We all have our favorite, most-worn pieces of jewelry, whether they’re necklaces, rings, or earrings. These items add a unique final touch to any outfit.
To keep your staple pieces looking their best, especially when they start to look dull, it’s important to maintain them properly. Gold, a popular choice for jewelry, requires gentle cleaning to maintain its luster.
Gold, in its pure form, is a lustrous deep orange-yellow metal. It’s often alloyed with other metals to enhance its strength and durability.
For instance, white gold is mixed with nickel, zinc, palladium, and/or silver, while rose gold is combined with copper.
In the U.S., many people have jewelry made of 10-karat, 14-karat, or 18-karat gold, or gold-plated fashion jewelry.
If you’re unsure about the type of gold you own, look for the karat stamp on your jewelry, usually in a less noticeable spot.
This may be difficult to see without magnification, so a jeweler’s loupe might be necessary.
Regular cleaning is essential for any jewelry worn frequently. A gentle weekly cleaning is recommended, with a more thorough cleaning required if the jewelry is exposed to heavy dirt, debris, or chemicals.
Jewelry worn only on special occasions should be checked for dirt, smudges, or damage after each use and cleaned only if necessary.
Gold can tolerate regular gentle cleaning, which helps remove dust, oil, fingerprints, and chemical residues, extending the jewelry’s life and keeping it shiny.
To clean gold jewelry, follow these steps:
- Prepare Cleaning Solution: Pour warm water into a shallow dish and add a small amount of dish soap. Mix until bubbles form.
- Soak Jewelry: Place the jewelry in the dish and let it soak for 15 minutes.
- Brush Gently: Remove the jewelry from the water one piece at a time and use a soft toothbrush to gently brush links, clasps, and chains.
- Rinse: Rinse the jewelry briefly under cool running water.
- Dry: Lay the jewelry flat to dry. Once dry, gently buff with a lint-free cloth.
Tarnish, which typically affects silver rather than gold, results from a reaction between metal and oxygen. If your jewelry is tarnished, use a silver-specific cleaner or polishing cloth to remove it.
For gold jewelry with gemstones, most stones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and many semi-precious gems can be cleaned using the above method.
Take care not to apply pressure on the settings or let gemstones rest face down on surfaces to avoid scratches.
Avoid soaking natural emeralds, pearls, opals, coral, bone, or wood as these materials can be damaged by water or chemicals.
Pearl jewelry should never be submerged and is best cleaned with a soft cloth. Treated gemstones with non-permanent coatings should also be kept away from water.
Fashion stones such as cubic zirconia or crystals can be cleaned gently but should not be submerged or scrubbed. These should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cloth, and for deeper cleaning, professional assistance is recommended.
Gold-plated jewelry should be cleaned with mild dish soap and water but avoid scrubbing or rubbing with abrasives. Gold-plated, rose gold, and white gold can all be cleaned using the same method.
To prevent scratches, store jewelry in a soft-lined box with separate compartments. Necklaces should be laid flat to avoid stretching and tangling.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Gold with Dish Soap
Step 1
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap. Use a small bowl instead of the sink to prevent the risk of losing your jewelry down the drain.
Ensure the water is lukewarm rather than hot or boiling to avoid damaging the metal or gemstones. Add a few drops of dish soap and gently mix the solution.
If your jewelry includes gemstones, you can clean it using this warm water and dish soap solution.
Submerge the jewelry for a few minutes, then gently clean it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse the jewelry with warm water and blot it dry with a lint-free cloth.
Dish soap is effective for cleaning both gold-filled and solid gold jewelry. Alternatively, you can use a commercial gold cleaner, often mixed with water according to the package instructions.
Be cautious with commercial cleaners, as they may contain ammonia that can damage gold jewelry with amber or pearls.
Step 2
Soak your jewelry in the soapy water for 15–20 minutes.
This will help loosen and dissolve dirt and grime on the surface, as well as remove debris and residue from crevices and beneath gemstones.
Step 3
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to tackle stubborn dirt and grime.
Dip the toothbrush bristles into the soapy water and gently scrub your jewelry, paying special attention to tight nooks and crannies where dirt, oils, and debris might accumulate.
For gold rings or earrings with gemstones, also scrub underneath the stones to help restore their shine and sparkle.
