How to Clean Your Gold Jewelry Safely & Effectively

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Keep your gold jewelry bright and shiny with these expert tips
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If you notice your gold jewelry pieces are starting to look dull or dingy, it may be time to give them a thorough cleaning. A mixture of dish soap and warm water is the perfect homemade gold jewelry cleaner, and it only takes a few minutes to restore the look of your pieces. Cleaning your gold and taking good care of it ensures that your jewelry lasts for a long time, and we’ll walk you through the entire process, including expert insights from professional jewelers and gem appraisers. Keep reading for how to take care of your jewelry, how often to clean it, what to avoid, and how to keep it from getting dirty or damaged.

How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home

  1. Soak the jewelry in a bowl of warm water and dish soap for 15 minutes.
  2. Scrub the jewelry gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  3. Rinse your jewelry off with warm water.
  4. Pat the jewelry dry with a lint-free microfiber towel or an old T-shirt.
Section 1 of 6:

Cleaning Gold Jewelry with Dish Soap

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  1. It’s best to use a small bowl instead of cleaning your gold jewelry in the sink, so you don’t risk losing it down the drain. Fill the bowl with lukewarm tap water, then add in a few drops of regular dish soap and stir the solution together, explains master gemologist appraiser Kennon Young. [1]
    • This method works for cleaning gold-plated jewelry, solid gold jewelry, and gold jewelry with gemstones.
    • If your jewelry has gemstones, check to make sure none of them are loose before cleaning. [2] If any of the gemstones seem wiggly, don’t try to clean the jewelry on your own—take it to a professional jeweler to be repaired and polished.
  2. Leave your jewelry in the solution to break apart dirt and grime that has accumulated on the surface. Soaking your jewelry also helps remove debris and residue that’s stuck inside crevices or underneath gemstones. [3]
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    Young specifically suggests using a baby toothbrush since they’re very gentle on the gemstones and the metal, but any soft-bristled toothbrush will work. [4] Dip the bristles of the toothbrush into the soapy water and gently scrub the surface of your jewelry, focusing on any tight nooks and crannies where dirt, oils, and debris may get caught.
    • If you’re cleaning gold rings or earrings with gemstones, scrub the underside of the stones to help restore their shine and sparkle.
  4. After you remove all of the dirt and grime from the gold’s surface, dip it into a bowl filled with hot water to rinse off any residual soap or dirt. Swish the jewelry around in the water and gently shake off the excess when you’re finished. [5]
    • Avoid rinsing your jewelry under running water from your faucet because you could easily lose your grip and drop an expensive piece down the drain. If you need to use your sink, plug the drain or put your jewelry in a fine-mesh strainer to keep it from getting lost.
  5. “What people don’t realize is that gold scratches extremely easily,” says jewelry professional Nicole Wegman. In fact, gold is so soft that a paper towel is actually abrasive enough to scratch it, she explains. [6] To avoid damaging your jewelry, use a soft microfiber cloth or an old T-shirt to gently pat it dry, and avoid using paper towels or tissues. Once your jewelry is dry, it’s ready to wear or be put away in a safe place. [7]
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Section 2 of 6:

Cleaning with Commercial Gold Cleaner or Ammonia

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  1. “I recommend cleaning weekly with any jewelry cleaner—it’s safe on diamonds and gold,” Wegner says. “You want to soak it [in the jewelry cleaner] for a few minutes, and then you want to scrub it with the little brush that often comes with the jewelry cleaner. If you don’t have one, you can just use a soft toothbrush and then rinse it under warm water.” [8]
    • There are a few different commercial gold cleaners on the market, so be sure to follow the instructions listed on the specific product you buy.
  2. If your gold jewelry is free of any soft gems, you can clean it in a 1:6 ratio of ammonia and water, using a soft toothbrush to clear away any grime as needed. Rinse off the jewelry and blot it dry with a gentle cloth, and that’s it! [9]
    • Ammonia can damage amber, pearl, and opal and is also harmful to high-porosity stones (e.g., turquoise), so if your jewelry contains these gems, avoid this cleaning method. [10] Stick to water and dish soap, instead.
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Section 3 of 6:

