Gold Jewelry Care Guide
Gold is one of the standard choices for jewelry metals, it’s chosen for its natural shine, value, and lasting appeal. If you have gold pieces, proper care should be considered since it stands more than just a beautiful accessory – it’s an investment.
In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to maintain the brilliance of your gold pieces, whether they’re delicate 24k keepsakes or more durable 14k or 18k alloys designed for everyday wear.
From simple at home cleaning methods to the importance of regular professional inspections, you’ll learn how to protect your gold jewelry from daily wear so you can enjoy your pieces for years to come.
Daily Wear and Handling
Wearing gold every day can be enjoyable, but it can also expose your jewelry to scratches and a buildup of foreign oils and residue. Below are some quick tips to keep in mind to keep your pieces as scratch free and clean as possible:
– Treat Higher Karat Gold With Care:
Pure gold (24k) is notably soft and requires extra mindfulness to avoid scratches, while gold mixed with alloys—like 14k or 18k—is crafted to withstand daily wear. Remember, the higher the karat the more delicate the piece.
– Reduce Exposure to Foreign Substances:
Softness aside, precaution should be taken for all gold pieces when coming into potential contact with foreign substances. Body oils, perfumes, and makeup are all substances that can leave a film on your jewelry.
– Remove Your Pieces During Certain Activities:
Removing your pieces during activities such as working out, washing dishes, or heavy cleaning is a smart way to keep them clean and intact. The idea here is to minimize rough contact with your piece, as well as their exposure to foreign substances like dirt and oils.
Easy Cleaning Methods
Keeping your gold jewelry clean is essential to preserving its shine and ensuring its longevity. Regular cleaning not only removes built-up oils, dirt, and other residues but also helps you maintain the beauty and integrity of your pieces.
For your gold pieces, you can follow the steps below at home to keep them looking their best:
- Obtain a Cleaning Solution:
You can clean your gold pieces with an organic jewelry cleaner, or you can make your own solution with warm water and mild detergent-free soap at a ratio of 10:3. - Clean: Submerge your jewelry in the solution and clean with a soft bristled brush. Take care to clean your pieces gently, to ensure all oils and buildup are removed
- Rinse: Rinse your jewelry under warm running water.
- Dry Thoroughly: Use a soft cloth to dry the jewelry completely and to return its shine.
This method works well for most gold items that do not include delicate or porous materials.
If your piece has gemstones, take care not to let the water or soap touch them for too long; some stones may react to moisture or cleaning agents. This holds especially true for delicate stones like pearls.
Note that while DIY cleaning can be quite effective, there does come a point where having your gold jewelry cleaned by a professional can make a significant difference.
Over time, even with gentle care, gold jewelry can develop subtle scratches, buildup, or tarnish that routine cleaning may not fully remove. A professional jeweler has the expertise and specialized tools to deeply clean and polish your pieces, restoring their original brilliance without compromising your piece’s safety – even with the presence of delicate gemstones.
Furthermore, what’s important about professional cleanings is that they give an opportunity for your piece to be inspected by a professional jeweler. This allows any problems or loose settings to be identified and fixed before they become bigger problems.
We recommend scheduling a professional cleaning and inspection for your gold pieces at least once a year—or more frequently if you wear your pieces daily. This extra step helps ensure your treasured jewelry remains in a great condition for years to come
Storing Your Gold Pieces:
When you are not wearing your gold jewelry, keeping it in a safe, dry place helps maintain its shine and prevents scratches.
A dedicated jewelry box with separate spaces or soft pouches is a good solution. The goal with separate spaces is to prevent your pieces from rubbing against one another – which can cause marks or minor scratches over time. This holds especially true for 24k gold pieces, which are more delicate by nature.
A drawer in a cool, dry part of your home works well too. Places that have high humidity or big swings in temperature are a no-no since the conditions could affect the metal, so keeping your items in a stable environment helps keep them in good shape. Remember, this includes bathrooms – people commonly take their jewelry off before showering, and unfortunately leave it there until the next time they wear it.
Special Considerations When Exposed to Certain Conditions
When wearing your gold jewelry, it’s important to be mindful of environments that expose it to chemicals and moisture. Certain elements can gradually impact both the look and durability of your pieces.
For example, chlorine in swimming pools or certain cleaning chemicals can slowly erode the alloys in your gold. While an occasional dip is unlikely to cause harm, repeated exposure may break down the metals mixed with the gold, leading not only to damage but also to tarnishing—a dull film formed when oxygen, moisture, or sulfur reacts with the metal.
In a similar manner, cosmetics and lotions can leave behind a film that dulls your gold’s natural shine over time. As a best practice, remove your jewelry before swimming, cleaning with strong chemicals, or applying beauty products. This small step goes a long way toward protecting your jewelry from unwanted buildup and potential damage.
If you notice your piece has been exposed to these elements, simply follow the cleaning steps above to remove any residue and restore its brilliance.
Bringing It All Together
Taking care of your gold jewelry does not have to be complicated. Simple steps like regular cleaning and safe storage can go a long way in keeping your collection looking fresh and beautiful for years to come. Furthermore, the assistance of a professional should be considered, especially for periodic cleans and inspections.
At Kim Quang, our team has decades of experience in working with gold pieces, of all karats and colors. If you find that your piece has become tarnished or worn, bring it in for a professional cleaning and inspection.
If you’re looking for your next gold piece, or are looking to have one of your gold pieces maintained, we invite you to our showroom in San Diego where you can see and experience the expertise that has made us the city’s preferred gold jewelers.