Gold jewelry is precious, not only due to it’s monetary value but for sentimental reasons too. Taking care when cleaning gold jewelry items is important to prevent damage and to allow them to shine and sparkle as new. There are a number of different methods for how to clean gold jewelry:
Dishwashing Liquid
Just a few drops of dish washing liquid in a bowl of warm water (about 2 cups should be sufficient) is ideal for cleaning gold jewelry. It is recommended to soak the items in the solution for around 15 minutes. Too short and the dirt and grime will not dissolve, too long and the detergent will cause a film to develop over the gold, affecting the shine.
Use a soft bristle tooth brush to loosen stubborn dirt but scrub gently. Keep in mind that gold is a soft precious metal and using abrasive cleaners or materials will scratch and damage the surface.
Do not soak items that contain gemstones. The warm water could cause the stones to loosen and fall out. Rather wipe with a soft cloth dipped in a cold solution of water and a couple of drops of liquid dish soap.
Jewelry Cleaner
For regular cleaning, it is recommended to purchase a high end jewelry cleaner that is specifically designed to clean gold and gemstones. These type of cleaners should be available at your local jewelry store. Choose one that is recommended and used by the jeweler. Be aware that some cheap jewelry cleaners may damage gold items.
Jewelry cleaner is the least likely to cause any type of damage to the items. The product should come with a soft cloth and other tools to effectively clean the jewelry. It is very important to follow the cleaning and care instructions on the label carefully.
Professional Cleaning
Having jewelry professionally cleaned is probably the safest root and therefore the most recommended. If any damage is caused to the jewelry during the cleaning process, there will be recourse that can be taken to recover for the loss of the item equivalent to it’s value.
Professional cleaning is also highly recommended for delicate items, especially chains and bracelets where links can easily become separated during the cleaning process. Other items that have intricate detailing may also benefit.
Most jewelry stores will offer this service at a nominal fee. It is advisable for items that are high end, unique or heirlooms. This is also a good option for items that have become scratched or dull over time. Buffing the item can renew the sheen to ensure that it looks like new. Buffing should only be done professionally to ensure the best results.
Keep in mind that at some point every gold jewelry item will need to be cleaned. How to clean gold jewelry without causing damage means to avoid cleaning the items with abrasive detergents, chemicals, materials or brushes if a DIY option is used. It may best to always consult with an expert jeweler before cleaning.