| ing cubic zirconia jewelry is much easier than you think! | | | | of a diamond—it’s uncanny. As CZ is |
| So take advantage of these simple tips that will keep | | | | quickly becoming more popular as a desirable |
| your precious jewelry sparkling and lustrous—so | | | | substitute for diamond, it’s important to care for |
| you can enjoy them for years to come. | | | | it the same way you would a diamond. |
| Like diamonds, the precious cubic zirconia (CZ) gems | | | | So if for some reason you cannot remove the dirt off |
| need to be cleaned to maintain their original brilliance | | | | your CZ jewelry, take it to a jeweler and give it a |
| and luster. Many variables in our surrounding can dull | | | | high-pressure steam clean, as would be done to a |
| the shine of precious gems: body lotion, perfume, | | | | diamond. This will remove almost any scum off your |
| hairspray, perspiration, or just simply, normal everyday | | | | jewelry. |
| wear. | | | | When we clean a customer's jewelry and inspect it |
| All lotions and soap film are some of the more difficult | | | | for wear, and loose or missing stones, we find the |
| materials to remove. Just a little of any of these | | | | jewelry needing repair is most often a jewelry piece |
| materials on your CZ stone, will take away much of | | | | that has never been cleaned by the owner. Persistent |
| the visual brilliance of the stone. So it is vital to keep | | | | dirt gets between the metal settings and the stones, |
| your CZ clean to maintain its sparkling diamond look. | | | | causing abrasive wear and eventually, perhaps a loose |
| A convenient way to clean your CZ jewelry is to use | | | | stone. |
| a small brushing device with soft bristles (preferably a | | | | One of the most basic rules of jewelry care is to |
| toothbrush), along with warm to hot water mixed with | | | | apply all lotions, make-up, hair spray, etc. first, before |
| a mild liquid dishwashing detergent (such as the brand, | | | | you put on your jewelry. To minimize scratches and |
| Joy), and brush as well as possible to remove any | | | | other damage, store your jewelry either in a cloth |
| scum build-up. | | | | pouch or in a separate compartment in your jewelry |
| Then, rinse well in warm to hot water, pat dry with a | | | | box. |
| clean cloth, and take a look. If more cleaning is needed, | | | | Now that you know how easy it is to care for your |
| soak the jewelry piece in hot water, with about 1/3 | | | | CZ, be sure to clean your CZ jewelry |
| detergent to 2/3 hot water. (The mix is not critical.) | | | | regularly—depending on how often you wear it; if |
| Then, just brush again. When you’re done | | | | you wear it everyday, cleaning it once a week is |
| cleaning your jewelry, be sure to dry it well so to keep | | | | sufficient. |
| its brilliant shine. | | | | Follow our simple tips on cleaning cubic zirconia, and |
| Avoid exposing your CZ jewelry to abrasive | | | | you can be certain your CZ jewelry will not only |
| substances such as household chemicals when | | | | maintain its original brilliance and luster for years to |
| cleaning with bleach or ammonia, or when swimming in | | | | come, but it will continue to sparkle radiantly for you |
| chlorinated water, as these chemicals can damage | | | | when you wear it, and show it off! |
| your jewelry. Although most abrasive cleansers will not | | | | © 2007 All rights reserved. Reprinting or |
| damage a CZ stone, they will, however, take the | | | | republishing of this article is allowed, provided the |
| lustrous shine off the metal in which the stone is set. | | | | author’s information including copyright and |
| Gemologists can agree that CZ comes closer than | | | | resource link is retained to accompany the article. |
| any other gem material to matching the characteristics | | | | |