where you met or proposed. Pick an image that means a lot to your loved one.
Creating a personalized piece of jewelry is the perfect way to create a unique piece that no one else has. Your loved one will appreciate the effort you put into it.
As long as you keep these important factors in mind, you can give a piece of jewelry as a Valentine’s Day gift that your loved one will treasure for years to come. Choose the right color, stone, and design to add emotional significance.
It’s also easy to create a jewelry piece without emptying your wallet. There are beautiful options that look like they’re worth more than you’ve spent. This makes them the perfect gift for anyone, especially a Valentine’s Day buyer on a budget.
Imitation Jewelry
Jewelry is the most popular Valentine’s day gift, but not everyone can afford the genuine article. Some of these presents may be imitation jewelry, a replica made to look like more expensive genuine precious stones.
The imitation jewelry market will be worth $40.6 billion by 2022, and its popularity continues to increase as shoppers see how much of an effective, affordable option it is. It’s a viable alternative to more expensive jewelry options.
Don’t cross this valuable option off your list of gift ideas. The idea that it looks fake or low-quality is a common misconception and only happens if you choose the wrong provider.
Benefits
Imitation jewelry has several advantages when compared to more traditional options. It’s affordable, durable, easy to fix, comes in plenty of options, and is easy to wear with any outfit.
Imitation jewelry provides the look and feel of expensive stones for significantly less money. Only jewelry experts can tell that they are imitations, but your loved one and typical passerby won’t notice the difference.
Imitation jewelry is made with several layers of material. This makes them more durable and resistant to damage, scratches, and tarnishing. You’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come.
Imitation jewelry is easier to repair when it begins to tarnish and fade. It’s simple and affordable to fix or replace the stones and metal to make the piece look like or even better than new.
Imitation jewelry is diverse and offers replicas of almost any gem or type of jewelry you can think of. This includes rings, necklaces, and earrings with any stones or designs your loved one wants.
Imitation jewelry is versatile enough to wear to any occasion. This includes anything from a fancy Valentine’s day dinner to a casual day in. They also complement almost any outfit.
These benefits and more make imitation jewelry just as meaningful and worthwhile as a Valentine’s Day gift as any other type. They make your loved one feel pampered without forcing you to spend a ridiculous amount of money.
Where to Find It
Imitation jewelry is a rapidly growing sector of the jewelry market thanks to its cost savings and the numerous other benefits it provides. This makes it easier to find than ever.
Not all providers are created equally, and you must choose carefully and do your research before making a purchase. Find images of or testimonials about their past work to ensure their pieces are high-quality.
You should also be sure that you find a provider that has the type of piece your loved one wants. If they don’t have the stone, shape, or fit you need, move on to somewhere else.
Finding Valentine Gift Ideas for Her
Jewelry is one of the most common Valentine’s Day gifts, but choose carefully before you buy it. Consider the type, color, stones, and personal significance. Doing so allows you to create the perfect piece.
Imitation jewelry provides several benefits and is just as beautiful and romantic as the real thing. It’s affordable, durable, replaceable, diverse, and versatile. It’s a worthwhile gift idea for any loved one.
If you’re still looking for Valentine gift ideas for her, you need to find a place with plenty of options. We have a wide range of personalized, meaningful gifts your loved one can adore for years to come.
We can help you choose from our array of options. Contact us today for more tips on how to choose the perfect gift for your loved one.
Do you want to impress your friends with your jewelry but don’t know what to get? Here is a guide to help you pick the best jewelry for you.
Have you ever heard of the phrase diamonds are a girl’s best friend? As it turns out, it’s less true today than yesterday. More people are choosing other alternatives with people getting more frugal and socially-conscious.
That means that if you’re buying jewelry, gold and diamonds shouldn’t be your default option anymore. Learn what other types of jewelry there are to make a more informed decision that makes it worth the money.
Keep on reading to start choosing the best piece of jewelry for you.
1.Types of Jewelry
Before we dive in further, let’s talk first about the most common types of jewelry. Knowing the symbolism and purpose of each kind will help you pick the right one.
Necklace
A necklace is more than just a trendy accessory that completes an outfit or a look. It symbolizes femininity and charm by accentuating the fine features of the neck. Although it draws attention to the cleavage, it doesn’t denote sexuality at all.
Bracelet
Many people wear bracelets to showcase their personalities. As bracelets can have different materials aside from metal, like rubber and leather, it’s a perfect way to symbolize who we are.
