How to clean gold jewelry

For routine cleaning of simple gold jewelry without sensitive stones , lukewarm water, a small amount of mild soap, and a soft brush are usually sufficient.

Recommended procedure

To answer the question of how to clean gold jewelry, we don't have to go far, the procedure is relatively easy even at home. Prepare a small bowl of lukewarm water. Add a few drops of mild liquid soap or a gentle dishwashing detergent without abrasive particles and aggressive additives.

Soak the jewelry in the solution for about five to ten minutes. Soaking longer is usually not necessary. Then clean it very gently with a soft toothbrush, ideally a children's toothbrush with soft bristles labeled ultra-soft.

Focus especially on places where grease accumulates:

• the inside of the rings,

• space under the stone,

• Krapen area,

• chain joints,

• earring fastening.

Then rinse the jewelry thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water and dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Allow it to dry completely before storing.

Always close the drain when rinsing over the sink. It is safer to rinse the jewelry over a bowl so it cannot fall into the drain.

4. What products can be used on gold jewelry?

The safest home option is a combination of lukewarm water and mild liquid soap. There is no need to use harsh chemicals for routine maintenance.

Mild liquid soap

The soap should not contain abrasive particles, peeling ingredients or strong solvents. Just a few drops are enough. Too much can create an additional film on the surface that will need to be rinsed thoroughly.

Mild dishwashing detergent

A small amount of regular, gentle detergent without bleaching ingredients can be used. It is important to rinse it thoroughly. This procedure is especially suitable for simple gold jewelry and some durable stones (diamond, moissanite)

Special cleaning solution for gold

There are products available for cleaning gold, but you should always read the instructions and check whether the product is suitable for the specific gemstones , surface finish and setting.

The label "for jewelry" does not automatically mean that the product is safe for all types of stones.

Soft toothbrush

The brush must have very soft bristles. A brush that is too hard can damage the polished surface, catch on delicate parts of the jewelry, or strain the stone's attachment.

Microfiber cloth

A soft, lint-free cloth is good for drying and removing fingerprints. There is no need to scrub the jewelry hard. Just wipe it lightly.

Gold polishing cloth

A special polishing cloth can help restore the appearance of smooth polished surfaces, but it must be specifically designed for gold.

Not suitable for:

• matte surfaces,

• sandblasted surfaces,

• rhodium-plated jewelry,

• gold-plated jewelry,

• blackened or otherwise surface-treated parts.

Polishing cloths may contain a mild abrasive component and may gradually alter the surface with frequent or heavy use.

5. What not to use on gold jewelry

There are many home remedies online that recommend toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, or other common household products. However, for valuable gold jewelry, these methods can damage the surface or the stones set in it.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste contains abrasive particles designed to mechanically clean teeth. It can create fine scratches on polished gold surfaces. After repeated use, the jewelry may appear duller and lose its regular shine.

Baking soda and cleaning powders

Baking soda is often recommended as a universal cleaning agent. However, in paste or powder form, it can be abrasive. It is especially risky for delicate surfaces, gold-plated jewelry, and jewelry with precious stones.

Vinegar and lemon juice

Acidic products are not a suitable general-purpose method for cleaning jewelry. They can react with some components of gold alloys, solder joints, or sensitive stones. They can also damage organic materials, such as pearls.

Chlorine and bleaches

Chlorinated chemicals can negatively affect the metals added to the gold alloy. Concentrated cleaning agents, pool chemicals, and bleaches are particularly risky.

It is therefore advisable to remove gold jewelry before swimming in a pool , using chlorine products, or intensive cleaning.

Steel wool, coarse sponges and hard brushes

These tools can significantly scratch the surface of the gold. The damage cannot be removed with regular home cleaning and may require professional re-polishing.

Boiling water

Very hot or boiling water can be a problem for jewelry with delicate stones, crack fillings, glued parts, or already compromised attachments. Sudden changes in temperature can damage some minerals.

Unverified chemical solutions

We do not recommend using ammonia, alcohol, acetone or other strong chemicals without precise knowledge of the materials in the jewelry. Some may be useful for professional cleaning of specific jewelry, but are not suitable as a general-purpose home solution.

Ultrasound

From goldsmith practice, we know that before ultrasonic cleaning it is important to check the condition of the setting, the construction of the jewelry and the properties of the stones used. It is this check that the owner of the jewelry is usually unable to perform reliably at home. Therefore, we do not recommend this cleaning method at home. If the customer does not follow our recommendations, it is advisable to at least avoid cleaning these materials:

• emeralds,

• pearls,

• opals,

• turquoise,

• corals,

• tanzanites,

• stones with filled cracks,

• glued stones and jewelry parts,

• jewelry with loose or damaged settings,

• jewelry with enamel or other sensitive surface elements.

