Indice
- Causes of oxidation of gold jewelry
- How to clean gold jewelry
- Things to avoid when cleaning gold
- Daily cleaning and care
- Tips for storing jewelry
Gold is a precious metal loved for its shine and durability and is now part of popular culture. However, even gold jewelry can lose its luster due to various external factors, both caused by and unrelated to use. In this article, we will explore how to clean and take care of your gold jewelry, as well as the main causes of oxidation.
Causes of oxidation of gold jewelry
Although pure gold does not oxidize, gold jewelry is made from metal alloys (18kt gold, 9kt gold, etc. We have written a guide on metal purity that you can read here.) that react with air, humidity, and chemicals. Some common factors that cause oxidation or loss of shine include:
- Sweat and body oils: Constant contact with the skin can cause sweat and natural oils to accumulate, dulling the jewelry.
- Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, pool chlorine, and cleaning products can deteriorate the surface of gold and its alloys.
- Exposure to air: Oxidation occurs gradually with prolonged exposure to oxygen and moisture.
- Daily use: Constant wear, especially in jewelry with gemstones or settings, can accumulate dust and dirt that is difficult to remove.
How to clean gold jewelry
Complete guide on how to clean gold jewelry at home
If your gold jewelry has lost its shine, follow these simple steps for effective cleaning:
- Mix warm but not boiling water with a small amount of mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid (adding a small amount of baking soda can be helpful but is not essential).
- Soak the jewelry in the solution for a few minutes to soften any accumulated dirt.
- Use a soft-bristle brush, like an old toothbrush, to gently clean the surfaces of the jewelry if necessary.
- Rinse thoroughly with running water to remove any remaining dirt and soap, and dry with a soft microfiber cloth.
- If needed, use a cool-setting hair dryer to remove residual moisture from the settings.
For necklaces, always keep the chain closed to minimize the risk of knots that you might not be able to untangle.
Things to avoid when cleaning gold
- Aggressive chemicals: Avoid ammonia, bleach, granular toothpaste, baking soda and lemon pastes, which can damage the gold.
- Abrasive brushes: Use only soft brushes to avoid scratching.
- Cleaning different types of jewelry together: Do not clean jewelry containing other materials like pearls or enamel with the same method, and do not mix different types.
- Boiling water: Excessively hot water can expand the metal, causing gemstones to fall out of their settings.
Daily cleaning and care
Now that we've seen how to clean our gold jewelry when it's dirty or tarnished, let's learn how to prevent oxidation and keep them looking their best by following these daily practices:
- Avoid applying perfumes or lotions directly onto the jewelry.
- Remove jewelry before exercising, showering, or swimming.
- Avoid sleeping with jewelry on, as movements during sleep can break delicate chains, for example.
- Clean jewelry with a microfiber cloth after each use to remove oils and sweat.
- Avoid exposure to chlorine pools and sulfur hot springs, which can alter the gold.
Tips for storing jewelry
To extend the life and shine of your gold jewelry, follow these storage tips:
- Store jewelry in boxes, pouches, or sealed bags to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
- Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture in the jewelry box, drawer, or case where you store your jewelry.
- Avoid piling different pieces of jewelry together to prevent scratches and damage.
Remember, proper cleaning will not restore a scratched piece of jewelry to its original state, but it can still significantly improve its appearance. Take your valuables to a jeweler for regular check-ups and professional polishing if necessary.