Often, it’s not one of the things we notice first about a person. As such, it’s a nice way to improve a look or denote wealth more subtly.
Earrings
Your face is usually the first thing someone sees, which is why earrings have a special role to fulfill. They accentuate one’s face and enhance your best features.
Although, you can also use it purely for aesthetic purposes. They can add color and personality to any outfit.
Ring
Rings have strong cultural significance all over the world. A ring on the left ring finger has associations with romantic relationships.
That said, there’s no reason not to wear rings on other fingers (or if you wish, on that specific finger). They’re a great way to show your associations, like graduation rings and company rings.
Fashionable rings are also great for completing a trendy look. They draw attention to the hands, as well.
2. Choosing the Metal of the Jewelry
The cost and aesthetics are the two strongest drivers when choosing the metal. However, the type of metal is worth looking into to make sure you buy the perfect one.
The two types of metal we see most often in jewelry are gold and silver. Although, there’s also platinum, titanium, and stainless steel.
Gold
Gold further has three subcategories: rose gold, gold, and white gold. The only thing that differs between these three is the color, which is due to the added metal. What you should pay more attention to, though, is the gold karat rating.
24K is the highest karat rating as it denotes pure gold. 22K is the next one with 91.6% gold with the other 8.4% consisting of other metals. 18K has 75% gold, 14K has 58.5% gold, and 10K has 41.5% gold.
The purer the gold jewelry, the more valuable it is. It’s worth noting, though, that gold is a soft and malleable metal, so 24K gold is the most susceptible to deformity. For that reason, 14K and 18K gold are the most preferred options.
Sterling Silver
Silver is a solid choice of metal for jewelry, as well. The more you wear them, the nicer they’ll look, but they’ll need the occasional cleaning to remove tarnish. They’re much cheaper, too.
You should look for the 925 marking, which means it has 92.5% silver with the other 7.5% being metal alloy. Silver is too soft a material, so it must come with other metals to make it stronger.
Platinum
Platinum is the rarest metal out of the three and the most durable one, too. It’s harder and it doesn’t rust, corrode, or tarnish.
That’s why it’s popular for wedding rings and other jewelry that are appropriate for daily use. That’s also why it’s more expensive than gold.
It’s a great option, too, for those who are allergic to the nickel in gold. Platinum jewelry should have 95% purity with the other 5% being other similar metals in the platinum group, such as iridium, palladium, and ruthenium.
Titanium
Titanium is another durable choice as it’s non-corrosive. It’s also resistant to sweat, salt, and high temperatures. The metal makes for lighter jewelry, as well.
For these reasons, titanium is the prime choice for those who lead an active lifestyle.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel provides a rugged look and durability. It’s much cheaper than titanium although it’s heavier and has trace amounts of nickel and iron. This may cause an allergic reaction to some people.
3. Different Types of Stone
You can have pure metal jewelry, but a stone can add significance and aesthetic value to it. Let’s take a brief look at the different kinds below.
Precious Stones
Diamond is the most popular gemstone for jewelry, and it’s one of the most expensive, too. It’s the best choice for showing someone you care or adding glitz and glamour to your outfit.
The larger the diamond, the more expensive it is. But, other factors add to its price. The clarity, cut, and color are also important in choosing diamonds.
A huge part of the price tag, however, is due to diamond marketing. Still, some would say the price is worth it for the sole reason of having a piece of diamond jewelry. It helps that diamonds are the strongest material in the whole world.
Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald make up the rest of what we regard as precious stones. As such, they’re more expensive than other types of gemstones.
Semi-Precious Gemstones
The four gemstones above aren’t the only ones you can use to adorn your jewelry. Although they’re called semi-precious, they add a huge appeal to your whole look, too. Furthermore, their meanings and symbolism add a layer of depth.
January babies, for instance, might lean toward their birthstone garnet for their choice of jewelry stone. Those born in September have sapphire as their birthstone.
You can also choose gemstones based on meanings. Amethyst, for example, is a powerhouse stone. Many believe it creates spiritual protection for the wearer.
As another example, Jade has associations with the Earth and nature. As such, it provides nurturing energy that soothes the soul.
Choosing a stone based on meaning can add a huge significance to your jewelry.
Laboratory Stones
Lab-made stones are getting popular today because of how cheap they are when compared to natural stones. Most of them mimic the look of precious stones. This allows the public to access their beauty without paying for a high price.
A good example is crystal jewelry. Another is cubic zirconia, which is a good alternative for diamonds. It has great brilliance that’s comparable to the real ones.