What Not to Use when Cleaning Gold Jewelry

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  1. You may have heard some people recommending vinegar as a cleaning solution for gold, but graduate gemologist Edward Lewand actually cautions against this. He recommends sticking to a solution of Dawn dish soap for cleaning your gold jewelry at home, or taking it to a professional to be polished. [11]
  2. Gold can scratch very easily, so abrasive agents like toothpaste and baking soda can do more harm than good when it comes to regular jewelry maintenance. [12] “You don’t want to use toothpaste,” says Lewand. “Again, some mild dish detergent like Dawn is perfectly fine, and a toothbrush. That’ll pretty much clean it.” [13]
  3. Using harsh substances like chlorine bleach or acetone to clean your gold jewelry could damage the metal. [14] These cleaning agents could also damage any gemstones that might be inlaid in your jewelry. As a result, it’s usually best to stick with gentler cleaning agents like dish soap, or products specifically formulated for cleaning jewelry, like commercial gold cleaner.
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Section 4 of 6:

How often should you clean gold jewelry?

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  1. Because oils from your skin or any lotions you’re wearing may get on your jewelry, it’s a good idea to wipe the pieces off with a soft, damp cloth whenever you take the pieces off for the day. [15] This prevents gunk from building up on your jewelry and keeps it looking bright and shiny.
    • Make sure to only wipe your gold jewelry off with soft, non-abrasive materials, like a microfiber cloth or an old T-shirt. Don’t use rougher materials like paper towels, as they can leave scratches.
  2. If you notice your jewelry looks visibly dull or dingy, carve out a few minutes in your schedule each month to soak and scrub the pieces clean. Cleaning your gold jewelry on a monthly basis helps prevent the buildup of dirt and oils, so your jewelry continues to sparkle and shine. [16]
    • If you wear your gold jewelry more frequently, you may need to clean it twice a month to keep it looking brand new.
  3. Graduate gemologist and jeweler Mark Sandler recommends taking your jewelry in to be professionally cleaned and polished on a yearly basis. [17] First, contact the jeweler you purchased your gold jewelry from and see if they offer free cleaning or polishing services. Otherwise, search for jewelers in your area and ask how much they charge for cleaning.
    • Some jewelers may offer free cleanings, but it will normally cost between $25–50 USD.
    • A jeweler will be able to clean your jewelry safely, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in the process. They may also be able to remove scratches from the surface of your jewelry.
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Section 5 of 6:

Maintaining Gold Jewelry

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  1. If you plan on exercising, swimming, doing household chores, or any activity that could get dirty, remove your jewelry to prevent damage. You should also take off gold jewelry whenever you’re applying sunscreen or lotion, or if you’re taking a shower, as these things can make the metal look dull or dingy. [18]
  2. Before you put on your jewelry, check that the clasps are secure and undamaged, so they don’t break throughout the day. If you have gold jewelry that contains gemstones, look at the stones to make sure they’re not loose or wobbly. If you notice any damage or loose gems, take your jewelry to a professional for repairs. [19]
  3. Store your gold in a jewelry box or tarnish-resistant pouch . Whenever you’re not wearing your jewelry, place it inside a protective box or pouch to keep it free from dust and dirt. Lined boxes or pouches also prevent the jewelry from getting scratched or damaged if they’re jostled around, so they’re perfect for making your gold pieces last. [20]
    • Avoid stacking gold jewelry on top of each other because they could chip or scratch one another.
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Section 6 of 6:

