How to Clean Gold Jewelry Safely
Gold jewelry is timeless, elegant, and a true statement of luxury. But even gold can lose its shine when it is exposed to everyday wear, skin oils, and dirt. The good news is that keeping your gold pieces looking radiant is simple and can be done at home with a few safe methods.
Soap and Water (Everyday Cleaning)
The safest and easiest way to clean gold jewelry is with a mild soap and water solution.
Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of gentle dish soap.
Place your jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
Use a soft bristled toothbrush to gently scrub, paying extra attention to crevices.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Pat dry with a soft lint free cloth.
This method is safe for both solid gold and most gemstone set jewelry, though delicate stones like pearls, opals, and emeralds should only be wiped with a damp cloth.
Ammonia Solution (Occasional Deep Clean)
For stubborn buildup, ammonia can give gold an extra boost of shine. However, it should be used sparingly and only on solid gold without fragile stones.
Mix one part household ammonia with six parts water.
Soak your jewelry for no more than one minute.
Remove immediately, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft cloth.
⚠️ Caution: Never use ammonia on pearls, opals, emeralds, or jewelry with glued in settings.
When Deeper Cleaning is Needed
For valuable or intricate pieces that need more than a quick home clean, you are welcome to reach out to me. I have the proper tools and techniques to safely restore brilliance while protecting delicate settings and gemstones. While most people will only ever need a simple soap and water cleaning, I can assist if you want your piece refreshed to its original shine.
Extra Care Tips
Store gold jewelry separately in soft pouches or lined boxes to prevent scratches.
Remove jewelry before swimming, cleaning, or working with chemicals such as bleach or chlorine.
Wipe down pieces with a soft cloth after wearing to prevent buildup.
Bottom line: For routine cleaning, mild soap and water is all you need. Use ammonia occasionally for a deeper clean on solid gold. And if your piece ever needs a little more attention, I can help ensure it shines like new.