Synthetic ruby and synthetic spinel are also available. They look almost identical to natural ruby and spinel. The average person won’t be able to tell that they’re lab-made.
4. What’s Your Purpose for Buying?
Your purpose of buying will also factor into what type of jewelry, stone, and metal you should buy. Are you getting one as a gift for a special day or to celebrate a unique event? Check out some common reasons below:
Occasion
Do you want to buy something nice for your loved one to celebrate a special occasion? Then you should look more into the meanings behind the jewelry to find the appropriate one.
Jewelry with a birthstone is a great idea for birthdays. Silver or gold is best for 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries. For engagements, a ring has the greatest impact.
Some other occasions are holidays, graduation, and celebrations of achievements. Consider this when choosing the best type of jewelry.
Events
If you’re going to attend an event and you want to sport your best look, consider your outfit first.
Gold and precious stones would look best at formal events, but remember that less is more. You want to look elegant and polished, so choose minimalist styles with the greatest impact.
In social events, almost anything would look good as long as it plays well into your outfit. However, these might not be the best place for ultra-expensive jewelry pieces.
Everyday Use
You should always consider your skin tone when choosing a piece of jewelry. It’s even more important when you’re choosing one for everyday wear. Classic gold is best for warm skin tones while silver would shine in cool tones.
It also depends on your lifestyle. Are you active? Do you take the subway to work? Do you use your hands a lot at work?
These are important considerations when choosing the type of jewelry and metal.
Confidence Boost
There’s nothing wrong with trying on some jewelry for a boost in confidence. If this is your purpose, then go with what your heart wants. What’s important is that you feel happy and confident wearing it.
Choose the Best Type of Jewelry for You Today
Now that you know the different types of jewelry, metal, and stones, it’s time for you to decide the best piece for your purpose. Don’t hesitate to keep coming back to this guide to get the right type of jewelry with the right stone and metal.
Look through our catalog of jewelry pieces; after all, seeing the perfect piece is better than reading about it. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Do you own imitation jewelry that desperately needs cleaning? Here’s how you can care for your jewelry without damaging it!
It’s important to keep your favorite jewelry clean so that it stays bright, shiny, and looking new.
With the right care and cleaning, all of your jewelry will look as beautiful as the day you bought it and hold up well to lots of wear.
Read on for some helpful home remedies for cleaning jewelry so that your beloved pieces continue to shine.
Why Your Jewelry Gets Dirty or Tarnished
Whether you’re wearing a real diamond ring with 24K gold or imitation jewelry, sometimes, these items can start to dull or lose their sparkle. Costume jewelry is prone to tarnishing, but it can still be restored to its original glory with some simple home remedies.
So, why does jewelry get dirty, and what causes it to look cloudy or grimy? Prolonged or repeated exposure to hand lotion, skincare products, hand soap, and even water can start to make your favorite jewelry look worse for wear. Cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals can start to wear the finish away.
It may come as a surprise but jewelry that is stored away over a period of time can also become tarnished or dirty. As the materials are exposed to the elements in the air, a chemical reaction can occur, leaving your favorite pieces looking discolored.
Another reason jewelry gets dirty is simply due to lots of wear. This is especially true for rings and necklaces since the oils from our skin can also react to the materials, resulting in a tarnished look. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy home remedies for cleaning jewelry you can try at home to restore your favorite pieces.
Baking Soda, Aluminum Foil, and Salt
This method is an easy way to clean your imitation jewelry, and it only requires a few simple and common household items. Start by gathering all of your jewelry together, then grab some salt, baking soda, aluminum foil, and a pie plate or shallow aluminum bowl.
A bowl or plate made of aluminum is best, but if you don’t have one, you can cover a regular one with aluminum foil with the shiny side up – just make sure it doesn’t tear. Add one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of baking soda to your bowl or plate.
Heat one cup of water in the microwave for about two minutes or less. Make sure the water is hot, but not boiling, then pour it into the mixture you added to your bowl. This mixture will create a chemical reaction with the foil and start to bubble.
Stir everything thoroughly until you don’t see any clumps, then wait about one minute to let everything combine thoroughly. Place your jewelry into the mixture.
The combination of salt, baking soda, and water should oxidize all of the tarnish from your jewelry, while the silver from the foil or plate should actually restore any worn-out spots on your silver imitation jewelry. Watch the process closely and remove your jewelry when the tarnish is completely removed.
It may take a few minutes for your jewelry to start looking clean. Everything will begin to look a bit shinier, and silver-toned or silver plated jewelry should begin to be restored.
