CLEANING JEWELLERY.

Shannon News, 2 September 1924, Page 1

CLEANING JEWELLERY.

Years ago it was commonly supposed that all one need do to clean jewellery and add lustre to precious stones was to bathq them in honey. To-day, each gem has a special treatment diagnosed for it, and this treatment is outlined by a specialist in jewellery. To “spring clean” gems is not difficult, he says. Diamonds, which are dirty or faded are washed in warm soapy water for a minute. After drying on clean, soft flannel they are rubbed with good eau de .Cologne, and •wiped thoroughly. Turquoises' are never washed m water; they are rubbed for a minute or two with a soft rag to which methylated spirit has been applied. Turquoises, too, often change colour. Once they turn from a beautiful blue to a kind of seagreen, the only cure is to “skin” and repolish them. Water is seldom used for cleansing pearls. If methylated spirit is not handy, they are gently rubbed Avith a little whiting on a camel-hair brush, and polished finally with a chamois leather. Plain jewel- ■ lcry is Avashed in a soapy lather . of lukewarm water. After drying, a few rubs with a chamois leather produces the desired lustre. For cleaning gems a bright, dry day is always chosen. This is because damp and foggy weather makes all gems appear at their worst, and one cannot readily see the defects sufficiently to correct them. Cleaning may reveal de- . feet's Avhich require treatment by a specialist. No amount of cleaning will restore pearls which have lost tlieir vitality or which have become black with age. Rubies which are “run' down” also demand expert attention. Pro Adding the deterioration is checked in time, the lustre may be restored by massage. Sapphires frequently deteriorate, but they regain their, former .vitality after numerous baths of chemicals and simshine.