While regular gentle cleaning will help your gold jewellery look lustrous, there are also steps you can take to prevent your gold pieces from becoming tarnished in the first place. Store your pieces separately so they don’t rub together or become tangled, and avoid wearing them while showering or washing dishes. Using jewellery boxes with anti-tarnish micro-suede linings, or even soft pouches, is another way to keep your pieces safe.
When you do need to clean your jewellery, it is best to use a mixture of warm water and just a few drops of mild soap to scrub away any dirt. A small dish of this solution, with a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach crevices, is also an effective solution for removing stuck on grime. If you are cleaning a piece with gemstones, choose a soap that is free of harsh chemicals, fragrances and colourants as these can damage the gems.
Alternatively, you can try a vinegar bath to get rid of stubborn tarnish. Pour some white vinegar into a bowl, submerge your jewellery and soak for 15-20 minutes. Once soaked, remove your pieces and use a soft brush or cotton swab to gently scrub away any tarnish. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. This method isn’t recommended for engraved jewellery pieces as the acid from the vinegar can fade the etching. It is a good idea to take your pieces to a professional jeweler for regular cleans and to have any loose or missing gemstones tightened. cleaning gold jewellery