If you're going to pawn your jewelry, you'll want to make sure that it's as clean as possible. This allows you to present your item in the best possible light, and also makes it easy for the agent to properly evaluate your item's condition. You'll find that your offer and your overall experience at the pawn shop is improved significantly as a result.
The problem is that cleaning your jewelry can be difficult. Also, it's natural to be afraid of damaging such high-value items with harsh cleaners and abrasives. Fortunately, most jewelry can be cleaned with common household items very easily. Learn more below.
Tip #1--Use Alka-Seltzer on Gold Rings and Necklaces
Alka-Seltzer has a makeup very similar to club soda. As a result, it acts as a safe and effective cleaner for gold jewelry and gemstones. After a quick treatment with the solution, your rings and necklaces will look like new--and you won't have to worry about damaging your valuables.
To do this, simply place two tablets of Alka-Seltzer into one cup of water. Then, soak your jewelry in the solution for five minutes. When finished, blot your jewelry dry with a gentle towel and allow it to air-dry.
Tip #2--Aluminum and Baking Soda Work Great on Silver
Antique silverware and neglected silver jewelry can become tarnished over time. This isn't just due to dirt accumulation--it's actually a chemical reaction that causes the silver to become uncleanable by traditional methods. In order to remove this tarnish, you'll have to use a different method.
The good news is that it's easy--and fun--to make your silver look shiny and new. You'll need two pans, some water, some aluminum foil, and some baking soda. Simply line your pan with foil, place your silver on top of the foil, and boil some water in another pan. Add boiling water to the pan and add one cup of baking soda for every gallon of boiling water. Severe tarnish can require two sessions to come completely clean.
Tip #3--Beer Can Clean Your Gold
Here's a great excuse to buy beer--if you actually need one. Besides tasting great, it can help clean all of your gold jewelry safely and effectively. Unfortunately, for dark beer lovers, only pale ales and amber colored variants are suitable for this task.
You can either completely submerge your item in beer, or you can apply some of the beer to a clean, dry cloth and rub the item clean. The cloth approach is great for items that don't have a lot of nooks and crannies. Either way, your gold will look shiny and new very quickly.
Tip #4--Vodka is Perfect For Gemstones and Costume Jewelry
It might seem like there's a theme developing, but another alcohol that is useful for cleaning your jewelry is vodka. Gemstones come clean right away when a cloth dipped in vodka is applied to the dirty area. You'll probably want to avoid submerging your entire item in vodka, simply because the cost could become quite high.
Because vodka works extremely well on glass surfaces as well, it's a perfect choice for working on your costume jewelry. As a bonus tip, it's also great in a pinch for cleaning off dirty eyeglasses. Also, since it's a completely clear liquid, you won't encounter any risk of staining your cloth napkins or towels when you do this.
Cleaning your jewelry completely is an important first step in the jewelry pawning process. Fortunately, this doesn't have to be an expensive or time-consuming experience. With items you likely already have in your home, you can get your jewelry into the best possible condition before meeting with an agent to determine your offer.
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