Gold jewellery goes dull over time. Not because the gold degrades, but because of the layer of cream, soap, perspiration and dust that builds up on it. The good news is that removing it takes no special product; warm water and mild soap is usually enough.
The safe method
Put warm water in a bowl with a few drops of mild washing-up liquid. Let the piece soak for fifteen minutes, then brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Pay attention to the gaps between chain links and underneath the stone; that is where dirt collects.
Rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Do not leave it damp: water trapped in moving parts such as clasps and hinges causes problems later.
What not to do
The damage we see most often comes from well-meant cleaning:
- Toothpaste and baking soda are abrasive. They look like they are polishing, but they scrape a thin layer off the surface and leave a dull, scratched finish over time.
- Chlorine attacks the other metals in gold alloys. Do not wear jewellery into a pool or hot tub.
- Ultrasonic cleaners are not safe for every stone. On emerald, opal, pearl and treated stones the vibration does real damage.
- Stiff brushes and scouring pads are never an option.
Diamonds and soft stones are not the same
Diamond is hard and responds well to the soapy-water method above. But on a diamond ring the thing to watch is not the stone, it is the setting holding it. Keep the claws clear while washing, and put the plug in the sink.
Pearl, opal, turquoise and emerald are porous or delicate. Do not soak them; wiping with a damp cloth and drying immediately is enough. Pearls also suffer from perfume and hairspray, so they go on last and come off first.
Everyday habits
More important than cleaning is not letting it get dirty. Put perfume and cream on before your jewellery. Take pieces off for seawater, pools and cleaning products. Take rings off to exercise; the most deformed rings we see come from weight training.
Store pieces so they do not touch. Gold scratches gold; bangles kept together in one box will have worn each other within months.
When to bring it to us
Home cleaning removes surface dirt. But if a stone moves, a clasp no longer closes properly, a chain has thinned somewhere, or the piece has lost its shine, it needs professional care.
Come in for that. Polishing and clasp repairs usually take a few days. We look after what we sell, and we are happy to look at pieces bought elsewhere too.
Polishing, clasp repairs and stone checks are part of our services; our opening hours are here.