Gold Care Tips: How to Clean & Maintain Your Gold Jewellery
5 August 2024
Gold jewellery is a classic symbol of style and opulence, loved for its beauty and value. Whether you have gold rings, necklaces, bracelets or earrings, proper care is key to keeping them looking their best and damage free. This guide will give you practical tips and advice on how to care for your gold jewellery in everyday life so they look as good as the day you first put them on.
1. Clean regularly
Regular cleaning is key to keeping gold jewellery looking its best. Over time dirt, oils and other substances can build up and dull your pieces. Here’s how to clean your gold jewellery:- Soap and Water Solution: Mix a mild, non-abrasive soap with warm water to create a cleaning solution. Avoid harsh detergents or chemicals that can damage the metal.
- Soaking and Brushing: Soak your gold jewellery in the solution for a few minutes. Use a soft brush, like a toothbrush with soft bristles, to gently scrub away dirt and grime. Pay particular attention to intricate designs and crevices where dirt can accumulate.
- Rinsing and Drying: Rinse the jewellery thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Dry with a soft, lint free cloth. Avoid using paper towels as they can scratch the surface.
2. Storage
Proper storage is key to preventing gold jewellery from scratching, tangling and other damage. Here’s how to store your pieces:- Jewellery Box with Soft Lining: Store your gold jewellery in a jewellery box with a soft lining to prevent scratching. Choose a box with compartments to keep pieces separate and organised.
- Individual Storage: If possible, store each piece separately in small pouches or cloth bags. This prevents items from rubbing against each other which can cause scratching and damage.
- Avoid Humidity and Moisture: Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Excess moisture can cause tarnishing and damage.
3. Chemicals
Gold is sensitive to chemicals found in everyday products. To prevent discoloration and damage follow these precautions:- Remove Jewellery Before Applying Products: Always remove your gold jewellery before applying lotions, perfumes, hair products or makeup. These substances can leave residues that dull the metal.
- Avoid Exposure to Cleaning Agents: Household cleaning agents, especially those with bleach or ammonia, can be harsh on gold. Remove your jewellery before using these products to prevent chemical reactions that can damage the metal.
4. Scratches and Physical Damage
Gold is a soft metal so it’s prone to scratches and dents. To minimise the risk of damage:- Handle with Care: Always handle your gold jewellery gently. Don’t pull or tug on delicate chains or clasps.
- Remove During Physical Activities: Take off your jewellery before engaging in activities that could cause damage, such as sports, gardening or heavy lifting. Even seemingly harmless activities like cooking can expose your jewellery to heat and chemicals.
- Be Mindful of Surfaces: Avoid placing your jewellery on hard surfaces that can scratch or dent it. Use a soft cloth or jewellery mat when setting down your pieces.
5. Professional Maintenance
While at-home cleaning is important, professional maintenance is also key to the longevity of your gold jewellery. Here’s what to consider:- Regular Inspections: Take your jewellery to a professional jeweller for periodic checks. They can check for loose stones, worn prongs and other signs of wear and tear.
- Thorough Cleaning: Professional jewellers have the tools and expertise to clean jewellery thoroughly, including ultrasonic cleaning and steam cleaning. These methods can remove dirt and grime that’s hard to get at home.
- Repairs and Adjustments: If any damage is found, a jeweller can do the necessary repairs, such as re-tipping prongs, soldering broken chains or resizing rings. Addressing minor issues early on can prevent bigger problems later on.
6. Extreme Temperatures
Gold jewellery can be affected by extreme temperatures which can cause the metal to expand or contract and potentially damage. To protect your pieces:- Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: Don’t expose your jewellery to sudden temperature changes, such as taking it from a cold environment into a hot sauna. These changes can cause thermal shock and damage the metal.
- Keep Away from Heat Sources: Avoid placing your jewellery near heat sources like radiators, stoves or direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to heat can weaken the metal and affect its appearance.
7. Special Care for Different Types of Gold Jewellery
Different types of gold jewellery require special care to maintain their appearance:- White Gold: White gold is often plated with rhodium to make it white. Over time the plating can wear off and reveal the yellowish hue of the gold alloy underneath. Consider re-plating your white gold jewellery every now and then to keep it bright and white.
- Gold-Plated Jewellery: Gold-plated pieces have a thin layer of gold over a base metal. To extend the life of gold-plated jewellery avoid abrasive cleaning methods and limit exposure to water and chemicals.
- Vintage and Antique Gold Jewellery: Older pieces are more delicate and need extra care. Handle them with care and seek professional cleaning and maintenance to preserve their historical value.
8. Common Myths and Misconceptions
There are many myths and misconceptions about gold jewellery care. Here are a few to bust:- Toothpaste for Cleaning: Some people think toothpaste is a good cleaner for gold but it’s too abrasive and can scratch. Stick to mild soap and water instead.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: While baking soda and vinegar can be used for cleaning, they can be harsh on gold and should be used with caution. Always dilute and test on a small area first.