Think of your jewellery like clothing: No two pieces are alike, and they all come with a unique set of cleaning guidelines. That means some of your jewellery can be cleaned at home, while others might require the attention of a professional. Here’s what The experts say about how to clean cheap jewellery as well as expensive jewellery.
Yes, you heard it right. You don’t have to make a trip to your local jeweller every time your gold chains or earrings start losing their shine. One of the easiest and the most effective ways to clean your gold ornaments is by using water and soap. Don’t be worry! A simple soap and water solution is all you need to clean plain gold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, bangles, and other ornaments.
Cleaning your plain gold jewellery with soap water rids it of accumulated dirt and oils. This method is one of the fastest ways to restore your gold jewellery’s shine without any annoyances.
However, remember that you shouldn’t use this method to clean gemstone-studded pieces. We will get to that later. So how do you clean your plain gold ornaments with soap and water? Here you go.
- First, take a bowl and fill it with warm water. Add mild soap and mix to form a solution. You can use mild detergents or a few drops of dishwashing liquid to make the solution.
- Dip your gold jewellery into this mixture. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Next, rinse with cold water and lay it flat on a soft, clean, and dry cloth or towel. Let it air dry completely.
- You can also use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt from the nooks and crannies. Don’t rub the jewellery hard, though.
- Don’t forget to store it safely and properly, preferably in a jewellery box.
- This soap-water-brush method can be used for cleaning jewellery made of yellow, white, and rose gold.
ALERT: Don’t use boiling or freezing cold water. Instead of tap water, you can also use sodium-free soda water or club soda. These carbonated liquids will loosen up the dirt accumulated in your jewellery. Alternatively, you can use a jewellery cleaning solution from a professional jeweller.
Why should you take care of your diamond jewellery?
When you buy a piece of diamond jewellery, you don’t necessarily think of the maintenance that will later be required. Most people have this preconception that you wear your diamond ring or necklace or earrings and they will shine and look new forever, but much like anything else, a little love and care are required to maintain their brilliance. Diamonds are natural gems, so they will naturally tarnish over time if not cared for appropriately. However, there are several things you can do to keep your diamond jewellery looking its best. Diamonds are very durable, but they aren’t indestructible. If you drop them, they may chip or crack. They can also scratch easily.
Diamonds are porous, which means they absorb moisture. Moisture causes diamonds to oxidize (turn brown). When you’re wearing your diamond jewellery, try to avoid sweat, perspiration, perfume, hairspray, lotions, and cosmetics. If you want to keep your diamond jewellery sparkling bright, you’ll need to protect it from the elements.
To keep that Shine and Brilliance
Every day, you may use your gold necklace or earrings. But occasionally, some of your gold jewellery will lose its shine and become dull. So, how do you keep that sparkle? Here are some easy steps to follow to keep that shine. If you are using a chemical cleaner to clean your jewellery, keep it in an airtight container when not in use. Gold jewellery can tarnish over time, but you can easily clean it using a solution of water and mild soap.
Real jewellery versus costume jewellery
You might not be shelling out the same kind of money for costume jewellery pieces as you would for fine jewellery, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take proper care of them. Since they’re not expertly made, costume jewellery has its own set of cleaning rules and should always be cleaned more sparingly and gently.
“Since the stones are most often glued in, too much cleaning can weaken the glue and cause stones to fall out. Costume jewellery is usually made of base metal with plating on top. Scrubbing a piece can cause the finish to wear over time. “Whenever possible, costume jewellery should just be wiped clean with a soft cloth. The piece should only be cleaned using a liquid cleaner when absolutely necessary and not often.” Fine jewellery, on the other hand, can and should be cleaned more often.
When the stones look dull, that is a good indication that dirt and grease are accumulating under the stone. Not only does this take away from your jewellery’s beauty, but it is also not good for the setting of the stone. It can cause unnecessary wear and can even loosen prongs. Dirt accumulated under stones can also cause irritation to your skin. Everyday wear and tear can dull the sparkle of fine jewellery, so it’s important to pay attention to its condition and treat it when necessary.
