How to Care for Gold

Left to its own devices, gold jewelry won't tarnish or corrode. However, with regular wear, your gold jewelry will eventually accumulate a film of soap, body oils, and even grease. Taking proper care of your fine gold jewelry means maintaining your jewelry when you’re not wearing it and regularly cleaning it to remove regular build up and occasional tarnish. Taking care of your gold jewelry can ensure that it continues to be a point of pride throughout your lifetime.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Maintaining Your Gold Jewelry

Download Article

The exposure to soap and chemicals can dull the gold, necessitating more frequent cleanings. It can also scratch or break down the gold, which is a soft metal and easily damaged.
Chlorine, like other chemicals, can permanently discolor gold. You should take your jewelry off before going into a hot tub or swimming pool.^{[1]XResearch source}
Advertisement
3
Store your gold jewelry separately. It’s important to make sure your pieces of gold jewelry don’t touch any other jewelry when they’re being stored. Because gold is a soft metal, it can easily scratch or bend out of shape if it comes into contact with other pieces of jewelry.
- If you don’t have enough space to store each piece separately, try wrapping each piece in a soft cloth.
- Hang up gold chains if possible. This prevents them from getting tangled; trying to untangle gold chains can easily break them.
Even if your jewelry doesn’t need to be cleaned, buffing it occasionally is a good way to maintain it. Use a soft chamois cloth and gently rub the surface of the piece. It can help restore the shine of the jewelry right away, without further cleaning.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning Your Gold

Download Article

Dish detergent is the best option for cleaning your gold jewelry because it’s less abrasive than other cleaners. Squirt a few drops of liquid dish detergent into a small bowl full of warm water and swirl the water to mix it.
2
Soak your jewelry. You can leave your jewelry in the soap mixture for up to three hours. You can’t over-clean gold with this mixture, so don’t worry about leaving it in too long. If your jewelry isn’t that dirty, you can leave it in for ten to fifteen minutes.
- If your jewelry has stones, don’t soak it. Instead, mix the cleaning mixture and then dip a soft cloth into it. Then use the cloth to carefully wipe down your jewelry.
3
Rub your jewelry one piece at a time. This helps you avoid scratching any of your other jewelry while you’re cleaning it. Dip the piece of jewelry in the soapy water, and then gently rub it with your fingers (you can also use a cotton swab).
- If you have a very heavily ornamented piece with many cracks and crevices, or if your jewelry is very tarnished, you can use a soft-bristled child's toothbrush. Be very gentle when using such a brush.
Make sure that all traces of suds are gone, especially if you’re cleaning a heavily ornamented piece. The water should run clear when you’re finished.
You don’t want to put your jewelry away wet. Use a soft cloth to gently rub the jewelry until it’s dry. You can also leave the jewelry out to air dry, usually overnight.
6
Clean your jewelry every few months. Every three months or so, give all of your gold jewelry a good, deep clean. Let your jewelry soak in the cleaning solution for three hours before you clean each piece.
- Don't perform this type of clean on your jewelry more than a few times a year. Over cleaning gold jewelry can cause the metal to break down, which can ruin your jewelry.
- Take your gold jewelry into a jeweler to have it professionally cleaned and polished once per year. Many jewelers offer this service for free.^{[2]XExpert SourceMark Sandler
  Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & AppraiserExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If you're not sure you can properly care for your gold jewelry, take it to a jeweler to be professionally cleaned.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
Ultrasonic cleaners are an acceptable alternative method for cleaning gold jewelry.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
You can also use one of many commercial gold-cleaning products; follow the directions on the label.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

You should never use toothpaste or baking soda to clean your gold.
Thanks
Helpful5 Not Helpful0
If your gold jewelry has precious stones or crystals in it, do not clean it with soap.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful1
Some jewelry stores recommend using ammonia to clean your gold jewelry, while others recommend against it.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful1