Individuals are employing espresso machines to polish their engagement rings; I sought jewelry experts' opinions on this practice's validity
In the world of home cleaning hacks, one method has recently gained traction - using an espresso machine to clean jewelry. Rustin Yasavolian, CEO at Masina Diamonds, has stated that this method is safe for fine jewelry, although it's important to note that the pressure of steam from professional ring cleaning machines may be stronger.
A soft toothbrush, warm water, mild dish soap, and a light steam from the espresso machine are recommended for safe and effective home cleaning. This method is particularly useful for cleaning diamonds, solid gold, or platinum rings, as the steam from an espresso wand is functionally similar to professional jewelry steamers and will not damage these materials.
However, alternative stones or metals in jewelry might make the steam cleaning hack a risk not worth taking. Heat-sensitive or porous stones such as opals, pearls, turquoise, and emeralds should never be steam cleaned due to the risk of irreversible damage by heat and moisture. Similarly, certain jewellery, like silver, is plated with a thin layer of gold. The high-pressure steam can potentially damage or strip the thin layer of plating.
Moreover, many gemstones are treated with oils or resins to enhance their appearance. Steam can remove these treatments, altering the stone's appearance. As a result, professional cleaning by a jeweler is recommended as an alternative to steam cleaning.
Jonathan Goldberg, Founder and CEO at Kimberfire, supports this view, stating that high-pressure steam is used as a final polish before shipping out engagement rings and fine jewelry. He warns that without specialized equipment, replicating this process safely at home is difficult, especially in countries like Germany, where professional jewelry cleaners using high-pressure steam are typically found in specialized jewelry stores or professional cleaning services.
The popularity of the espresso machine jewelry cleaning hack is evident in a viral video shared by Instagram user Kurin Emerick (@kurinadele). The caption reads, "Who needs a jeweler when you have a Breville?" The video, which has over five million views, shows Kurin cleaning her engagement ring with the steam wand from her espresso machine.
While the espresso machine hack may offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for cleaning certain types of jewelry, it's crucial to remember that each piece of jewelry is unique and may require specific care. Therefore, it's always best to consult with a professional jeweler when in doubt.
The soap and water method, while traditional, remains a reliable option for home cleaning. The CONNOISSEURS Diamond Dazzle Stik, a travel-sized jewelry cleaning pen, is another tool designed to remove oils and dirt from a range of stones. Regardless of the method chosen, maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of jewelry is essential to preserve its beauty and value.
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