The glimmer of gold is irresistible to anybody. You never hear a woman complain about having too much jewelry! Even though most women and men adore gold, they are terrified when their jewelry begins to dull. The idea of having to take it to a professional for cleaning gives some people unwelcome migraines. However, there are simple ways to keep the gold sparkling clean and shiny. Don’t give up hope. If your favorite gold earrings or bangles aren’t as sparkly as they were once, don’t toss them in a jewelry box. Everything you need to know about cleaning gold jewelry is here.
What Causes the Tarnishing of Gold Jewelry?
Before we get into how to clean gold jewelry, it’s necessary to know what causes them to tarnish in the first place. When it comes to gold jewelry, there are a variety of factors that might cause it to lose its brilliance over time. Using your gold jewelry regularly is the number one reason for the tarnish that occurs. They lose their luster and glimmer as you wear them more frequently and for longer periods.
Many elements including dirt, makeup, and common chemicals can diminish the luster of gold. Perfumes and moisturizers you use on your skin might tarnish your gold jewelry too. The chemical properties of gold used to make your jewelry is also a factor. Gold in its purest form or 24k gold, is very pliable and prone to breakage. It is blended with other metals, such as nickel, platinum, silver, zinc, and manganese, to make it strong enough for jewelry. Purities of gold like 22k, 18k, or 14k are determined by the amount of gold in relation to the other metals present in a certain alloy. Read more about gold prices of each karat here.
Gold is a non-reactive metal that will not degrade on its own. However, when exposed to oxygen and water the other metals in the mixture react. These reactions have the potential to darken or discolor your gold jewelry. Discoloration in gold alloys is caused by the metals employed in their production.
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Cleaning Gold Earrings At Home
Even if your gold earrings will start to dull, you don’t need to take them to the jeweler. Using soap and water to clean any gold ornaments is one of the simplest and most efficient methods. To clean simple gold earrings, and other jewelry all you need is a soap and water solution. Using soap and water to clean your gold earrings removes grime and oils that have built up over time. This procedure is one of the quickest and easiest ways to restore the brilliance to your gold earrings.
- Fill a dish with warm water first. Mix in a small amount of mild soap to create a solution. Even dishwashing liquid is ok for making the solution.
- Put your gold jewelry in here and let it soak for a while. Allow 15 to 20 minutes of soaking time.
- Brushing the crevices with a soft-bristled brush can also remove debris.
- Finally rinse the gold earrings with warm tap water and dry it off with a clean towel.
Water with Ammonia
You may not have ammonia in your kitchen, but it’s inexpensive to buy and it will certainly bring the gold earrings back to life if the soapy water procedure didn’t completely work out. If the item is extremely tarnished or has stubborn dirt regions, this method is quite useful. Get started by combining warm water with a small amount of ammonia, and then allowing your gold jewelry to soak for 5 – 10 mins. To clean your gold, use a gentle brush to remove dirt, then rinse thoroughly.
How to Clean Gold Earrings with Diamonds or Gemstones?
Diamonds and rubies, as well as semi-precious gemstones like topazes can all enhance the attractiveness of gold jewelry. Give it a good rinsing and clean it with a soft toothbrush or another gentle brush. Before putting anything in the dishwasher, check to see if there are any loose stones. Allow it to dry thoroughly before storing after washing. If your jewelry includes delicate gemstones like opals, you should avoid submerging it in boiling water.
Keep These Tips in Mind When Cleaning Your Gold Earrings
If you want your gold earrings to last a long time, you need to take special care when cleaning it. Bleach-containing cleaners, whether solid or liquid, should never be used. It’s capable of permanently fading gold. Jewelry containing precious gemstones should be given special attention. When cleaning your gold earrings, be sure to do so in a bowl. Make sure the drain is plugged if you’re rinsing in the sink. Your favorite earrings do not belong in the drain. Do not use a strong stream of water to rinse your gemstone gold jewelry. Cleaning your gold and gemstone earrings with mild soap and water can help preserve its natural shine. If you’re unsure about anything, take a trip to a reputable jeweler.