Cleaning mode...Jewelry!

Keep your jewelry sparkling with these practical tips:

Makeup Before Jewelry

To minimize cleaning, apply makeup and fragrances before putting on jewelry. Similarly, remove jewelry before gardening or doing housework.

Separate Diamonds

Store diamonds separately from other jewelry in a fabric-lined box to prevent scratching.

Check Settings

Have settings and prongs for diamond jewelry checked by a professional jeweler once a year to ensure they are secure.

Scrubbing Gems

Gems can be safely cleaned with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water: Swish a bar of mild soap around in several cups of warm water until it becomes sudsy. Submerge gemstone in suds for a few seconds, rub gently with toothbrush, and rinse. Lay on clean towel to dry.

Soaking Diamonds

Diamonds are dulled by soap and should be soaked in an ammonia-based cleaner and then wiped with a paper towel.

(via Martha Stewart, Monika Seitter)