How to clean gold jewellery

Unless you want your gold jewellery to spend more time at the jewellers than with you, you’ll need to learn how to clean your jewels yourself. Professional cleaning should happen periodically, but your jewels may get dirty in between scheduled visits. The process isn't very hard, but it should be followed closely. You don't want to scratch or damage your jewels. Gold is resilient, but it needs the proper care to keep that unique shine glowing.

When should you clean your gold jewellery?

Unless it's 24 karat, most gold jewels are an alloy rather than pure. That means the gold is mixed with other metals that give it more ruggedness and heft. That actually makes the gold last a little longer, thus needing to be polished a little less. Either way, the cleaning schedule is essentially the same.

Gold should be cleaned about twice a year by professionals like ourselves. We will look for loose fittings, microscopic grime and structural imperfections. For home cleaning the gold should be serviced about once a month (less if it is seldom worn). These cleanings are to keep general dust and dirt from building. If the jewellery is worn more frequently, one or two extra cleanings can be added.

How do you clean the jewels?

You'll need a few basic items to do the cleaning.

• Two bowls of warm water – They should both be big enough to hold the jewels you're about to clean.
• Mild dish detergent – You'll use about two to three tablespoonfuls.
• Soft bristle cleaning brush – Make sure the bristles are very soft, with practically no resistance.
• Small strainer – For holding any tiny jewellery items
• Lint-free cloth – You don't want to leave any residue or strands.

 

Once you have these items assembled, the process is very straightforward. 

• Add soap to one of the bowls and mix it well with the water. 
• Place the jewels in the soapy water and let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Put small jewellery items in the strainer and lower it into the water.
• After soaking the jewels, fine clean them with a soft bristle brush. Pay special attention to settings, insets and clasps to reach the dirt inside the crevices. Be sure to contact professional jewellers about cleaning procedures if you're unsure about inset gemstones or other materials.
• Rinse the jewellery in the clear water bowl.
• Dry the jewellery with the lint free cloth.

Cleaning Tips

There are a few things to keep in mind about cleaning your jewels.

• Don't skip the soaking process – You're soaking so you don't have to clean too hard. If you press too firmly you may scratch or damage your jewels.
• Use a soft cloth and brush – The same sentiment applies here. You don't want to be too abrasive, since that can cause damage.
• Be careful with gems and settings – If dirt doesn't give way gently, then don't force it. Soak the jewels repeatedly, and take them to a jeweller if all else fails.
• No harsh chemicals or soaps – Don't use any harsh substance to clean your jewels. If you don't know the composition of your cleanser, then don't use it. Chemicals can stain or damage your jewels by burning surfaces or dissolving bonds. 

In summary

In summary,  cleaning your gold jewellery at home isn’t a difficult process if you follow the above steps, but you need to make sure you are careful. If you are ever unsure and want to get professional advice or you want your jewellery professionally looked after, please get in contact with us here.