Do you want to sell your piece of old jewelry to a pawnshop? Well, the grime, dirt, and stain accumulated over time will make it look worn out and devalued. While this often doesn’t matter in the case of scrap gold, and buyers such as pawnshops likely clean the item before selling it anyway, you likely want to give off the best impression.
To be on the safe side you may want to take a few minutes to clean it up. You can take your time to clean it at home before you visit the pawnshop. However, if you do not mind the price, you can sell it in that state and let the dealer restore it.
Below are some of the methods that you can use to clean your jewelry before selling it.
Method One: Using Soap And Water
This method works best in porous and soft materials like pearls and turquoise. For best results, mix a few drops of mild detergent in two cups of warm water. Then immerse your jewelry for a moment and remove it.
You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the surface for sticky stains. If you are cleaning a ring, focus on the prongs and gemstones. Dirty diamonds develop yellowish hues on the upper coat. The coloring makes them look of lesser value, so it would be best to focus on these areas for you to get the best price at the pawnshop.
While the jewelry is still wet, use a soft cotton cloth to wipe and off the water. After that, lay the piece of jewelry on a flat surface to completely dry.
Method Two: Using Ammonia
If soap and water do not work for you, then soaking your jewelry in ammonia will do the trick. Mix half a cup of clear ammonia with one cup of warm water and stir. After that, dip your piece of jewelry in the solution and let it soak for about ten minutes.
After ten or so minutes, withdraw the item and wipe off the water with a soft cotton cloth. Leave your jewelry to dry before you store it away.
Method Three: Using Salt, Aluminum Foil, Water, and Bowl
This method applies the scientific mechanism of ion exchange to eliminate the stain and restores your jewelry to its pure form. The foil draws and collects the accumulated grim and tarnish, leaving the jewelry surface spotlessly clean.
For the best result, line the inside of a bowl with the foil, fill it with hot water. Add a tablespoon of salt and stir to dissolve. After that, dip your piece of jewelry in the solution and leave for several minutes to soak. Withdraw the item and wipe the surface with a soft piece of cloth.
It is important to note that turquoise pieces of jewelry are incredibly porous. So do not clean them using this method.
Method Four: Using an Antacids
This method sounds strange, but it works. Drop two tablets of antacids in a glass of warm water. The base elements in the pills will react with water and cause bubbles to form. While this happens, dip your pieces of jewelry to soak.
The effervescent solution gets rid of any dirt and grime accumulated on your jewelry. After a few minutes, remove the jewelry and rinse. Then, wipe the surface with a piece of soft cotton cloth and leave it to dry.
Method Five: Using White Vinegar
This method works well with gold and diamond jewelry. Fill a small container with white vinegar, and then drop your piece of jewelry in it. Leave it for about ten to fifteen minutes to soak before you remove it. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub off the sticky grim.
After that, rinse the jewelry and wipe it with a soft piece of cotton towel.
