How to clean gold jewelry at home

Solid gold does not tarnish, but it collects oils, lotion and dust that dull its shine. A gentle clean is almost always enough.

Step by step #

1. Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap.
2. Soak the piece for 10-15 minutes.
3. Scrub with a very soft brush, especially in crevices and behind stones.
4. Rinse in clean water (plug the drain).
5. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

White, rose and yellow gold #

White gold is usually rhodium-plated, and the plating wears with use and abrasive products; if it loses its white color, a jeweler can re-plate it. Rose and yellow gold are cleaned the same way.

Gold-plated, gold-filled and vermeil #

These pieces only have a layer of gold over another metal. Clean them only with a soft cloth and lukewarm water, with no hard brushes, abrasives or ultrasonic cleaners, which wear the layer.

With stones #

If it has pearls, opals, emeralds or other delicate stones, do not soak it for long and see how to clean jewelry with gemstones.

See also #

• How to clean a diamond ring
• Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner: when to use it and when not to
• Gold plated, gold filled, vermeil and solid gold: differences
• Care and cleaning of gold