Before going to a pawnshop for a jewelry exchange, clean your pieces to ensure they look presentable. This will help you get top dollar for them. If you aren’t sure how to spruce up your pieces, here’s what you can do at home to make them shine.

How Do I Clean Jewelry?

1. Scrub With a Toothbrush

Take an old toothbrush with soft bristles and gently scrub the metal—add a little water if the grime isn’t coming off. If your piece has stubborn discoloration, dilute a small amount of toothpaste in water and brush with the mixture. Once you’re satisfied that the item is clean, rinse it and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Let your piece air dry before bringing it to the jewelry exchange.

2. Use Carbonation

Drop an effervescent heartburn tablet into a glass of water, then immediately slide your jewelry into the same cup. Let it soak for five minutes or until the tablet stops bubbling. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to scrub away any residue, then let the jewelry air dry.

Carbonated water or baking soda will also work for this cleaning trick.  These bubbly methods are most effective on silver, gold, or diamond jewelry. Never use this method to clean soft gemstones, like turquoise, as it’ll damage them.

3. Shine It With a Polishing Cloth

If you’re going to a pawnshop with silver pieces, use a polishing cloth to give your items extra shine. These cloths are typically made of cotton or flannel and treated with polishing agents. The fabric will remove years of wear when you rub it against the metal, and it’ll trap dirt in its fibers.

If you’re interested in a jewelry exchange, contact the team at A Happy Pawn in Chinatown, Oahu. This trustworthy pawnshop is accredited by the Better Business Bureau® and has been in business since 1988. Their team will gladly look at your pieces, assess their values, and offer a fair price in exchange. To get more information about their services, visit the website or call (808) 383-5253.