How to Clean Gold Jewellery

Introduction

Importance of Cleaning Gold Jewellery

Cleaning gold jewellery is important not just for maintaining beauty and value but also for sentimental reasons. Depending on how often you wear the jewellery oils from your skin, lotions and everyday dirt can start to build up. Regular maintenance and cleaning keeps your jewellery shining but also can reveal issues with your jewellery such as loose settings or broken clasps that may not have been seen otherwise

Types of Gold Jewellery

When it comes to cleaning gold jewellery, the most important place to start is what type of gold your jewellery is. Pure gold or 24k gold is soft and should be cleaned very gently to ensure the metal doesn't scratch. On the other hand 18kt, 14k & 9kt gold are mixed with other metals and can withstand a slightly more intense clean than 24k but we still advise caution to avoid damaging the gold alloy.  

White gold usually has a rhodium plating, this usually will wear off especially if your daily wearing. It's best to use mild non-abrasive cleaning techniques and if possible have the jewellery re-plated from a professional. Rose gold is topped up with copper, this can mean it can tarnish more easily but you have to be cautious to make sure you use cleaning materials that don't react with Copper. Gold comes in lots of types and that means you have to have different cleaning routines depending if you want to keep your gold in tip-top condition. 

Common Causes of Tarnish and Dirt Accumulation

Gold has a strong resistance to tarnish that's why its used for things like jewellery and coins. But that doesn't make it completely immune. Common causes of tarnish on gold are sweat, creams, perfumes & pollutants, these leave residues that dull the metal.

Chlorine in swimming pools and simple household cleaning products can cause your gold to dis-colour, especially if you are wearing your items daily. Everyday tasks such as swimming, cleaning or simply wearing do cause harm to your gold which is why we are going to explain how best to manage it.

Tools and Materials Needed

Essential Cleaning Supplies

• Soft Cloth - A soft lint-free cloth should be used to gently polish and dry your gold jewellery. This should avoid scratching. 

• Mild Dish Soap - A few drops of mild dish soap mixed with warm water can help to remove everyday dirt. 

• Soft-Bristled Toothbrush - This is ideal for complex or intricate jewellery, the soft brush can get into hard-to-reach places.

• Bowl of Warm Water - Soaking your jewellery in warm water before starting can loosen grime and make it easier to clean the item. 

• Microfiber Cloth - These clothes are great as they are non-abrasive, and ideal for cleaning jewellery with stones or a metal that is more prone to scratching.

Optional Cleaning Supplies

• Bicarbonate of Soda - An effective cleaning product that can remove tarnish, this should be used sparingly and mixed into a paste. 

• Ammonia - Not to be used with gemstones, this is a strong cleaner that needs to be diluted before use. 

• Baking Powder - Can be used as an alternative to Bicarbonate of Soda. 

• Vinegar - This is an acidic that can dissolve tarnish, this needs to be used in small quantities to avoid damage, ensure rinsing after to remove any left over. 

• Professional Jewellery Cleaner - There are products out there, designed especially for jewellery. If you are dealing with a difficult piece we advise you research for the right product for you. 

Preparation Steps

Checking for Loose Stones and Damage

Before you clean any jewellery its important we take some safety steps to ensure a successful cleaning. If you have any gemstones on your jewellery its important you check that they aren't loose, if they are loose they could come free while cleaning and end up lost or damaged. You also need to inspect for any damage, this is important because you don't want to make a problem even worse, or you might complete a clean without checking and think you've damaged it while cleaning. If there is any loose stones or damage we advise seeking a jewellery professional before any home cleaning. 

Organising Your Cleaning Space

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, you don't want to be losing any of your jewellery. Working in a unorganised space is a recipe for disaster! Make sure you use a flat, clean surface with plenty of space and light. Have all your cleaning essentials close to hand and have a bowl or dish for the water you will need. Having a organised, clean surface really does help,  cleaning your jewellery can be scary so removing a potential stress is always best. 

Safety Precautions

Cleaning jewellery can be dangerous, you may be using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. These can harm you or damage your jewellery. When cleaning with a solution make sure to test on a small part of the item before covering the item in a solution that may damage the item. Make sure your cleaning area is well ventilated if you are using strong solutions and keep cleaning products out of the reach of children and pets. If you are using chemicals, its always advise you wear gloves and eye wear to protect yourself.

Methods to Clean Gold Jewellery

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild washing up liquid. Mix gently to create a soapy solution.


2. Soak the Jewellery: Place your gold jewellery in the bowl and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt and grime.


3. Gently Scrub: Using a soft toothbrush, gently scrub the jewellery, paying close attention to crevices and intricate details. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid scratching the gold.


