Since I'm not usually one to beat around the bush, let's just go on ahead and get down to the brass tax! (see what I did there? because this is a post about jewelry… anyone?)
First things first, let's talk about the metals I choose to work with - gold-filled, sterling silver, copper, and brass. Although I am a firm believer that all that glitters is gold, I also recognize not everyone has heart-eyes for all gold all the time. Thus, sterling silver, brass, and copper have taken up residence in my home. I prefer to use gold-filled rather than gold-plated because the former has 100 times more gold than the latter, which also means that gold-filled is more durable than gold-plated and makes it a great+affordable alternative to a solid gold piece. Really, I've selected these metals because they're all more universally kind to those of us who suffer from metal sensitivities and for their affordability! Because #girlonabudget.
Ok, so now onto the actual meat of this post - how in the heck do you keep your beautiful investments looking their best?! Sister, I got you!
Actually, I've got a few for you! And, yes, they're all two ingredients and concocted with everyday kitchen items - you’re welcome!
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Lemon & Salt
I ALWAYS have lemons on hand. What can I say, I’m a Florida girl and I come from a citrus-centric county. I would say this option is best for brass and to make sure to be gentle as the salt can be a bit abrasive if scrubbed in too harshly - and you don’t want to scratch up your jewelry.
First, cut a lemon in half, sprinkle table salt on the fruit side(not the skin) of one half, and gently rub over your jewelry. To be extra gentle, use an old or soft bristle toothbrush. Rinse clean with water and pat dry with a towel.
Ketchup
This is great if you have tarnished brass or copper. STAY WITH ME! I promise this is a thing. Grandma approved and Good Housekeeping confirmed, scouts honor.
This is just as easy as the first. Get you a towel, some ketchup! Then squeeze about a tablespoon of ketchup onto the towel and lightly scrub in circular motions all over your tarnished copper or brass. Rinse clean and pat dry… and VOILA, you have that newly-minted-penny kind of shine!
Water & Baking Soda
Has that new charm bracelet started to tarnish or did you just inherit your grandmother's silver service set?
I have a final, two-ingredient option for ya - water and baking soda! It's easy peasy, mix three parts baking soda to 1 part water and make a paste. Dip a clean towel into the paste and gently work it into the piece. As the towel greys from the tarnish, move to a clean spot and add more paste. Once your silver is tarnish free, rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.
Also, also, MAYBE come back later this week for another snicket on how to keep your engagement ring or any of your diamond or moissanite looking its SPARKLIEST!!! … just sayin, it's three ingredients and I have a feeling you already have them in your kitchen.
