If you’re the proud owner of a large collection of gold jewelry, keeping it sparkling and free of tarnish is likely high on your list of priorities. Gold jewelry, whether it's a cherished family heirloom or a trendy new purchase, requires regular care to maintain its luster and extend its life. In this guide, we’ll talk you through how to clean gold jewelry the correct way, ensuring your pieces continue to shine for years to come. For those special pieces in your collection, incorporating can also enhance durability - so let’s get started!
Before you get started, it’s important to know exactly what type of gold you’re cleaning, as methods vary:
Gold-plated jewelry is crafted by covering a base metal with a thin layer of gold, offering the luxurious look of gold at a fraction of the cost. However, its care differs slightly from solid gold due to its delicate gold layer.
Solid gold jewelry, on the other hand, is made entirely of gold or a gold alloy, making it more durable but also susceptible to scratches and tarnish over time.
Regular wear of gold jewelry exposes it to various elements that can dull its shine and cause tarnish - proper cleaning removes these elements and prevents long-term damage.
Besides keeping your jewelry looking its best, regular cleaning also removes bacteria and buildup, ensuring that your pieces are hygienic to wear.
A gentle soapy water bath can work wonders for solid gold jewelry; simply mix a bit of mild dishwashing liquid in warm water and let your jewelry soak for a few minutes.
You can also use a soft-bristled brush; simply gently scrub your jewelry to remove any dirt or grime. Be careful around any crystals, gemstones or settings - you can take a look at our blog on cleaning Swarovski crystals for tailored advice.
You can also dry and polish your gold jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth or a specific jewelry polishing cloth to restore its shine.
Harsh chemicals can strip the gold layer off gold-plated jewelry, so it’s crucial to avoid them and stick to gentle cleaning methods.
Just like with real gold, a soft, dry cloth is often enough to restore the shine to gold-plated pieces without risking damage to the plating.
If necessary, a quick rinse in warm water can remove dust and dirt, but you’ll want to dry thoroughly with a soft cloth immediately after to prevent damage, wear and tarnishing.
You can also use the DIY route, opting for some of these non-abrasive measures:
A paste made from baking soda and water can help remove tarnish from gold jewelry; all you need to do is apply gently, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
A few drops of mild dishwashing liquid in warm water create a safe and effective cleaning solution for both solid gold and gold-plated jewelry, so long as you dry them thoroughly afterwards.
Maintaining the beauty and integrity of your gold jewelry requires regular care and the right cleaning techniques. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure your gold pieces remain as dazzling as the day you got them. Remember, using gentle, non-abrasive cleaning methods is key to preserving both solid gold and gold-plated jewelry.
We hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to clean gold jewelry at home effectively. If you're interested in finding more tips on jewelry care on the hunt for top quality jewelry findings, or simply looking to add to your collection, make sure to browse our collection and take your pieces to the next level.
While toothpaste is often cited as a home remedy for cleaning jewelry, it's not recommended for gold jewelry, especially those with a high polish. Toothpaste can be abrasive and may scratch the surface of gold, particularly on softer, gold-plated pieces. Stick to the gentler cleaning methods outlined above to avoid damaging your precious items.
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear your jewelry. For pieces worn daily, a light cleaning every two weeks is advisable to prevent buildup of skin oils and everyday grime. More thorough cleaning should be done every 1-2 months or as needed when you notice tarnish or a significant loss of shine. However, items worn less frequently may only require cleaning every few months to maintain their luster.
Chlorine and saltwater can be harmful to gold jewelry, leading to discoloration and even structural damage over time. It's best to remove gold jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools, hot tubs, or the ocean. Additionally, exposure to harsh chemicals and environments can accelerate wear and tarnish, making it all the more important to clean and inspect your jewelry regularly for any potential damage.
