When cleaning jewelry at home, the simplest method with the least
amount of ingredients is always the safest . However, there are more
specific ways you can clean your jewelry, depending on its qualities.
Since gold jewelry is so popular, here is the best way to keep it
shining like new in between visits to your jeweler.
Properties of Gold Jewelry
Pure gold is always 24 karat gold. If your piece is less than 24
karats, this indicates it’s mixed with other metals – called alloys –
to increase its hardness and durability. This is not necessarily a bad
thing. The more active your lifestyle, the less pure gold you’ll want
in your jewelry. Gold is a soft metal and is prone to scratching, so
mixing it with 10 or more parts alloy will increase its longevity .
A jewelry cleaning solution specifically created for gold is a safe
and effective way to keep your gold in tip-top shape. Just make sure
it indicates gold as an intended use!
1. Mix a bit of dish detergent in warm, not hot, water.
2. Add a few drops of ammonia.
3. Carefully brush with a new, baby-size soft toothbrush.
4. Place in lukewarm water to rinse.
5. Air dry or carefully towel-dry with paper towel or regular cloth.
Remember: gold is a soft metal. Be gentle during the brushing and
drying processes.
Hazards to avoid when cleaning gold jewelry
Because of gold jewelry’s high chance of tarnish, there are a couple
specific substances to avoid:
Soap – Steer clear of any soap with unknown ingredients. Basic blue
dish soap is fine, but remove your gold jewelry before showering to
avoid accumulating a film from other body washes.
Chlorine – Chlorine, especially at high temperatures like in a hot
tub, can permanently damage or discolour your gold jewelry. Remember
to remove it when cleaning with chlorine bleach, too!
*While pure gold does not tarnish, almost all gold jewelry is an
alloy, as mentioned above. Depending on the percentage of other metals
mixed with the gold, there is chance for tarnish. Better safe than
sorry!
Gold Jewelry with Coloured Gemstones
Due to the characteristics of many colored gemstones, it is advised
asking your jeweler about the safest at-home cleaning method for any
pieces with stones other than pure diamonds. Many natural gemstones
are treated or enhanced after extraction, impacting how you should
clean your jewelry.
If you need a quick polish before you’ll have a chance to visit your
jeweler, skip the ammonia and give your piece a quick dip in the soap
and water mixture. This method is safe for almost all colored stone
jewelry.
Visiting Your Jeweler
While the method described above is the best way to clean your gold
jewelry at home, there’s no substitute for visiting your jeweler for a
professional cleaning.
Your jeweler will know the proper procedures depending on the specific
type of gemstone and metal, as well as check your item over for any
damage.