FAQs about Gold Jewelry

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  1. Sandler recommends taking your gold jewelry in for a professional cleaning by a jeweler once per year. [21] Additionally, if you notice any damage or loose gemstones on your jewelry, you should let a professional do the cleaning rather than trying to tackle it yourself, to avoid damaging the piece any further.
  2. Gold is a pretty soft and malleable metal, so it’s not very durable on its own. As a result, gold jewelry is often made of a mixture of gold and other stronger metals (called alloys). The purity of a piece of gold jewelry is then measured in karats. For example, if your gold jewelry is made out of 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts other metal alloys, it’s 18-karat gold. If your jewelry is made out of 100% pure gold and no metal alloys, it is 24-karat gold. [22]
  3. “Gold itself doesn’t tarnish, but the alloys in the gold will tarnish,” explains Lewand. “Sometimes they’ll use silver, sometimes they’ll use nickel, sometimes they’ll use copper—it all depends on the color they’re going for. So that’s actually what’s tarnishing the gold. If for some reason your [pure] gold piece does tarnish, you’d have to take it to a real professional jewelry store and have it cleaned and polished.” [24]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you polish gold jewelry yourself?
    Kennon Young
    Master Gemologist Appraiser
    Kennon Young is a Master Gemologist Appraiser and the Owner of Vermont Gemological Laboratory in Burlington, Vermont. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kennon and his team specialize in handmade engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom jewelry. He attended the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Rhode Island School of Design Extension. He is a Jewelers of America (JA) Certified Bench Jeweler Technician and received the highest credential in the jewelry appraisal industry, the ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser, in 2016.
    Kennon Young
    Master Gemologist Appraiser
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but if you're visually seeing scratches, you're going to need professional buffs. Consider taking the jewelry to a professional. Even the deepest scratches can be removed with laser welders these days, but it's not something that you can always do at home.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How do you clean tarnished gold?
    Kennon Young
    Master Gemologist Appraiser
    Kennon Young is a Master Gemologist Appraiser and the Owner of Vermont Gemological Laboratory in Burlington, Vermont. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kennon and his team specialize in handmade engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom jewelry. He attended the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Rhode Island School of Design Extension. He is a Jewelers of America (JA) Certified Bench Jeweler Technician and received the highest credential in the jewelry appraisal industry, the ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser, in 2016.
    Kennon Young
    Master Gemologist Appraiser
    Expert Answer
    Gold will only tarnish after 50-60 years. If you have gold that's old enough to be tarnished, removing the tarnish will most likely devalue the gold as the tarnish is showing its antiquity. In that case, avoid de-tarnishing the gold.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      References

      1. ↑ Kennon Young. Master Gemologist Appraiser. Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.cleaningservicenewyorkcity.com/safely-cleaning-jewelry.html
      3. ↑ https://www.jewelersmutual.com/the-jewelry-box/cleaning-gold-jewelry-4-easy-steps
      4. ↑ Kennon Young. Master Gemologist Appraiser. Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.
      5. ↑ https://www.jewelersmutual.com/the-jewelry-box/cleaning-gold-jewelry-4-easy-steps
      6. ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
      7. ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
      8. ↑ Nicole Wegman. Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.cleaningservicenewyorkcity.com/safely-cleaning-jewelry.html
      1. ↑ https://www.gemsociety.org/article/money-saving-ways-to-clean-jewelry/
      2. ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-jewelry/
      4. ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.
      5. ↑ https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-secrets-keep-diamond-sparkling&utm_source=intl_facebook&utm_campaign=diamond-sparkle&utm_medium=social
      6. ↑ https://www.jewelers.org/buying-jewelry/jewelry-repair-and-care/jewelry-care
      7. ↑ https://www.tttjewelry.com/how-to-clean-gold-plated-jewelry-so-it-looks-brand-new/
      8. ↑ Mark Sandler. Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
      9. ↑ https://www.jewelers.org/buying-jewelry/jewelry-repair-and-care/jewelry-care
      10. ↑ https://media.tiffany.com/is/content/Tiffany/Gemstone-Pearl-Booklet-2019-US-GA.pdf
      11. ↑ https://media.tiffany.com/is/content/Tiffany/Gemstone-Pearl-Booklet-2019-US-GA.pdf
      12. ↑ Mark Sandler. Graduate Gemologist, Jeweler, & Appraiser. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
      13. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/technology/karat
      14. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carat
      15. ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean your gold jewelry, start by mixing a few drops of liquid dish soap into a bowl of lukewarm water. Then, put your gold jewelry in the water and let it sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take out your jewelry and gently scrub it with a clean soft-bristled toothbrush. Finish by rinsing your jewelry with warm water and then blotting it dry with a clean cloth. To learn how to clean your gold jewelry with toothpaste, boiling water, or ammonia, keep reading!

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