How to Care for Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

Cubic zirconias are beautiful and brilliant, making them well-suited for use in jewelry. They are also affordable diamond alternatives because they are created in a lab and, in many cases, an X-ray is required to determine whether a stone is a diamond or a cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia rings, necklaces and earrings are available in a variety of beautiful styles. Cubic zirconias, or CZs, are quite easy to care for and don't scratch easily, but there are a few things you can do to keep your cubic zirconia rings, bracelets and pendants looking their best.

Caring for Cubic Zirconia Jewelry:

Clean your CZ jewelry. Cubic zirconia stones can appear dull over time with the build-up of lotions and oils from the skin. Cleaning CZ jewelry regularly can help it maintain its brilliance. Cubic zirconia stones can be cleaned professionally if desired, but they can also be easily cleaned at home. If your CZ jewelry is made of gold or platinum, then you can clean it with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, pre-packaged jewelry cleaning solutions or rubbing alcohol. If your CZ jewelry is made of sterling silver, it is best to avoid these cleaning products as harsh chemicals can discolor and damage sterling silver jewelry. Soapy water and a toothbrush can be used to clean any type of CZ jewelry. Simply mix mild dishwashing liquid with warm water and soak the jewelry. You can then gently scrub the jewelry clean with a toothbrush and rinse it under warm water.

Keep CZ jewelry clean. To keep your cubic zirconia jewelry clean and sparkly, remove the jewelry before applying lotions or other beauty products. It is also best to remove the jewelry while exercising, because perspiration can transfer oils from your skin and make a CZ look dull. If your Cubic zirconia jewelry is made of sterling silver, remove it before handling harsh chemicals or swimming to avoid damaging or discoloring the silver.

Store CZ jewelry carefully. While cubic zirconias themselves are difficult to scratch because they have a very high hardness rating similar to diamonds, metal and other stones in the jewelry can be damaged if the jewelry is not stored properly. Because CZ jewelry can be expensive, it is a good idea to store the jewelry carefully to protect your investment. Store cubic zirconia jewelry in a separate compartment in your jewelry box or keep it in a soft jewelry pouch.

Caring For Sterling Silver Jewelry

Many people wonder just how to take care of their sterling silver jewelry. When you first purchased that silver necklace, ring or broach it was shiny and beautiful. In time silver tarnishes from the interaction of silver and sulfides in the air.

First the tarnish will take on a golden hue, and eventually, it will turn the piece black. This is a natural process. Higher sulfide levels are associated with humidity and/or air pollution. Keep in mind that the more humid the climate, the faster sterling will tarnish. On a summer day in Jackson, Mississippi, all you have to do is walk out the door and the silver starts turning black very quickly.

(1) Sterling silver will polish up by rubbing or buffing it with a soft cotton cloth.

A chemically treated cloth, like a Sunshine Cloth, makes the job a lot easier and faster.

(2) Sterling silver dips are fast and easy. However, be careful!

First, many dips will take the color and polish off many gemstones.

Second, when using a dip, if you leave the piece in too long, or don't rinse it well enough with fresh water, white residues will be left on the piece when it dries. The residue is difficult to rub or pick off. When using a silver dip, dip the piece quickly in and out of the dip. Then immediately rinse it in clean water. When the piece dries, buff it with a soft cotton cloth or a Sunshine Cloth. The buffing brings out more of the shine, helps take off any residue left on the piece, and with a Sunshine Cloth, leaves a little bit of a protective anti-tarnish coating on the piece to keep it shiny longer.

A dip should only be used when a buffing with a dry cloth doesn’t work.

(3) Tarnish Shield, or similar lacquer shield, will keep the piece of jewelry shiny until the tarnish wears off. You should be aware that pieces that have been lacquered don't age well, until all the lacquer has worn off. In spots where the lacquer has loosened from the sterling, but not worn off, the silver will tarnish, but you won't be able to buff it.

If you use a dip to clean a piece that has a tarnish shield, often the dip will get under parts of the lacquer, leaving a residue, wherever the lacquer is beginning to wear off.

If the piece is a chain, or a filigree, the lacquer will form a film within the openings and cracks. This obviously makes the piece ugly.

The simplest way is usually the best way. Get a clean, soft cloth and polish your silver. It will be beautiful again!

How to Care for Rhodium Plated Jewelry