Gold Lasts Forever — With a Little Help
Solid gold jewelry is remarkably durable and resistant to tarnish, corrosion, and discoloration. Unlike plated or filled jewelry, solid gold maintains its beauty for generations. However, daily wear exposes gold to substances that can dull its surface over time. Simple care habits keep your gold looking as brilliant as the day you received it.
Daily Habits That Protect Gold
- Put jewelry on LAST: Apply perfume, lotion, hairspray, and makeup before putting on gold jewelry. These products create a film that dulls gold's natural luster
- Take jewelry off FIRST: Remove gold jewelry before bed, before showering, and before exercise. Sweat, soap, and movement all contribute to surface buildup
- Avoid chlorine: Chlorine (pools, hot tubs, cleaning products) can weaken gold alloys over time. Always remove gold jewelry before swimming
- Avoid abrasives: Household cleaning products, gardening chemicals, and rough surfaces can scratch gold
Cleaning Gold at Home
- Warm soapy water: Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak gold jewelry for 15-30 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, paying attention to crevices and behind settings. Rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
- Frequency: Clean daily-wear pieces (rings, chains) every 1-2 weeks. Clean occasional-wear pieces before and after wearing
- Polishing cloth: A jewelry polishing cloth restores surface shine in seconds. Keep one in your jewelry box for quick touch-ups
Storage
- Store each piece separately to prevent scratching. Gold scratches gold
- Use soft pouches, lined jewelry boxes, or individual compartments
- Keep in a cool, dry place. Humidity accelerates surface dulling
- For pieces worn infrequently, wrap in a soft cloth and store in an airtight bag
Professional Maintenance
- Annual inspection: Take daily-wear pieces (especially rings) to a jeweler once a year for prong tightening and professional cleaning
- Rhodium replating (white gold only): White gold loses its bright white finish over time as the rhodium plating wears. Most jewelers can replate in a few days for $50-$100
- Scratch polishing: A jeweler can buff out surface scratches and restore a high-polish finish. This removes a microscopic amount of gold, so do not over-polish