4 Tips for Cleaning Gold Jewelry

4 Tips for Cleaning Gold Jewelry 

1. Soap & Water

Sometimes, simple is best. The most basic way to clean gold is with a mild solution of warm water and a drop of dish soap. Use simple dish soap, however, and nothing with unknown ingredients. Soak your items for 15 minutes, and dry carefully. If necessary, brush with a soft toothbrush. Do not use hot water, as this can crack stones, and brush softly to avoid scratching the gold. Rinse with cool water and air dry. Additionally, always remove jewelry before showering as exposing pieces to shampoo, conditioner, and body wash can damage the metal.

2. White Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural, all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean everything from countertops to jewelry safely. Soak tarnished pieces in white vinegar for about 20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth. This should only be used for solid metal pieces, however, as those with pearls, gems, or rhinestones may be damaged by acidic treatments.

3. Ammonia

As with house cleaning, ammonia should be used sparingly for an occasional deep clean. Never use it on platinum or pearls as it can degrade them. Mix one part ammonia and six parts water, and soak jewelry for one minute at most. Ammonia is corrosive, so do not leave pieces soaking for too long. Afterward, rinse with cool water and air dry.

4. Toothpaste

Mix water and toothpaste to make a paste, and use a soft brush to rub your jewelry. Rinse with clean water afterward. This is particularly useful for items with glued-in stones, which should never be submerged in water. You can also clean such items with a wet, soapy cloth and rinse with a plain wet cloth. Dry these items in a position where the stone is higher than the gold to ensure water doesn’t settle in the stone and dislodge it. 

In addition to everyday cleaning, it’s also important to clean your jewelry pieces before selling to ensure you get the best value. If you have unwanted jewelry or estate items, take them to Pawn America in Burnsville, MN, the community’s go-to watch and jewelry buyer. For over 30 years, they’ve maintained a reputation for their expertise and exceptional customer service. Call (952) 435-7296 to speak with a friendly team member about their buying policies and visit the website for more helpful information about jewelry sales and buying.

This blog was written by our friends at Vival for our NearSay page!