If you notice persistent black spots on your gold jewelry, it could be tarnish. Gold typically tarnishes after 50–60 years, and removing these dark spots might affect the value of the piece.
Step 4
Rinse your jewelry with warm water to remove any remaining soap and dirt.
After cleaning, immerse the jewelry in a bowl of warm water, swishing it around to ensure all residues are rinsed away. Gently shake off the excess water when done.
Avoid rinsing jewelry under running faucet water, as it’s easy to lose grip and drop it down the drain. If you must use the sink, plug the drain or place your jewelry in a fine-mesh strainer to prevent losing it.
Step 5
Dry your gold jewelry with a soft cloth. Gently pat the jewelry dry using a microfiber cloth or an old T-shirt to avoid scratching the gold. Once dry, your jewelry is ready to be worn or stored safely.
Avoid using paper towels, as they can be slightly abrasive and may damage the delicate metal.
Cleaning Gold With Gemstones
When cleaning gold jewelry with gemstones, it’s crucial to consider the durability of the stones.
Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are resilient and can safely be soaked, but softer gemstones like emeralds and opals require extra care.
Avoid using harsh cleaning agents on gemstones. Softer stones such as pearls or turquoise should be cleaned gently.
The best method for cleaning gold with gemstones involves using soap and water, and a toothbrush can help scrub any recessed areas around the settings.
It’s important to regularly clean gold jewelry with gemstones to prevent unsightly buildup around the stone settings, which can dull the stone’s brilliance over time.
Before cleaning, check for any loose gemstones. Gently shake the piece, and if you hear rattling, this may indicate a loose prong that could lead to losing a gemstone.
If the gemstone is glued rather than set with prongs, avoid harsher cleaning methods, such as ultrasonic cleaners, which could potentially dislodge the stone.
What You Shouldn’t Use To Clean Gold
When cleaning gold, avoid using harsh chemicals. Gold is a soft metal and can be damaged by substances that might erode its surface and diminish its shine.
Avoid using products like Windex, which contains solvents and harsh ingredients that can harm gold.
Although vinegar can clean gold, it can also damage gemstones and strip gold plating, so it’s best to steer clear of it.
Since gold is soft, be cautious of anything that could scratch or nick it. Metal-bristled brushes should be avoided, as they can scratch both gold and gemstones.
Similarly, abrasive materials such as scrubbing pads, steel wool, or metal brushes should not be used, as they can damage the gold’s surface and destroy its polish.
Common household items like baking soda can also scratch gold if used as a cleaner.
Toothpaste can scratch jewelry as well, and while some recommend diluting it with water for cleaning metals, it should never be used on gemstones.
Expert Tips
To keep your gold jewelry clean for longer, follow these tips:
- Remove gold jewelry before washing your hands or bathing to prevent soap scum buildup.
- Take off all jewelry before entering hot tubs, swimming pools, or the beach. Chemicals like chlorine, acids, sulfur, and salt can damage or discolor gold, especially if it’s less than 24 karats. Chlorine, in particular, can weaken gold and lead to breakage.
- Avoid exposing gold jewelry to hair sprays, makeup, medicated lotions, and creams.
- Store gold jewelry in separate compartments of a fabric-lined jewelry box to prevent scratching and dulling from contact with other items.
- Refrain from using ammonia for cleaning gold. While it can be used for deep cleaning, it’s a strong chemical that can wear down gold if overused and may not be safe for other types of jewelry, such as platinum or pearls.
If you’re concerned that your gold jewelry might be permanently damaged, and it remains dull or discolored after cleaning, it’s best to consult a professional jeweler.
They can restore your pieces to their original condition.
Many jewelry retailers offer complimentary cleaning services annually. For example, Tiffany & Co. suggests having your regularly worn jewelry cleaned at least once a year.
In addition to cleaning, jewelers also inspect prongs and stone settings.
If your jewelry was purchased elsewhere or if your store doesn’t provide free cleaning, expect to pay between $25 and $50 for the jeweler’s services.
Maintaining Gold Jewelry
Remove your jewelry before engaging in strenuous or messy activities.
This includes exercising, swimming, doing household chores, or any task that might get dirty.
Additionally, take off your gold jewelry when applying sunscreen or lotion, or when taking a shower, as these can cause the metal to become dull or dingy.