4. Rinse Thoroughly: Remove the jewellery from the soapy solution and rinse it under warm running water to wash away any soap residue.


5. Dry and Polish: Pat the jewellery dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. For an extra shine, use a microfiber cloth to gently polish the piece.


6. Inspect: After cleaning its important you have a look at your jewellery to make sure its fully clean and no damage has occurred during the clean.

Dos and Don'ts

We've already mentioned a lot of the do's when it comes to cleaning jewellery so we will just give a quick recap. 

The Do's

• Do use warm water
• Do use mild washing up liquid
• Do use a mild brush
• Do scrub gently
• Do test cleaning solutions

The Don'ts 

• Don't use harsh chemicals like bleach
  
• Don't use abrasive materials
• Don't use a cluttered space
• Don't clean your jewellery if you think its damaged
• Don't clean all gold the same

Using Bicarbonate Soda to Clean Gold

Benefits and Risks

Bicarbonate soda has become a very popular house hold cleaning hack in the last few years. This is mainly down to its mild abrasive qualities. It can remove tarnish and grime from gold restoring items to there original shine but this does come with risks. If your using Bicarbonate you must use it sparingly and carefully to avoid damaging your jewellery, also it should not be used on any gold-plated jewellery. In the next section we will discuss how to use the cleaning product. 

Detailed Procedure

So you've decided to give it a go! This part will get you a detailed step by step guide on how best to use Bicarbonate. You need to start by creating a paste with three parts bicarbonate and one part water and mix until it becomes a paste. Once its become a paste you can start to apply to your jewellery very gently with a soft cloth or brush (make sure to avoid gemstones and diamonds). Pay extra attention to areas of dirt build up or tarnish. After applying and rubbing into the jewellery always rinse under warm running water to remove any left over paste. Now pat dry with a soft cloth and buff to a shine using a microfiber cloth. This method can have your gold jewellery gleaming but should be used sparingly and safely to avoid damaging your jewellery.

Cleaning Gold Jewellery with Diamonds

Special Considerations for Diamonds

There are some things you need to consider before cleaning jewellery with a diamond, while diamonds are incredible durable its important to do these checks before proceeding. You need to check that the setting is secure and that the stone is tightly in place, if the stone is loose we suggest you stop the cleaning process and find a jeweller to fix the issue. The other thing to remember is we aren't going to be using chemicals or abrasives while cleaning the diamond. If you keep those two things in mind we can start the cleaning process.

Safe Cleaning Techniques

To begin, we are going to soak the jewellery in a cup of warm water with a mild washing up liquid for between 15-20 minutes. Then once its fully soaked we are going to take a soft bristle brush to gently scrub the jewellery, during this part pay close attention to clasps, settings and intricate details, often times dirt and oils can get stuck in these parts of the jewellery. Once your satisfied with the clean you can rinse the jewellery under warm water to remove any soap solution that may be left over.  Now the clean is complete and you should pat dry with a soft cloth to avoid damage. 

Maintenance Tips

Regular Cleaning Routine

As mentioned the frequency of cleaning really comes down to how often you wear a piece of jewellery. We recommend you stick to a routine for example if you wear a ring daily it may need cleaning every 2-3 months. On the other hand a necklace you keep in the jewellery box may only need cleaning once a year. Find a routine that works for your schedule and stick with it!

Proper Storage of Gold Jewellery

Proper storage can stop dirt and oils getting into your jewellery. A proper jewellery box like the picture you see, protects your jewellery from the elements.

Tips to Prevent Tarnish and Damage:

• Avoiding Exposure to Chemicals
• Avoid Creams near your jewellery
• Removing Jewellery During Activities (e.g., swimming, exercising)
• Wear gloves when cleaning
• Avoid abrasive materials

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Often Should I Clean My Gold Jewellery?

  We recommend that you should clean your gold jewellery every two to three months. For daily worn jewellery is best to judge by simply looking at the piece and deciding.

  
  

• Can I Clean Gold-Plated Jewellery the Same Way?

  Gold plated requires a more delicate care to solid gold as the gold layer often very thin. We advise using a mild soap in lukewarm water and avoiding any harsh chemicals.

  
  

• Is it Safe to Clean Antique Gold Jewellery at Home?

  Antique gold jewellery can be clean at home but its important to remember that professional cleaning is an option so if you have something your worried about we suggest you seek professional help.

  
  

• What Should I Do if My Gold Jewellery is Discolored?

  Discoloured gold jewellery can be cleaned just like normal, if you don’t see any improvment we suggest you find a professional cleaner.