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Home Turquoise How to Clean Turquoise and Silver Rings?

How to Clean Turquoise and Silver Rings?

by Madonna

Turquoise and silver rings are cherished for their unique beauty and historical significance. Turquoise, with its captivating blue-green hue, often set in sterling silver, has been adored since ancient times. However, to maintain their luster and charm, these rings require proper care and cleaning. This guide will walk you through the steps to clean your turquoise and silver rings safely and effectively.

Understanding Turquoise and Silver

Turquoise: A Delicate Gemstone

Turquoise is a porous, relatively soft gemstone, ranking between 5 and 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means it can be easily scratched or damaged by harsh chemicals. Additionally, turquoise is often treated or stabilized to enhance its durability and color, which can affect how it should be cleaned.

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Silver: A Reactive Metal

Sterling silver, an alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper), is known for its tendency to tarnish when exposed to air and moisture. This tarnish, caused by a chemical reaction with sulfur compounds in the air, appears as a dull, gray or black film on the surface.

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Preparing to Clean

Assess the Condition

Before you start cleaning, examine your ring closely. Look for any damage, loose settings, or signs of wear. If the turquoise is cracked or the silver is severely tarnished, it might be best to consult a professional jeweler.

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Gather Your Supplies

You will need the following items to clean your turquoise and silver ring:

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Mild dish soap

Soft toothbrush or cloth

Lukewarm water

Baking soda

Aluminum foil

Non-abrasive cloth for drying and polishing

Soft, clean towel

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Cleaning the Turquoise

Turquoise requires gentle handling due to its porous nature. Follow these steps to clean the gemstone:

Prepare a Soapy Solution

Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the stone or cause the silver to tarnish further.

Gently Clean the Stone

Dip a soft toothbrush or cloth into the soapy solution. Gently scrub the turquoise, taking care not to scratch the surface. If the ring has intricate designs, use the toothbrush to reach into the crevices.

Rinse and Dry

Rinse the ring under lukewarm running water to remove any soap residue. Pat it dry with a soft towel. Ensure the ring is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

2. Cleaning the Silver

Once the turquoise is clean and dry, you can focus on the silver band. There are several methods to clean tarnished silver, but the following is safe and effective for rings with turquoise settings.

Create a Baking Soda Paste

Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can remove tarnish without scratching the silver.

Apply the Paste

Using a soft cloth, apply the baking soda paste to the silver parts of the ring. Rub gently to avoid scratching the metal or damaging the turquoise. Pay special attention to heavily tarnished areas.

Rinse and Dry

Rinse the ring thoroughly under lukewarm water to remove all traces of the baking soda paste. Pat it dry with a soft towel and ensure it is completely dry before wearing or storing it.

Alternative Cleaning Method: The Aluminum Foil Technique

For more stubborn tarnish, you can use a method that involves aluminum foil and baking soda. This method is particularly effective for silver jewelry but should be used with caution on rings with delicate turquoise settings.

Line a Bowl with Aluminum Foil

Line the inside of a small bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up.

Add Baking Soda and Hot Water

Place the ring in the bowl and sprinkle it with baking soda. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over the ring until it is fully submerged. The reaction between the aluminum foil and baking soda will help lift the tarnish from the silver.

Wait and Rinse

Allow the ring to sit in the solution for a few minutes. You may see bubbles forming as the tarnish is lifted. After a few minutes, remove the ring and rinse it thoroughly under lukewarm water.

Dry and Polish

Pat the ring dry with a soft towel and polish the silver with a non-abrasive cloth to restore its shine.

See Also: What Are the Benefits of Wearing Turquoise?

Tips for Maintaining Turquoise and Silver Rings

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Both turquoise and silver can be damaged by exposure to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, ammonia, and household cleaning agents. Always remove your ring before swimming, cleaning, or using beauty products.

Store Properly

Store your turquoise and silver ring in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight. A soft jewelry pouch or a lined jewelry box is ideal. Keeping the ring in an airtight container can help prevent tarnish.

Regular Cleaning

Regular, gentle cleaning can help maintain the beauty of your turquoise and silver ring. Clean the ring periodically to prevent buildup of dirt and tarnish.

Professional Cleaning

For particularly valuable or delicate pieces, consider professional cleaning. A jeweler can clean and inspect the ring, ensuring it remains in excellent condition.

Conclusion

Cleaning a turquoise and silver ring requires a gentle touch and the right materials. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your ring looking beautiful for years to come. Remember to avoid harsh chemicals, store the ring properly, and clean it regularly to maintain its shine and allure. With proper care, your turquoise and silver ring will continue to be a treasured piece in your jewelry collection.

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