Selling jewelry that’s lackluster in appearance isn’t going to get you the best bang for your buck. The discolorations won’t attract customers and could cause the pawnbroker to rethink the sale. Thankfully, with a few simple techniques, you can easily clean the material and restore its natural beauty. Consider the following to determine the best place to start.  

4 Cleaning Tips for Selling Jewelry

1. Soap & Water

This technique works best for gold, silver, and hard gemstones. Combine mild dish soap and warm water in a bowl, then soak the jewelry for approximately 15 minutes. Gently scrub the surface with a soft toothbrush to remove buildup. Rinse with warm water and dry the material with a clean cloth.

2. Salt & Aluminum Foil

You should only use this method for silver. Line the sides of a bowl with aluminum foil, and add hot water and a tablespoon of salt, stirring until the particles completely dissolve. Let your jewelry sit in the solution for several minutes.

The chemical reaction will draw the tarnish off the material and cause it to collect on the aluminum. Remove the pieces from the bowl and carefully wipe away the residue.

 3. Soap & Seltzer

This technique will give your gemstones a pristine shine. Create a solution with a few drops of mild dish soap and a bowl of seltzer water. Soak your jewelry for approximately five minutes while the carbonation loosens debris from among the facets. Gently scrub the surface with a soft toothbrush before rinsing in a bowl of clean water, and then buff your belongings with a clean cloth until dry.

4. Ammonia

Use only for gold and silver for this cleaning solution. Combine half a cup of ammonia with a cup of warm water in a bowl, then soak your jewelry for a maximum of 10 minutes. Any longer, and you could cause accidental damage, such as erosion.

The strength of the solution will break down the buildup and restore the natural shine. Wipe them with a soft cloth, and then leave your jewelry to dry.

If you’re interested in selling jewelry, reach out to Coins & Stuff in High Point, NC. They’re a local pawn shop that has been in the business for over 37 years, with expertise in gold and silver jewelry, firearms, and coins. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau® and are members of the NFIB, NGC, and PCGS. For a full list of services, visit their website or call (336) 885-5323 to schedule an appointment.