We all have that beloved jewelry piece we wear all the time. But for it to always look its best and shining like the day you got it, it needs some upkeep. Dirt, moisture, and even hand lotion can make your precious jewelry look dull - and no one wants that!
If you’re looking to clean your pieces without the help of a professional, you need to learn a few basics, so you don’t damage your beautiful jewelry. Here’s how you get your gold jewelry pieces spick-and-span.
How can I make my gold shiny again?
Your jewelry should always shine! While gold doesn’t tarnish like silver, it does develop an oily film from regular wear and tear over time. To revive your gold jewelry’s luster, clean it regularly and keep it away from chemicals and harsh abrasives.
What is the best homemade gold cleaner?
While jewelry cleaning solutions specifically created for gold are always the safest option to keep your pieces in tip-top shape, you can also use homemade recipes - just don’t come up with some elaborate concoction off the top of your head!
Instead, you can mix a bit of neutral dish detergent in lukewarm (not hot!) water, soak your pieces in it, and then carefully brush with a new, soft toothbrush. After you’re finished with that, rinse your jewelry in warm water and leave them to dry. If you prefer, you can also carefully dry with a paper towel or a soft cloth.
Just remember that gold is a soft metal, so you have to be gentle during the brushing and drying process.
What to avoid when cleaning gold jewelry?
While you can use neutral dish detergent to clean your gold jewelry, steer clear of any soap or detergent with unknown ingredients. Also, remove your gold jewelry before showering to avoid any unwanted damage from not only your soap but also your shampoo and conditioner.
You should also avoid at all costs chlorine coming into contact with your gold jewelry, as it can permanently damage or discolor gold.
Can you use toothpaste to clean jewelry?
Don’t even think about it! Toothpaste can damage gold - it can damage all your jewelry, actually. Toothpaste is abrasive, and the chemicals used to give it flavor are corrosive to metal.
Gemstones can also get surface abrasions from toothpaste, and pearls and opals should never be touched by it, as toothpaste can destroy their color and luster. So, stick to a cleaner that’s made specifically for jewelry.
What do professional jewelers use to clean jewelry?
Jewelers use ultrasonic cleaners with high-frequency sound waves and chemicals, which create bubbles that latch onto the dirt on the piece, pulling it away from the metal or gemstone and bringing it up to the surface. So, even if you give your jewelry pieces a good scrub at home, professional cleaning will always be the best option.
At Blakeman’s, we offer on-site professional jewelry cleaning and repair to keep your valuable jewelry in top condition. Trust our graduate gemologist and bench jeweler to care for your most valuable or sentimental pieces.
Stop by the store at any time to speak with a jewelry consultant. You can find us at 3202 South Pinnacle Hills Pkwy, Rogers, 72758, Arkansas, or give us a call at (479) 845-0088.
