How To Clean Gold Jewelry

by Denise Shively (RSS feed)
Dec 26th 2010 at 9:31AM

Keeping your gold jewelry clean is relatively simple, and can easily and efficiently be done at home. While gold jewelry will not tarnish like other metals, it can still accumulate dirt and grime, become dull and lose its shine. To keep your gold jewelry looking good as new, follow these simple tips to bring back its luster and shine.

Soap and Water
Believe it or not, you can clean gold with soap and water, but it works best on gold pieces that are plain and free of other gemstones (such as a plain gold necklace or simple ring.) To clean your gold with soap and water, fill a small bowl with warm - not hot - water and a few drops of a mild dish soap. Place your jewelry in the soap and water mixture, and allow the pieces to soak for about 20 minutes. After soaking, use a clean, dry cotton cloth to dry your jewelry, and allow them to sit on a towel to air dry completely before wearing them again.

This method will get rid of all the oils from beauty products and regular day-to-day wear that makes your gold jewelry dingy and lackluster, and is a very simple and quick way to bring back the beauty of your gold.

Cleaning Gold Jewelry with Gemstones
If your gold jewelry includes gemstones, you can still clean them at home without fear of damaging the stones or setting. The important thing to remember about this type of gold jewelry is to NEVER submerge them into water, as the water can become trapped in the setting, rust or discolor your setting/stones, or cause the stones to become loose and fall out over time.

In order to clean your gold jewelry with gemstones, follow the steps above, but instead of submerging the piece into the bowl of water and soap, use a clean, dry cloth that has been dampened with the mixture. Use the cloth to clean your gold jewelry, gently rubbing over the gemstones and setting. Use a separate, slightly damp cloth that hasn't been dipped in soap to rinse the jewelry.

When finished, set the pieces upside down to allow them to air dry. Setting them upside down will allow any water left on the jewelry to drain off without causing damage to the stone or becoming trapped in the setting.

Cleaning Hard to Reach Spots
If your gold jewelry has hard to reach spots that won't come clean with a simple soak or rub-down, take a soft-bristle toothbrush and dampen it with water. You can use the toothbrush to clean hard to reach places like gold engravings that have become dirty and grimy. Remember to use the softest bristles you can find, and be very gentle. If your jewelry requires more extensive cleaning, it's best to take it to a professional to avoid damaging your precious gold.

Cleaning gold jewelry at home is relatively simple and inexpensive, and can help preserve the beauty and luster of your most treasured pieces. By following the steps mentioned above, you can restore your gold to its gorgeous sheen.

This post was contributed via Seed.com, AOL's new platform for freelance writers.

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Filed under: Jewelry

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