Dear Heloise: Thanks for your many hints. Do you have a recipe for a homemade jewelry cleaner? I considered using dish soap along with a little vinegar or something, but thought you might have something better.—Gayle from Delray Beach, Fla.

You bet I do! It’s simple and cheap! To make your own jewelry cleaner (for only pennies), mix equal parts of sudsy ammonia and water. Soak only GOLD or DIAMOND jewelry. DO NOT use it on jade, opal, pearl, turquoise, coral, malachite, amber, lapis lazuli or any other soft or porous stone (when in doubt, don’t).

After soaking the jewel...

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