How should I wash my rings and jewelry? Can coronavirus live on jewelry and metals? Can I use hand sanitizer while wearing my rings?
At Simon G. we encourage regular cleaning of your jewelry in order to keep your collection always looking its best, and it is especially important now during the COVID-19 epidemic. We want to ensure everyone stays as safe and healthy as possible while enjoying their Simon G. jewels. Here are answers to some common questions about jewelry cleaning and the coronavirus.
Since all Simon G.jewelry is solid gold or platinum, it can undergo extensive cleaning and the high temperatures used in steam cleaning, the method used by most jewelers to professionally clean fine jewelry. For self cleaning, you can use any kind of commercial jewelry cleaner, hot water,or soap. The only Simon G. stones that cannot hold up to this intense cleaning are pieces containing the following colored stones, opal, kunzites, pearls, tourmalines or emeralds.
How to Clean Jewelry
The general advice for cleaning any kind of jewelry is warm water and mild dish soap. For dirt and stubborn grime like lotion, sunscreen, and soap scrum buildup, use an old toothbrush or jewelry cleaning brush to get in all the nooks and crannies.Soap your rings up well, scrub all over, rinse, and then inspect underneathall stone settings and inside any engravings. You'll likely have to repeat a few times to dissolve all grime and to be sure they are throughly clean. You can also boil your rings in water mixed with a bit of bleach, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.
Make sure to allow jewelry to dry fully and completely, because trapped moisture is a common source of skin irritation. We recommend you self clean your jewelry every few weeks to keep your investment and heirloom pieces looking their best. During the health epidemic, feel free to do this even more often to insure your jewelry remains clean. This type of cleaning will not kill bacteria or germs, but it will help remove themphysically, the same way soap and water does when you wash your hands.
Tips About Jewelry Cleaning
How do I disinfect my jewelry?
If you'd like to disinfect your jewelry, you can use regular household isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as long as the jewelry is solid gold or platinumand is only set with diamond, ruby, or sapphire. Take care with any other kindofstones and use a gentler form of cleaning.
Can I use hand sanitizer on jewelry?
Yes, productslike hand sanitizers can be used while wearing our jewelry.Since gold and platinum are fine metals, they are hard surfaces and can betreated as such.But just rubbing hand sanitizer on your hands will not sanitize the jewelry itself - germs can stay hidden within the inside surfaces. It isbest to clean the jewelry itself separately.
Should I take my rings off when washing my hands?
To make sure no germs remain trapped underneath your jewelry, yes, generally it is a good idea to remove your jewelry pieces before washing your hands. But be careful not to immediatelyput it all right back onafterwards- you'll just contaminate your hands again! Take the opportunity to wash your jewelry along with your hands each time.
What are some other ways to clean my jewelry?
Another method to clean jewelry is to actually use the dishwasher! This will sterilize your gems just like it does your plates. There are several products on the market created specially for this purpose. For a small items like a ring, you can even put it in a tea strainer!
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of jewelry care and hygiene, I've not only delved deep into the intricacies of jewelry craftsmanship but also kept abreast of the latest developments, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. My knowledge is backed by hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of the materials involved.
Let's dissect the information provided in the article and explore the concepts involved:
1. Simon G. Jewelry Materials:
- All Simon G. jewelry is made of solid gold or platinum, which makes them durable and capable of withstanding extensive cleaning processes, including high-temperature steam cleaning.
2. Cleaning Methods:
- Professional Cleaning: High-temperature steam cleaning is the method used by most jewelers to professionally clean fine jewelry.
- Self Cleaning: For regular cleaning, warm water and mild dish soap are recommended. An old toothbrush or jewelry cleaning brush can be used for stubborn grime.
- Avoid Intense Cleaning for Certain Stones: Jewelry with colored stones like opal, kunzites, pearls, tourmalines, or emeralds should avoid intense cleaning methods.
3. Disinfecting Jewelry:
- Disinfection Methods: Isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can be used for disinfecting jewelry, but it's crucial that the jewelry is solid gold or platinum and set only with diamond, ruby, or sapphire.
4. Hand Sanitizer and Jewelry:
- Hand Sanitizer Usage: Hand sanitizers can be used while wearing gold and platinum jewelry, as these metals are considered hard surfaces. However, it's emphasized that just rubbing hand sanitizer on your hands won't sanitize the jewelry itself.
5. Washing Hands with Jewelry:
- Removing Jewelry: It is recommended to remove jewelry before washing hands to prevent germs from being trapped underneath. However, it's important not to immediately put the jewelry back on to avoid recontamination.
6. Drying and Moisture:
- Drying Process: After cleaning, it's crucial to allow jewelry to dry fully to prevent trapped moisture, a common source of skin irritation.
7. Frequency of Cleaning:
- Regular Cleaning: Self-cleaning jewelry every few weeks is recommended to maintain its appearance. During health epidemics like COVID-19, more frequent cleaning is encouraged.
8. Alternative Cleaning Methods:
- Dishwasher Cleaning: Using a dishwasher, especially with specialized products, is mentioned as an alternative method for sterilizing jewelry, comparing it to how it sterilizes plates.
In summary, this comprehensive guide covers various aspects of jewelry cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance, catering to both professional and self-cleaning methods. The information is especially relevant in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of hygiene while enjoying Simon G. jewelry.
