When it comes to adding that extra statement, Gold and silver jewelry have always been an all-weather-favorite for men and women of all ages. No matter, you unbox your pricey collection daily or rarely, maintaining a proper cleanup cycle could keep them as good as new.

Did you know, pollution, grease, sweat, tarnish and all other dirt accumulation could make your sparkling ornaments dull and worn off? Fret not, here are some expert DIY tips to keep the shine intact for years to come.

Here are the how-tos...

#1. Toothpaste:

Just blend a little amount of toothpaste with water and take a cotton cloth or toothbrush to rub the paste all over your accessory.

Now rinse the ornament with lukewarm water and dry with a fresh towel.

#2. Boiling Water:

Try cleaning your solid (and not studded pieces) gold and silver jewelry with boiling water. Leave the pieces in the simmering water for about 5 minutes. Now, take it out, rinse in fresh water, dab with a cloth and air-dry.

#3. Lemon Juice:

The acidic content in lemons is the best to bring back the long-lost shine of your jewelry. Mix 1 tbsp of lemon extract with 1/2 cup of water and soak the ornament in this solution overnight. Next morning, take a soft toothbrush to scrub the piece under tap water and pat dry with a paper towel.

#4. Hydrogen Peroxide:

Hydrogen Peroxide will take not more than 5 minutes to clean the stubborn grimes of your precious jewelry. Take a small amount in a container and submerge your jewels fully under the liquid. Once bubbles form, take out the piece for a while and soak it back.

After a few minutes, take it out and wash in fresh water.

#5. Aluminum Foil:

So you have aluminum foil on the shelf? Unpack enough to spread all over a stainless steel container. Next, put it on the stove with water inside and once it reaches the boiling point, turn the gas off. Now add some mild laundry detergent and immerse your jewelry in it.

Hold a minute or two, take the piece out, scrub it with a toothbrush and towel dry it.

#6. Vinegar and Baking Soda:

Take 1/4th cup vinegar, 2 tbsp baking soda, and warm water and mix all into a thick paste. Next, apply it all over your antique jewelry and rub with a toothbrush. After a while, rinse the piece thoroughly with fresh water and pat dry.

#7. Ketchup:

Yes, you heard that right. The high quantity of acidic compounds in ketchup makes it an ideal solution to clean long grit build up in ornaments. Dip a soft brush or cloth in 2 tbsp of ketchup and rub your precious item with it.

Wait a few minutes and rinse the piece thoroughly with water and dry.

#8. Ammonia:

Take half a cup ammonia and warm water and mix both. Next, swamp your gold or silver jewelry in the liquid for about twenty minutes. Now take out the piece, rinse in clean water and dry with a paper or cloth towel.


#9. Liquid dish detergent:

You could also clean your gold jewelry with your favorite dishwashing detergent. Take a few drops and dilute with warm water, and sink your ornament inside. After 15-30 minutes, take it out, scrub it with a tender brush and rinse in lukewarm water.

Once, done, blow dry.

#10. Alcohol:

Alcohol like Vodka, beer or tequila could add shine to your old jewelry in minutes. Pour some in a bowl, dip a soft and clean piece of cloth in the liqueur and rub it thoroughly on the accessory.

Finally, the above-mentioned processes are all great ideas to give your sterling silver and gold adornments that good old shine in no time. And the best part is, they are all tried and tested, inexpensive and come in handy.