6. How to clean gold jewelry with precious stones

For jewelry with precious stones, the process is not only guided by the properties of the gold. The most sensitive material used in the jewelry is usually the deciding factor.

Diamonds

Diamond is very hard, but it easily absorbs grease. It is this oily coating that significantly reduces its brilliance. Diamond jewelry can usually be carefully cleaned in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap. The bottom of the stone, where dirt often accumulates, can also be gently cleaned with a brush.

However, the hardness of a diamond does not mean that the entire ring is indestructible. The stone can become loose, the settings can be damaged, and the diamond can chip off if it is hit hard.

Sapphires and rubies

Untreated or commonly heat-treated rubies and sapphires tend to be relatively durable. However, not every cleaning method may be safe for stones with other treatments.

If you do not know the origin and treatment of the stone, choose only very gentle surface cleaning or consult a goldsmith.

Emeralds

Emeralds often contain natural cracks that can be treated with oil or other fillers. Improper chemistry, high temperature, and ultrasound can affect these treatments.

Clean emerald jewelry only briefly, with lukewarm water and very mild soap. Do not soak the stone for too long or use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Pearls

Pearls are sensitive to acids, cosmetics, perfumes and abrasives. Do not soak them in cleaning solutions. After wearing, simply wipe them gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth.

Pearl necklaces can be strung on textile thread, which can be weakened by prolonged soaking.

Opals

Opals can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, drying and some chemicals. Clean only with a slightly damp soft cloth. Do not use ultrasound or steam.

Turquoise, coral and other porous materials

Porous and organic materials can absorb cleaning solutions and change the color or surface. For these stones, it is safer to just wipe gently with a soft cloth.

7. What to look out for with white, yellow and rose gold

Basic home cleaning is similar for each color of gold. However, the difference may be in the surface finish and alloy composition. With this alloy, you need to be more careful and use only a really soft brush.

Yellow gold

Yellow gold can usually be cleaned with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Minor scratches are a natural result of wear and cannot be removed by regular cleaning.

White gold

White gold is often coated with a layer of rhodium to give it a bright appearance. This layer gradually wears away with wear.

Home cleaning will not restore rhodium plating. Heavy polishing can actually accelerate its wear. If white gold is starting to look yellowish, it may not be dirty. It may just be a partially worn surface layer.

Rose gold

The pink hue is created by adding copper to the gold alloy. For routine maintenance, the same gentle procedure as for yellow gold is suitable. Avoid acidic and aggressive cleaning agents.

8. When home cleaning is not enough

Home cleaning will remove common grease and dirt, but it is not a substitute for professional inspection and renovation.

Visit a jeweler especially if:

• the stone in the socket moves,

• is any of the clips bent or worn,

• the fastening is damaged,

• the chain has a deformed link,

• the jewelry is significantly scratched,

• white gold has lost its original surface appearance,

• there are impurities deep under the stone,

• you do not know the type or treatment of the gemstone.

Professional cleaning can include not only removing dirt, but also checking the setting of stones, repairing damaged parts, polishing or restoring the surface finish.

At DeLoire, we recommend that you always check the condition of the entire piece of jewelry before professional cleaning. Simply removing dirt is pointless if the stone's attachment is weakened or the structure is damaged.

9. How to prevent jewelry from getting dirty

Gentle care begins with regular wear. It is advisable to put gold jewelry away before activities that involve it coming into contact with chemicals, cosmetics or mechanical stress.

Put away jewelry especially before:

• cleaning,

• swimming in the pool,

• sports,

• working in the garden,

• showering,

• sleeping,

• applying creams and oils,

• using perfume or hairspray.

Apply cosmetics and perfume before putting on the jewelry. After use, let the product dry before putting on the jewelry.

Ideally, store each piece of jewelry separately. Diamonds can scratch other gemstones and metal parts of jewelry. Store chains closed and separated to prevent tangling.

10. Summary of DeLoire recommendations

For most simple gold jewelry, the safest at-home method is a brief cleaning in lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap. Use only a soft brush and a microfiber cloth.

For jewelry with gemstones, the cleaning method must be tailored to the specific stone and any finishes it may have. Special care is required for emeralds, pearls, opals, turquoises, and other sensitive or porous materials.

Home cleaning helps remove common dirt. However, it is not a substitute for professional inspection of stone attachment, structural repair, or surface renovation. For more valuable or damaged jewelry, it is always safer to contact a goldsmith.