I'm often asked, how do I clean my jewelry at home? People are especially curious because of the plastic LEGO® bricks that I use as a modern pop of color to offset the sterling silver, gold or platinum in my jewelry design. 

Everyday wear, as well as lotions and other things you come into contact with while wearing jewelry, can dull gemstones and leave metals tarnished. But you'd probably be surprised to learn that most jewelry can be safely cleaned with dish soap, warm water and a soft toothbrush!

This article in the New York Times sums it up nicely.

How to clean your LEGO® jewelry at home.

While LEGO® is tough, it cannot withstand the harsh chemicals in some jewelry cleaning fluids or polishes – they might cloud or etch the plastic – so please never dip your pieces in silver cleaner!

1. Start with a bowl of warm water and a drop or two of dish detergent. With a soft, new toothbrush, gently clean the piece to remove any oil and grime.

2. Next, to combat the tarnish on silver pieces, dab your toothbrush in a bit of baking soda and gently scrub the piece, concentrating on the tarnished areas.

3. Rinse with warm water and repeat if necessary, dry with a soft cloth.

4. For tarnish that is resistant you can use a small piece of jewelry polishing cloth on the metal only.

5. When you are not wearing your pieces, store in a clear zip lock bag to keep it from dust and oxidization.

Lastly, if you want to invest in a way to clean all your jewelry efficiently I recommend an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. With proper care, your LEGO® inspired jewelry will last a lifetime!