Gold has been used for millennia as currency, jewelry and other metal work due to its malleability, scarcity and ability to resist tarnish. But, even gold needs regular cleaning and care to avoid dullness and bring out its natural luster. With the right tips, tools and techniques, you can clean and store you gold so that its beauty and value will last for generations.
Have your gold jewelry cleaned by a professional jeweler once a year. Periodic cleaning can be done at home, but a professional jewelry cleaner will give your gold jewelry a deep clean and inspection at the same time. Most jewelry stores offer to clean your gold jewelry for a small fee or sometimes even for free. If you go to the same retailer that you purchased your gold from, they will often give you a free annual cleaning at no cost as part of their warranty.
Clean gold regularly with a mild soap and water. Avoid overuse of harsh chemicals, as they can do more harm than good. A mild dish soap and soft bristle brush is all you need to remove daily build up. A very soft bristled toothbrush works well. Gold is a soft metal, so anything too stiff will be abrasive to your jewelry, causing scratches and leaving your gold with a hazy finish.
Remove grime and accumulated residue. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning and you have grime in the mount setting and crevices of the gold, soak the gold in a rubbing alcohol bath for 10 to 15 minutes and dislodge any dirt with a soft brush. Do not use alcohol to soak or clean any gold jewelry that has pearls on it. Alcohol will damage the pearls.
Rinse gold thoroughly. After cleaning the gold with alcohol or soap, rinse it thoroughly. Even cleaners can leave a residue behind that dull the natural luster of gold.
Dry the gold with a lint-free cloth. It’s important to dry the gold completely after a cleaning. As with cleaners, water spots will leave the gold dull if it’s left to dry. Buff the gold dry with a soft lint-free cloth to bring back its natural shine. Avoid using paper towels as they will leave particles on the gold.
Store gold properly. Your gold will require less cleaning and care if it’s stored properly. Keep individual pieces in separate cloth bags in a cool dry place. This will keep gold cleaner longer, and since gold scratches so easily, it is best to store it separate from other jewelry and metals.