When you remove your jewelry from the mixture, dry it off using a soft rag and remove any excess tarnish by gently wiping it away. Any green verdigris buildup can also be wiped away to reveal the shiny material underneath.
Home Remedies for Cleaning Jewelry: Lemon Juice
If you don’t have any baking soda or foil around, you can try this method to clean your imitation jewelry. Start by mixing one part water with one part lemon juice in a small bowl.
Place your jewelry into the mixture and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. The acid from the lemon juice should do a great job of eating all of the grime and gunk away from your jewelry.
If you’re not seeing results, try rinsing your jewelry in clean water, then putting it back into the mixture so the lemon juice can work its magic. This process is a little time consuming, but it’s well worth it if you want your favorite pieces of jewelry to look as good as new.
Once you’re happy with the way your jewelry looks, rinse it off one more time in clean, cool water. Buff your jewelry dry with a soft, clean cloth and you’ll be ready to wear it again.
The Classic Toothbrush Scrub
To get into small nooks and crannies, a soft-bristled toothbrush is a perfect tool to clean your imitation jewelry. You can use the toothbrush to gently scrub between cracks and gemstones.
When you use this method, you can do so with either a gentle soap or toothpaste. Baby soap is great for imitation jewelry since it doesn’t contain a ton of extra chemicals that could cause more harm than good.
If you decide to use toothpaste, use a whitening formula. The gritty texture of the toothpaste will help to scrub tough buildup and grime from the surface of your jewelry.
Start by squeezing a very small amount of toothpaste or a small bit of soap onto the jewelry, and smudge it all over with your finger. Once your jewelry is coated with a thin layer of soap or toothpaste, you can start to gently brush it clean.
Work your toothbrush into the crevices of your jewelry, and avoid scrubbing too hard. After everything looks clean and shiny, simply rinse your jewelry in cool water and buff it dry with a soft, clean cloth. Microfiber cloths are perfect for polishing and drying all types of jewelry.
If you find that some grime still remains in between the cracks, use a cotton swab to remove it. Take your time and work through all of the details in the jewelry until you notice that the dirt has finally been scrubbed and wiped away. Always be gentle with your imitation jewelry since it’s not designed to withstand rough handling or scrubbing.
Restore Shine with Tea Tree Oil and Vinegar
This simple DIY jewelry tip won’t clean gunk and grime from your jewelry, but it will do a great job of helping it shine. Gather some tea tree oil, white vinegar, and a mason jar together before you begin.
Place one-half cup of white or distilled vinegar into the mason jar, then add one small drop of the tea tree oil. Place your jewelry into the jar and put the lid back on.
Let your jewelry soak in this mixture overnight, then remove it and rinse it clean with some cool water. Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that may help to keep your jewelry cleaner for longer.
This method is great for most forms of imitation jewelry, but it’s not recommended for certain stones. Avoid putting jewelry with pearls, tanzanite, or opals into the mixture as the acidic vinegar can cause them to become damaged.
Caring for Jewelry the Right Way
The best way to keep your favorite pieces of jewelry looking new is to practice proper care. For starters, remove your jewelry every night and gently wipe it with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth before you put it on the dresser or into your jewelry box.
If you’re going swimming, take your jewelry off before you take a dip. The chlorine in swimming pools and the salt in the ocean can both wreak havoc on the finish of your imitation jewelry.
You should also take all jewelry off before you take a shower. Too much exposure to water can cause jewelry to tarnish, and hot water may cause the glue that holds gemstones in place to melt, which can result in loose or lost stones.
If you need to store your jewelry for a prolonged period of time, consider putting it into a plastic zippered sandwich bag. After you put the jewelry inside, squeeze all of the air out and seal the bag. The lack of oxygen will keep your imitation jewelry from oxidizing so it looks newer, longer.
When cleaning your home or doing dishes, remove your rings and bracelets to protect them from exposure to water and household cleaners. A good rule of thumb is to try and protect your jewelry from water and other substances as often as possible to help your favorite pieces retain their beautiful luster and shine.
Say Hello to Clean, Shiny Jewelry
Whether you use baking soda and aluminum foil or scrub it with a toothbrush, these home remedies for cleaning jewelry will help you maintain your favorite pieces for a long time to come. Remember to take good care of your jewelry and try to prevent it from being exposed to too much water, soap, and chemicals.
With the right care and proper storage, you can cherish and enjoy your imitation jewelry for many years.
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