Gold jewelry is some of the most durable types of jewelry out there. This means that it requires very little care during normal wear, even if it’s worn daily. It would therefore be a mistake to keep it in a box and save it only for special events. Do you own a pair of favorite gold earrings, a diamond engagement ring or a gold chain with a pendant? Read on for our tips on how to take care of your gold jewelry so it stays beautiful for a long time.
How to clean jewelry at home
With gold jewelry, you don’t have to worry about discoloration and blackening like you do with silver. Gold is extremely resistant to corrosion and other chemical influences, which is why it is also used for gold plating other metals. Even so, it’s still a good idea to clean gold jewelry from time to time to remove dust, sweat and other impurities that stick to it when it is worn. You may even be surprised at how jewelry will shine after such a clean. And you don’t need anything you wouldn’t normally have at home for such a clean. Get a bowl of lukewarm water and dissolve a little bit of liquid soap or dishwashing liquid in it. Leave your gold jewelry in this water for a minute or two. This will soften the dirt which you can then clean with a soft brush. Afterwards rinse the jewelry under clean water and let it dry on its own on a cloth napkin or tea towel.
If there isn’t too much dirt on it, just wipe the jewelry with a damp cloth after you take it off. It will reward you with a beautiful shine and will look almost as good as new.
Don’t be afraid of patina on gold but take care of gemstones
Something that can’t be avoided with gold jewelry is the fine patina that will appear on its surface no matter what after it has been worn for a while. This is most noticeable on jewelry with a smooth, shiny surface and on rings, which are more likely to come into contact with different materials and objects. Jewelry tarnishing shouldn’t be perceived as a defect, instead it’s a sign that the jewelry has character and that you actually wear it. But if you’d rather see it shine again, you can have it re-polished at a jeweler’s.
With gemstones however, you need to pay extra attention to them. They are much more susceptible to damage and repair is far more difficult, if not impossible. Some stones, such as natural amethysts, aquamarines and pearls are susceptible to losing their color or luster if exposed to sunlight or rapid temperature changes for extended periods. They may also get affected by chlorinated pool water or salty sea water as well as by chemical and cosmetic products. So the best way to protect your jewelry is to put it away before swimming or doing household chores. And what about diamonds? Can they get damaged? Although it’s the hardest stone in the world and shouldn’t be at risk of scratching, it is relatively fragile and can therefore break, for example if dropped from a height onto a hard floor.
Properly storing jewelry
Gold jewelry should ideally be stored in a dust-free jewelry box with plenty of space for each piece. This will keep the jewelry from getting scratched and tangled. Another popular rule is that you should put your jewelry on last and take it off first. This stops it from catching on clothing and also minimizes contact with perfume and other cosmetics.
As a final point, however, we need to emphasize that jewelry is meant to bring us joy, not worry. If your beloved jewelry does ultimately get damaged somehow, contact a professional jewelry store where they should be able to repair it for you in most cases.
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