How to Clean Gold Jewellery

Cleansing your solid gold jewellery on a regular basis will help prevent debris build up. To start, gather warm water, a few drops of mild soap or dish detergent, and a clean soft-bristled brush.

This method is safe for most plain gold jewellery but is not recommended for pieces with gemstones like emeralds or opals.

1. Soak

Gold jewellery with gemstones, such as pearls and opals, needs special care. They should only be cleaned gently, preferably by hand or with a soft-bristled brush. They should also be stored in a separate jewellery box so they don’t rub together and become tangled, says Whitten.

You can clean most types of gold jewellery using mild soap and water. For best results, mix a solution of warm water and non-abrasive dish soap in a bowl and soak your jewellery for a few minutes. Scrub the jewellery gently with a soft brush or toothbrush, paying attention to any nooks and crannies where dirt can hide.

Alternatively, you can use sodium-free seltzer water or club soda instead of tap water. The carbonation in these drinks helps agitate the dirt and make it easier to wash away. Be sure to rinse your jewellery thoroughly afterward and let it dry flat.

2. Scrub

Most jewellery stores offer a professional cleaning service, but preventative maintenance at home can keep your gold rings and necklaces shiny and clean. Mix a mixture of warm water and gentle dishwashing soap and soak your jewellery for 10 minutes or so, gently scrubbing with a soft brush or lint-free cloth to remove dirt and residue.

Avoid soaking any jewellery that features stones, such as emeralds and coral, which can absorb the cleaning chemicals into their porous surfaces and cause structural and colour changes. Also avoid submerging any engraved pieces, as this can loosen the adhesive that holds the etching in place.

Regularly cleaning your jewellery will stop it from becoming dull and cloudy over time, and can help it last longer. Make sure to take your jewellery off before doing the dishes or exposing it to any harsh chemicals, and store your pieces in a soft-lined jewellery box with compartments to ensure they don’t scratch each other.

3. Rinse

If you don’t have a mild soap handy, you can also use sodium-free seltzer water or club soda to clean your gold jewellery. The bubbles will loosen any grime build-up and gently scrub your jewellery, focusing on any recessed areas. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.

Regular cleaning of solid gold jewellery is essential to avoid tarnish and grime build-up. We advise soaking your jewellery in warm (not boiling) water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 10-15 minutes, then gently scrubbing it with a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush. Be sure to pay special attention to any recessed areas, especially around the settings.

We do not recommend soaking gemstone-encrusted gold jewellery, as the solution may damage or discolour the precious stones. However, if your jewels are set with synthetic or semi-precious gemstones, then it is safe to use soap water solutions. Be sure to rinse your jewellery carefully afterward, and let it dry completely before putting it away.

4. Dry

If you have any gemstone-studded pieces, such as a gold ring with precious stones, don’t soak them in water. Doing so can cause the stones to loosen or crack over time. Instead, rinse your jewellery gently and use a soft cloth to dry.

Gather your supplies: warm water, a mild soap (such as Dawn) and a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush. You may also want to have a lint-free polishing cloth handy as well.

A toothbrush works especially well for hard-to-reach areas of your jewellery. Be sure the bristles are not sharp or too abrasive, as these could scratch your gold.

Your jewellery is exposed to a lot of things on a regular basis: skin oils, hair products, perfumes and more. Cleaning your gold jewellery regularly can help them look their best and last longer. It can also keep them free of tarnish and prevent any debris build-up that could damage the surface of your gold jewellery.cleaning gold jewellery