How to Take Care of Gold Jewelry
Expert Tips to Keep Your Gold Jewelry Shining Bright
With proper care, the gold jewelry you invest in can last you a lifetime. Gold is naturally resistant to tarnish and unlike other metals, it does not oxidize or corrode, as it does not easily combine with oxygen or moisture. It's also hypoallergenic, making it a good fit for sensitive skin. You can easily match gold with everyday wear due to its timeless appeal.
However, no material is without its considerations. Pure gold is incredibly soft and malleable, so it is alloyed with other metals to enhance its strength, durability, and suitability for everyday wear. Although pure gold does not tarnish, gold jewelry is often alloyed with other metals that do. Here at Rite and Relic, we want to make sure your gold jewelry looks its best through the years. A gentle upkeep of gold jewelry can be a very rewarding ritual and we are here to help.
Always check your jewelry for damage before any maintenance. Cleaning or handling damaged pieces can make things worse. Watch out for loose stones and settings, dents, stress lines or dull surfaces.
Cleaning your gold jewellery
To easily clean your gold jewellery at home, you will need a small bowl, mild dish soap, hot water, a soft toothbrush and lint-free or microfiber cloth.
Mix the water and dish soap in your bowl and soak the gold for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, use the toothbrush to clean the piece gently and pat it with a cloth afterwards. Avoid paper towels or harsh cloths as this can cause scratches.
Storing your gold
Always store each piece separately to avoid scratches—gold is a soft metal, and even gold can scratch itself if pieces are left touching. Use individual soft cloth pouches or lined compartments in a jewelry box. Keep your jewelry in a clean, dry, and cool place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Bathrooms are not ideal, as moisture can cause buildup, especially on lower-karat gold with alloys. To reduce moisture, you can place silica gel packets or anti-tarnish strips in your storage area.
Before storing, make sure each piece is clean and dry, especially if it’s been exposed to lotions, sweat, or perfumes. Avoid storing gold near household chemicals or in plastic bags, which can trap moisture. For chains and necklaces, fasten the clasps and lay them flat or wrap them gently to prevent tangling. Long-term storage may benefit from wrapping each piece in acid-free tissue or a jewelry-safe polishing cloth. A high-quality jewelry box with a soft lining is a worthwhile investment, and for travel, use a case with separate compartments to keep everything secure and untangled.
What to avoid
Avoid exposing gold to chlorinated water, hot springs, and sulfur-containing environments. Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or applying cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays. Keep away from household chemicals and cleaning products that can cause tarnishing and damage.
Avoid stacking or tossing multiple items together, as this might cause scratching.
Professional cleaning services
Consider getting your gold jewelry professionally cleaned on an annual basis. Here at Rite and Relic, we offer jewelry cleaning services for all prodcuts sold on the website. Please contact us for more information.