How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home

Gold jewellery has a special place in our heart. Are you lucky enough to have a beautiful gold ring or necklace? If yes – you will want it always looking its best. You should have your jewellery cleaned regularly. If you aren’t sure how to do that you are in the right place. You do not have to be an expert to clean your gold jewellery, you can do it yourself, in the comfort of your home. Cleaning your jeweller at home is actually quite easy.

Ways to polish gold

Boiling water

You can start by boiling some water then soak your gold jewellery in a plastic dish. Leave it in there until it cools. Then wash each part with a soft brush and dry it with a towel.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a compound used to purify and manufacture explosives, textiles, dyes, chemicals etc. You can use ammonia to clean your gold jewellery. Start by putting some ammonia in a bowl that has water, in the ration 1:6. Stir the ingredients properly and then put your ring/necklace in it for about a minute. Do not leave it in for a long time or it will erode. Use a strainer to remove the jewellery, wash it properly with water then leave it to dry.

Toothpaste

You can mix some toothpaste with 2 spoons of water. With a soft toothbrush clean your gold jewellery well and then wash it and let it air dry.

Coffee

Place your gold pieces in a bowl with water, some coffee and grated soap. Put it on fire to boil then with a toothbrush and toothpaste, brush it off. Then wash with water and dry it.

Jewellers Cloth

A Jeweller’s cloth can be found at the jewellers or at any supermarket/hardware store. They are not expensive at all but are a good way to polish your beautiful gold jewellery. After cleaning it with soapy water rub over it gently with a jeweller’s cloth. The cloth will help to remove any tarnish or debris.  

You should know that when you are removing scratches from your jewellery you also removing the top surface. This makes it important to avoid doing it too often and be careful as you polish.

How to take care of your jewellery

• Take off your jewellery when you are going for swimming – chlorine and salt water can be damaging.
• Remove rings when washing hands, cleaning or applying lotions.
• Get your valuable jewellery checked regularly.

Did you know?

Pure gold does not tarnish. Well now you’re probably wondering “why is my gold turning black?” This could be because the gold you own isn’t 24 karat. Pure gold is soft and very expensive. It is then mixed with other components like copper, zinc, nickel to give us 18 karats, 14 karats or 9 karats. This is done to make it more affordable to everyone.

Difference between Karat and carat.

Same butt different. What do I mean? Karat refers the purity of the gold while carat is what is used to measure the diamond/gemstone weight.

24 karat gold is 100% pure with no other metals added. The other types are when other metals are combined – diluting its purity.

• 22 karat gold – 22 parts gold, 2 parts other metal.
• 18 karat gold – 18 parts gold, 6 parts other metal.
•  9 karat gold – 9 parts gold, 15 parts other metal.

What causes gold to tarnish?

When gold is exposed to oxygen, sulphur and moisture, a chemical reaction takes place. This then causes a dull film to coat the surface of your jewellery. Without proper care it will eventually turn black. This means your favourite piece will soon lose its appeal and be dull.  

Other things that contribute to tarnishing include soaps, perfume, lotion, aftershave, makeup or even swimming pools due to the chemicals. So to avoid your gold tarnishing we recommend you remove all jewellery before showering, swimming and applying cosmetics.