Who doesn’t adore the sparkly glitter of gold? No lady has ever complained about having too much jewelry! However, as much as the majority of women and men adore gold, they are also concerned when their jewelry loses its luster. Most people are also bothered by the prospect of having to hire a professional to clean it.
There are, however, simple techniques to keep your gold jewelry clean and gleaming. And you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. So don’t give up. You don’t have to hide your beloved gold necklaces or bangles since they don’t glitter as brightly as they once did. Here’s all you need to know about cleaning gold jewelry.
Why Does Gold Jewelry Tarnish?
Before we get into the cleaning tips and methods for gold jewelry, it’s vital to understand the causes that cause them to deteriorate. There are several reasons why both new and antique gold trinkets lose their luster with age. The major cause of your gold jewelry losing its natural luster is – you guessed it – constant use.
The more and longer you wear them, the less shine and sparkle they have. But that isn’t all. There are several elements that influence gold’s inherent luster, ranging from grime to cosmetics and daily chemicals. Even the perfumes and moisturizers you use on your skin may tarnish your gold jewelry.
The chemical makeup of the gold used to make your jewelry is also one of the causes. As you may be aware, the finest type of gold, 24k gold, is incredibly soft. It is combined with other metals such as nickel, palladium, silver, zinc, and manganese to make it strong enough to be used in jewelry.
Purities of gold vary depending on the ratio of gold to other metals, such as 22k, 18k, and 14k. Because gold is an inert metal, it does not tarnish on its own. However, when exposed to oxygen and moisture in the air, the other metals in the mixture react. These reactions can darken or tarnish your gold jewelry. The discoloration is caused by the metal used to create the gold alloy.
How To Clean Gold Jewelry
You can easily prolong the shine of your gold jewelry by simply cleaning it regularly with a cleaning solution specially created for gold. However, it’s important to make sure that the solution indicates that it is compatible with gold, or it may do more harm than good.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to purchase any external solution, simple dish detergent and water can do the trick as well. Follow the steps below to clean your gold jewelry using detergent and water:
Step 1: Mix 2-3 drops of dish detergent in warm water. Ensure the water is warm and not boiling hot.
Step 2: Add 1-2 drops of ammonia to this solution.
Step 3: Using a baby-size toothbrush carefully brush the jewelry from all sides. Make sure the bristles of the brush reach each part of the ornament.
Step 4: Place the jewelry in clean lukewarm water to rinse out the detergent.
Step 5: Once done, remove the jewelry and air-dry it or use a soft towel or cloth to pat-dry it.
During this process, it’s important to remember that gold is a soft metal, so be gentle while brushing and drying it.
How To Clean Gold Jewelry with Colored Gemstones
Due to the properties of many colored gemstones, we recommend that you consult with your jeweler regarding the safest at-home cleaning procedure for any items that contain stones other than pure diamonds. Many natural gemstones are altered or improved after extraction, which affects how you maintain your jewelry.
Skip the ammonia and give your ornament a short dip in the soap and water combination if you need a quick polish before you can visit your jeweler. Almost any colored stone jewelry is safe to clean with this approach.
What To Not Use While Cleaning Gold Jewelry
Due to gold jewelry’s high chance of tarnish, there are a couple of specific substances to avoid. Out of those, the greatest enemy of gold is chlorine.
Chlorine, particularly at high temperatures such as those seen in a hot tub, can permanently damage or discolor your gold jewelry. Hence, you should never clean your gold jewelry with chlorine.
FAQs About Cleaning Gold Jewelry
With a simple gold cleaning solution that you can prepare at home, your gold jewelry can gleam like new again. Simply combine salt, baking soda, and hot water and soak your gold jewelry in it for 10 minutes.
As mentioned above, a few drops of dish detergent in warm, not hot, water makes the greatest DIY jewelry cleaning solution. Allow the item to soak in the solution for a few minutes, or longer if it’s very unclean, before gently scrubbing with a fresh, baby-size, soft toothbrush. Place the object in a fresh container of lukewarm water to rinse.
Using white vinegar to clean your gold and gemstone jewelry couldn’t be easier. Simply place the jewelry in a jar of vinegar and let it for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every now and again. If required, remove and clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Baking soda is a safe and eco-friendly solution to clean your gold. To clean your gold, use a baking soda vinegar or a baking soda-dish soap combination.
Yes, white vinegar is an effective solution if you’re wondering how to clean gold and gold-plated jewelry.
Conclusion
While the procedure mentioned above is the finest way to clean your gold jewelry at home, there is no alternative for a professional cleaning at your jeweler.
Your jeweler will know the correct techniques for each type of gemstone and metal, as well as inspect your piece for any damage. A semi-annual visit to your local jeweler is always recommended.
For more information about various types of jewelry and how to clean them effectively, keep reading Seema.
