How to clean your gold jewelry?
Gentle and professional methods to restore shine to your jewelry.
At a glanceRestoring the brilliance of gold jewelry dulled by surface oils, dust, and cosmetics is simple when honoring the metallurgy of the alloy and the delicacy of set gemstones. This practical guide covers gentle home methods, professional ultrasonic care, and common mistakes to avoid.
Cleaning Methods by Jewelry Type
| Jewelry Category | Recommended Procedure | Cleaning Agents | Strictly Prohibited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Yellow & Rose Gold (No stones) | Warm soapy bath + ultra-soft brush | Warm water, mild dish soap | Bleach, chlorine, steel brushes |
| Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies | Professional ultrasonic cleaner (42 kHz) | Degreasing jewelry bath solution | Sudden thermal shock (boiling water) |
| Porous Organic Gems (Emeralds, Pearls) | Gentle wipe with damp microfiber | Luke-warm pure water | Ultrasonic cleaners strictly forbidden! |
| Rhodium-Plated White Gold | Soft jewelry polishing cloth | Specialty gold cloth | Abrasive compounds stripping rhodium |
The Deadly Hazard of Chlorine for Gold
Never wear gold jewelry in chlorinated swimming pools or hot tubs!
Chlorine attacks the base alloying metals (copper, zinc, nickel) in 18k and 14k gold, causing severe stress-corrosion cracking that loosens prongs and drops gemstones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Cleaning Gold
Why does 18k gold tarnish slightly over time?
Pure gold never tarnishes, but the 25% copper and silver content can react with airborne sulfur and skin acidity.
How often should jewelry be professionally polished?
Every 3 to 5 years at a master jeweler's bench, including rhodium re-plating for white gold.
Buy Investment Gold in Switzerland (VAT-Exempt)
Buy and store physical gold in secure Zurich or Geneva vaults at direct live LBMA spot rates.