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Many jewelry owners often wonder how to clean gold jewelry at home to keep their precious pieces sparkling and vibrant.
By using a few household items and simple steps, you can restore the gleam and shine of your gold jewelry, ensuring it receives the proper care. Let’s delve into some straightforward and effective methods for cleaning gold jewelry at home.
Learn the Right Way to Clean Gold Jewelry
Gold is stunning in nearly all its forms. Fortunately, keeping gold clean and attractive can be simple and convenient if you know the proper cleaning methods for this precious metal.
Given the immense popularity of gold jewelry, it’s worthwhile to learn the best cleaning techniques.
- First, understanding the properties of gold and gold jewelry can help you find the appropriate gold jewelry cleaner.
- For instance, most people know that 24-karat gold is the purest form of gold available.
- When jewelry is less than 24-karats, it is typically mixed with other metals.
- Such combinations, often called alloys, enhance the durability and hardness of gold jewelry.
- Jewelry less than 24-karats is not necessarily inferior.
In fact, alloys are commonly used to create jewelry for individuals with active lifestyles.
Excellent Gold Cleaning Solution
Gold is soft and pliable, which makes it susceptible to scratches. Mixing gold with alloys extends the longevity of jewelry. Properly cleaning gold jewelry is crucial for ensuring your pieces last long and maintain their shine. A simple yet effective homemade cleaning solution can be prepared as follows.
You can avoid expensive commercial products by making your own cleaning solution. However, remember that gold is a soft metal, so be gentle when cleaning, brushing, and drying.
- Mix warm water with a small amount of liquid dish detergent, ensuring the water is not too hot.
- Add a few drops of ammonia.
- Carefully brush the gold piece using a new child’s soft toothbrush.
- Rinse with clean, lukewarm water.
- Finally, air dry or gently pat dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
Things to Avoid
Gold, like sterling silver and other precious metals, is prone to tarnishing. When cleaning 14k gold jewelry at home, it is vital to avoid certain substances to prevent unsightly tarnish or damage.
For instance, chlorine is particularly harmful to gold, especially when exposed to high temperatures in hot tubs or baths.
- Chlorine under these conditions can permanently discolor or damage gold jewelry.
- Always remove your jewelry before using chlorine bleach for cleaning.
- Additionally, avoid soaps and detergents with unknown ingredients.
- Basic liquid dish soap is generally safe.
- Make it a habit to remove gold jewelry before showering to prevent film build-up from body washes and shampoos.
- Special consideration is needed for gold jewelry with embedded gemstones.
Embedded Precious Stones
Caution is essential when cleaning jewelry with embedded precious stones or gemstones. If unsure, consult your jeweler before attempting to clean such jewelry at home.
- Diamonds are resilient to chemical damage, but many other gemstones are not as durable.
- Modern gemstones are often treated after extraction, affecting their cleaning requirements.
- When uncertain, always seek advice from your jeweler.
- Professional cleaning is always an option if you are unsure how to restore the shine to your gold jewelry. Professional services are often inexpensive and sometimes complimentary, depending on the jeweler.
Professional jewelers use appropriate procedures for specific types of metal jewelry and gemstones, ensuring your jewelry is in good hands.
Contact JewelryLab.co for more information on caring for modern gold jewelry.
Additionally, check out our tips on how to clean silver jewelry and brass jewelry.
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