Examine your jewelry for damage before wearing it.
Ensure that the clasps are secure and intact to prevent breakage during the day. For gold jewelry with gemstones, check that the stones are firmly in place and not loose or wobbly.
If you detect any damage or loose gems, take your jewelry to a professional for repairs.
Store your gold jewelry in a jewelry box or tarnish-resistant pouch.
When not in use, keep your jewelry in a protective box or pouch to shield it from dust and dirt.
Lined boxes or pouches also help prevent scratches and damage if the jewelry is moved around, ensuring your gold pieces remain in good condition.
Avoid stacking gold jewelry on top of each other, as this can cause chipping or scratching.
FAQs
How Often Should You Clean Gold Jewelry?
Gold jewelry, though durable, can accumulate dirt, oils, and other debris over time. For pieces you wear daily, it’s recommended to clean your gold jewelry at least once a month to maintain its shine and luster.
However, if you wear your gold occasionally, you can clean it less frequently—perhaps every few months.
Regular cleaning ensures your jewelry remains bright and minimizes any tarnishing caused by exposure to skin oils, lotions, or environmental pollutants.
Can You Clean Gold with Household Products?
Yes, many household products are safe and effective for cleaning gold jewelry. A common and gentle cleaning solution is a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Simply soak your gold pieces for about 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush or a microfiber cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners or strong chemicals like bleach, which can damage gold. Baking soda is also a popular choice for restoring the shine to gold jewelry, but it should be used cautiously on delicate or soft gold alloys.
Is It Safe to Clean Gold with Vinegar?
While vinegar can be an effective cleaner for certain metals, it’s not always the best choice for gold. Pure gold is quite resilient, but if your jewelry contains other metals or gemstones, vinegar may cause damage or tarnishing.
Gold-plated or gold-filled items can be particularly sensitive to vinegar. It’s best to stick to a mild soap-and-water solution or consult a jeweler for professional cleaning if you’re unsure about using vinegar on your gold pieces.
How Can You Clean Gold with Gemstones?
If your gold jewelry contains gemstones, extra care is needed to avoid damaging the stones while cleaning.
For pieces with harder gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, you can follow the same method of cleaning with mild soap and water, being cautious around the stone settings.
However, for softer or more porous stones like pearls, opals, or emeralds, it’s best to avoid submerging the entire piece in water.
Instead, use a damp cloth to gently clean the gold and lightly wipe the stone. You may also want to take these pieces to a professional jeweler for a thorough yet safe cleaning.
Can You Use Ultrasonic Cleaners for Gold Jewelry?
Ultrasonic cleaners can be effective for cleaning solid gold jewelry, especially if the pieces have intricate designs that trap dirt in small crevices. However, they are not suitable for all types of gold jewelry.
If your gold piece includes softer gemstones, glued settings, or is gold-plated, using an ultrasonic cleaner can cause damage.
Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before using an ultrasonic cleaner on your jewelry, or consult a jeweler to determine if this cleaning method is appropriate for your specific pieces.
How Do You Restore Shine to Tarnished Gold?
Gold itself doesn’t tarnish, but when it is alloyed with other metals, as is often the case with jewelry, it can develop tarnish over time. To restore the shine, you can make a paste with baking soda and water.
Gently rub the paste onto the jewelry using a soft cloth or toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. For a deeper clean and polish, you may want to visit a professional jeweler who can buff and restore the gold’s natural brilliance with specialized tools.
Should You Get Your Gold Jewelry Professionally Cleaned?
While regular home cleaning can keep your gold jewelry in good condition, it’s a good idea to take your pieces to a professional jeweler for a deeper clean once or twice a year.
Professional cleaning involves specialized tools and solutions that can safely clean gold and gemstones, removing even the most stubborn dirt and restoring the original shine.
A jeweler can also check for any loose settings or signs of wear and tear that you might miss, helping to ensure your jewelry remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Conclusion
Cleaning gold jewelry at home is straightforward and requires no special tools—just warm water, dish soap, a shallow bowl, and a soft-bristled brush.
After soaking and brushing, rinse under cool water, dry flat, and buff with a microfiber cloth. Regular cleaning will keep your gold jewelry looking bright and new.