Basic jewellery care will protect and preserve your jewellery for years to come. The care of your pieces depends on their unique properties, including the metal and gemstones, which can become dulled and less brilliant over time.
Wear is also a factor: Everyday pieces are exposed to outside elements (air and dirt, for example) and trauma (scratching), while those you keep tucked away can tarnish if stored improperly.
What causes Gold jewellery To Tarnish?
The purest form of gold is 24K. On its own gold does not react with other elements. But, 22K, 18K, and 14K varieties of gold ornaments have other metals in them. These metals are used to make the ornament stronger. Some of the common metals used in gold ornaments are silver, palladium, nickel, zinc, and manganese.
The discoloration or darkening of your gold jewellery is because of these metals. They react with sweat, perfumes, water, and body lotion throughout the day. Gold jewellery worn on a daily basis is more likely to lose its shine over time. In this article, we tell you how to clean your gold jewellery at home and some preventive tips. In this article, we will tell you how to clean your gold jewellery.
The first thing that you need to do is to identify what is causing the discolouration on your gold jewellery. If it is sweat and lotion then cleaning of your jewellery can be done relatively easily at home with simple household products, such as toothpaste and baking soda.
The first thing that you need to do is to identify what is causing the discolouration on your gold jewellery. If it is sweat and lotion then cleaning of your jewellery can be done relatively easily at home with simple household products, such as toothpaste and baking soda.
The first thing that you need to do is to identify what is causing the discoloration on your gold jewellery. If it is sweat and lotion then cleaning of your jewellery can be done relatively easily at home with simple household products, such as toothpaste and baking soda. For other metals used in gold ornaments, acid can be used to clean the discolouration. You can use a mild acid such as vinegar and lemon juice.
To clean the discolouration, put a small amount of the acid on a piece of cloth and rub it gently. When the discolouration has been removed, wipe it with an alcohol solution. If your gold jewellery is made of palladium, nickel, or iron then it can also be cleaned using toothpaste and baking soda.
Toothpaste helps in removing all types of stains including those caused by sweat and lotion.
Hazards to Avoid When Cleaning Gold jewellery
Because of gold jewellery’s high chance of tarnish, there are a couple of specific substances to avoid:
Soap – Steer clear of any soap with unknown ingredients. Basic blue Dawn dish soap is fine, but remove your gold jewellery before showering to avoid accumulating a film from other body washes.
Chlorine – Chlorine, especially at high temperatures like in a hot tub, can permanently damage or discolour your gold jewellery. Remember to remove it when cleaning with chlorine bleach, too!
While pure gold does not tarnish, almost all gold jewellery is an alloy, as mentioned above. Depending on the percentage of other metals mixed with the gold, there is a chance of tarnish. Better safe than sorry.
Don’t use harsh cleaning products
The best way to create a lasting shine on your jewellery is to keep it clean and take good care of it. Many people like to use harsh chemicals to clean their jewellery but it could damage the piece over time. Since gold is naturally soft, it can be easily damaged. There are many ways in which gold can be damaged when cleaning it. For example, hard water can cause the piece to tarnish over time.
Hard water contains minerals in solution such as calcium and magnesium that have a negative effect on the shine of your jewellery as well as any other metal objects in your home. To remove this problem you need to find an alternative source of water. Cleaning your jewellery with chemicals can dull its shine over time. This can happen due to the fact that there is not enough time for the piece to dry and for the chemical residue to be washed off. If you use too many chemicals, it can also damage the metal of your jewellery.
Cleaning your jewellery with chemicals can dull its shine over time. This can happen due to the fact that there is not enough time for the piece to dry and for the chemical residue to be washed off. If you use too many chemicals, it can also damage the metal of your jewellery.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to clean your gold jewellery at home so you get the most out of your investment. Remember, too much of anything can be harmful, but small amounts aren’t likely to cause harm.
FAQS:
How do I clean gold jewellery?
Immerse your gold jewellery in the soapy solution for 10-15 minutes.
What are the different types of gold ornaments?
But, 22K, 18K, and 14K varieties of gold ornaments have other metals in them.
How do I clean my jewellery?
Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub out the dirt particles from in-between the intricate crevices and engravings of your jewellery.