Fine jewelry defies the limitations of age and time and is supposed to be a durable object that can be handed down from one generation to the next. However, with time and with repeated wear, your gold jewelry may develop a layer of body oils, grease, and soap. Therefore, it is normal for them to fade and lose their luster. By taking good care of your treasured jewelry pieces, you can lengthen their lives and keep them sparkling for longer.
To help you keep the shine on your gold jewelry, we have put together our top tips for caring for your gold necklaces, earrings, and rings to keep them in the best possible condition.
Steps to Take Care of Your Gold Jewelry
You don't need special, expensive jewelry cleaners to clean your gold jewelry. Simple household items that you already have at home can also work. Continue reading to find out how to take care of your jewelry at home.
How to Clean Your Gold Jewelry
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Stir a solution of mild dish detergent and lukewarm water.
Because it is less abrasive than other cleansers, dish detergent is the ideal choice for cleaning your gold jewelry. Pour a few drops of liquid dish soap into a bowl of lukewarm water, then stir the mixture. Make sure the bowl is big enough to accommodate your jewelry.
Soak your jewelry in the mixture for some time.
Give your gold jewelry at least 15 to 30 minutes to soak in the water. The lukewarm soap water will get into the cracks and crevices as it soaks, removing dirt accumulations that are difficult to access. Don't soak jewelry that contains stones. Instead, dip a soft cloth in the solution and use it to clean your jewelry.
If necessary, scrub with a soft toothbrush.
You might need to give your gold jewelry a little scrub with a soft-bristled brush, such as an old soft toothbrush or jeweler's brush if it is highly carved or unusually unclean. In any recessed region, a light scrape will get rid of any embedded dirt.
Clean your jewelry one piece at a time.
This makes it easier for you to clean your jewelry without damaging any of your other pieces. After soaking your jewelry in soap water, gently rub it with your fingertips (you can also use a soft cotton cloth or swab).
Wash your jewelry in plain warm water.
After cleaning all your gold jewelry pieces, run them through clean warm water. If all traces of dirt and residue are removed, the water will flow clearly.
Dry your jewelry using a gentle cloth.
Carefully rub your jewelry using a soft cloth until it is dry. You can also leave it to dry naturally. Avoid using tissue or paper towels because they might damage the jewelry's finish.
Using Ammonia to Clean Your Gold Jewelry
Although ammonia is an effective cleanser, its chemical makeup can make it somewhat corrosive. To prevent wear on your jewelry, avoid cleaning it with ammonia too frequently. Overusing it may cause your gold to lose value. Ammonia can be a good choice for occasional (but not frequent) “deep cleans.” It can also harm certain materials frequently used in jewelry such as pearls. Avoid using ammonia to clean such pieces.
As a strong base, ammonia can be mildly corrosive, so don't leave jewelry in the ammonia mixture for an extended period of time. Use a kitchen strainer to swiftly remove all the jewelry at once. Either tip the bowl into a larger strainer in the sink or use a hand-held strainer to fish the jewelry out.
How to Maintain Your Gold Jewelry
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Put on your gold jewelry at the very last when dressing up.
Lotions, perfumes, cosmetics, and other items can harm gold and cause accumulation. Make it a routine to put your jewelry on last when getting ready. Adding your jewelry last can help you limit exposure, even though your jewelry will still be slightly exposed to these items.
Take your jewelry off before taking a shower, bathing, or cleaning.
Getting in contact with chemicals, shampoo, soap, and other body products can dull and tarnish your gold jewelry, thus requiring more frequent cleaning. The metal can also get damaged since it is a soft metal and is readily scratched or broken.
Don’t wear your gold jewelry in a pool.
Chlorine is gold’s adversary. Repeated contact with chlorine can permanently tarnish gold, impair the structure of your gold jewelry, and eventually cause it to break.
Store your gold jewelry separately.
It is not advised to store valuables in boxes that are readily available commercially. They might contain chemical adhesives that darken and discolor your jewelry. Instead, keep your jewelry in tidy, dry, fabric-lined jewelry boxes to prevent pieces from scratching one another and dulling the shine. Use soft fabric to gently wrap each piece of jewelry if you don't have a jewelry box. Jewelry is kept from tangling or scratching each other by being stored separately.
Check and clean your jewelry periodically.
It is advisable to check your jewelry carefully every 6-12 months to see if cleaning or a light polish is necessary. Cleaning them frequently will prevent any accumulation of dirt and grime and keep your jewelry shining all year. If your jewelry does not contain soft gemstones, pearls, or crystals, you can clean it once a month with lukewarm water and a little dish detergent using your fingertips or a soft towel to preserve its luster. Or, to be safe, you can use a nonabrasive jewelry cleaning made especially for gold.
Occasionally polish your gold jewelry.
Even if your jewelry doesn't require cleaning, occasionally polishing it is an excellent way to keep it in good condition and maintain its original luster. You can use a delicate microfiber cloth, like the one you use to clean your spectacles to rub the surface of the piece gently.
Give a professional a visit.
Take your pieces to a qualified professional if they are still dull or discolored after cleaning. They will be able to bring back the original beauty of your piece.
