A Quick Guide to Cleaning Charm Bracelets

As with most things in life, the better the qualityHeavily tarnished silver bracelets will need a bit of
the less problems you will have with maintenanceadditional help. Liquid silver cleaning solution can be
and upkeep. Charm bracelets in either silver orused for those tough to clean items. Always
gold are absolutely no different, with the highercarefully follow the directions on the product and
quality bracelets much less likely to stain or tarnishnever soak the silver for longer than
with typical wear. Even so, soap, lotion and oilsrecommended.
from your skin may lead to slight discoloration orSome types of charm bracelets and charms
dulling of the bracelets, but this can easily beshould not be soaked in any type of cleaning
corrected at home.solutions. These include charms or bracelets with
Generally gold bracelets in any karat from 10 togems, accent pieces of other metals or materials,
18 require routine buffing with a soft, lint freeor those that are painted. The cleaner will often
cloth to stay rich and shiny looking. There aredamage these types of charms or charm
special cleaning cloths sold at jewelers for goldbracelets because of the chemical reactions.
items and these are very good for basic cleaning.Scrubbing or harshly rubbing or twisting of charm
When there is residue on bracelets before buffingbracelets during cleaning needs to be completely
it is important to remove the dull coating. Sinceavoided. This type of aggressive cleaning will
this is often oil based, soaking the charms in adamage the links or the rings, resulting in lost
warm soapy water solution for about fivecharms or even a broken link in the bracelet.
minutes then rinsing and buffing is usually all itOne of the best ways to clean charm bracelets
takes. Don't use household cleaners or bleach inthat are more than just slightly stained, tarnished
the water as this can damage the charms or theor discolored is to use a professional jeweler.
bracelet itself.They can safely clean the charms and charm
Silver is more likely to tarnish than gold, evenbracelets back to their original luster and shine
sterling silver can sometimes get a bit smudgy orwithout causing any damage. Since this should only
dull looking with wear. Silver cleaning cloths, againhave to be done infrequently, it is certainly a cost
available at jewelry stores, are a great option.effective way to keep your jewelry looking
Silver can also be soaked in warm soapy waterbeautiful.
prior to buffing for the best results.