HOW TO KEEP YOUR GOLD PIECES EXTRA SQUEAKY CLEAN FOR YEARS TO COME

Who does not love the sparkle of gold? 😊

Collecting solid gold jewelry is definitely an investment, both financially and emotionally, and anyone would want to take care of them and pass them from generation to generation. But as much as the majority of people love gold, they dread when their jewelry loses its original luster and becomes dull. The thought of having to go to a professional to have it cleaned seems like an unwanted hassle. But you don't have to make a trip to your local jeweler every time you see your gold jewelry begins losing its shine. It is totally possible for everyone to safely and effectively clean their solid gold jewelry at home.

 

Gold unlike silver does not easily tarnish however lower carat gold containing a higher percentage of other alloys mixed with the gold will tarnish if exposed to excessive levels of chemicals such as chlorine, alcohol, and acids. Once your solid gold jewelry starts to shine a little less bright, it’s probably time to clean it. The cleaning frequency of gold jewelry definitely depends on how often you wear it. Frequent wearing can leave it looking dull and lifeless as dirt and grime will clog jewelry settings over time contributed by the beauty products we wear like lotion, perfumes, oils, soaps and even sweat from our skin. I would recommend cleaning only one or two pieces of gold jewelry at a time to limit scratching. Let's go over the process: 

Step 1: In a large enough glass bowl (to hold the entire piece of gold jewelry) add 10 parts lukewarm water and 2 parts of Dawn dishwashing liquid and swish to thoroughly mix in the detergent and create a sudsy solution.

Step 2: Dip the gold jewelry and let it soak for at least 20-30 minutes. This will give the solution time to break down any grease built up on the surface as well as within cracks and crevices.

Step 3: If the jewelry is carved or exceptionally dirty, you may need to give it a light scrubbing with a new baby-sized soft-bristled tooth brush. This will dislodge embedded dirt in any recessed areas. Medium to firm bristles can easily scratch tooth enamel which has a Mohs hardness of 5. Gold alloys commonly used for jewelry have a hardness of 2.5 to 4 so your safest option would be to rub your jewelry piece with cotton balls or swabs.

Step 4: After gently swabbing, set your jewels back into the bowl for another 10 minutes to ensure thorough cleaning.

Step 5: After soaking, rinse the detergent residue off your gold jewelry with plain water and use a soft, lint free cloth to pat the piece dry. Avoid abrasive cloth or paper towel because the rough fibers could scratch the surface.

All solid gold pieces without gemstones can be cleared effectively with the above mentioned method.

In cases that your gold jewelry is embellished with precious gemstones, pearls, or enamel then have it properly identified. Different gemstones have different physical properties and react differently to heat, acids and scratching. Most commercially prepared jewelry cleaners are safe to use just ensure that they don't contain ammonia or chemicals that can damage sensitive gemstones such as pearls, opal or turquoise. If you are using mild detergent and water at home, here is the best course of actions:

Step 1: Prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild dishwashing soap (same steps as above).

Step 2: Let your jewelry piece soak for about 10 minutes and then use a soft camel hair paint brush to gently scrub it. A toothpick is also good at picking out accumulations, but don’t be harsh. Be mindful of the dirt usually accumulated on the underside of gemstones.

Step 3: Dip the jewelry piece back into the solution for a few more minutes and then rinse in warm running water about the same temperature as your solution. Radical temperature changes should be avoided. 

Step 4: Gently pat the piece dry with a soft lint free cloth.

Pieces of jewelry that has adhesive holding some components together should not be submerged in water. Water can loosen the glue and cause your gemstones to fall out.

Step 1: Prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild dishwashing soap (same steps as above). 

Step 2: Take a soft lint free cloth, dip it in the solution rub it gently against the gemstones and the metal parts of your gold jewelry. 

Step 3: One your piece has been cleaned, wipe the residue off your jewelry with a soft cloth dampened with water only. 

Step 4: Wipe the pieces dry completely.

Pearls on the other hand are porous and very delicate and need to be cleaned with great care. The best way to keep pearls immaculate is to clean them with a slightly damp cloth after every wear. Pat off any excess water, and store them separately in a fabric lined box. 

Make your gold jewelry cleaning an opportunity to look for signs of wear. Before washing, check your pieces and ensure that they don’t have any loose gemstones. don't forget to inspect the clasps and charms for snags.