Gold is a timeless metal that is never meant to go out of style. If treated right, your gold jewelry should last a lifetime. The key to caring for gold jewelry is knowing that gold is very soft. The higher the karat value, the softer the gold due to the amount (or lack) of alloys. For example, 10K gold contains a high percentage of alloys, like copper and silver, that help strengthen the piece. 24k gold contains a lower percentage of alloys and is much softer due to the high gold content. Since gold is so soft, it can be prone to dings or scratches. Be mindful when wearing gold rings, bracelets, or watches to avoid damage.
Here are a few things to remember when dealing with gold jewelry:
Steer clear of chlorine. That pool or jacuzzi might look mighty fine to you on a hot summer day, but it's a nightmare for your gold jewelry. Chlorine can eat away at the alloys in gold, leaving you with a weakened ring or bracelet that's bound to break.
Be sure to remove or cover your gold jewelry while cleaning. Household cleaners like bleach or other acids or abrasives can eat away at the surface of your gold jewelry. We recommend removing your rings while cleaning around the house and storing them somewhere safe – this ensures they won't get damaged by cleaning products and won't slip off down a drain!
Put your jewelry on last when getting dressed. This also means you shouldn't wear your gold in the shower either! Soaps, lotions, and perfumes can cause a film buildup on the surface of your jewelry, making it look dull and aged.
Store gold jewelry separately from other pieces. Remember, gold is a soft metal and can be scratched if not maintained properly. By storing it separately, you ensure it won't be scratched by tougher metals while not in use. We recommend using a soft, fabric-lined jewelry box and wrapping larger pieces in a soft cloth before storing.
Cleaning your gold jewelry is easier than you think, plus it can be done with items you already have at home!
In a large bowl, mix 2 parts dish soap with 10 parts warm water. Allow jewelry to soak for three hours and then gently scrub with a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to focus on the underside of rings and between any diamonds or gemstones.
Rinse under hot water and dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. To make your jewelry shine even more, polish with a jewelry cloth!
You can't over-clean gold, so repeat these steps as often as you wish to keep your gold looking like new!
If you don't have the time to wait, ask us about the personal jewelry cleaners available in store. Whether you want your own 5-minute ultra-sonic cleaner or an on-the-go Dazzle Stick, we've got you covered!
To make the most of your gold jewelry, we recommend yearly professional cleanings. For gold rings, especially engagement or wedding rings, we highly recommend getting a cleaning and a prong-check every six months. If you're interested in dropping your rings off to be cleaned, visit us at Sayers Jewelers or give us a call at (302) 653-9456 and speak to one of our expert associates. Your ring can never be too clean, and your diamonds can never be too secure!