Whether you wear gold earrings, rings, necklaces or chains, keeping your jewellery clean is an important step in extending its life. Gold can collect dust and dirt, so it’s a good idea to wipe down your jewelry regularly with a lint-free cloth or soft brush. This prevents dulling, tarnish and other signs of wear. For a deeper clean, you can also use a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Just make sure to only use a lukewarm solution. If you soak a piece of jewellery for too long, it could be damaged.

For modern jewellery pieces with stones, it’s best to avoid using chemicals or abrasive brushes that may damage the gemstones. Using soap and water is often the best way to gently clean any stone-set pieces. You can also gently scrub with an old toothbrush or a jeweler’s brush to get into nooks and crannies. If you’re unsure about the condition of your jewellery, consult a professional jeweler who can polish and tighten any prongs that may be loose.

Solid gold is a precious metal that can withstand most cleaning solutions. However, if you have a lower carat gold piece, you will need to be more careful with what you use. Some cleaners, such as toothpaste, ammonia and Windex, can damage the jewellery because of their abrasive ingredients. Check your jewellery for karat marks to ensure that it’s pure gold. If it’s not, it may contain other metals that can be damaged by harsh chemical cleaners.  cleaning gold jewelry