gold care

A Complete Guide on How to Care for Gold Jewelry

Most gold jewelry can last a lifetime if it's well cared for. There are several steps you can take to make sure your gold jewelry is well-maintained and looks great for years to come.

The following guide provides excellent gold care tips and will teach you how to take care of all your gold — from your rings, to your bracelets, to how to take care of a gold chain.

In this article, we’ll cover:

The Different Types of Gold

When learning what is the best way to clean gold jewelry, it's important to understand that even though there are different types of gold, they should be cared for in the same way.

  • Yellow Gold: Yellow gold is often thought of as traditional gold jewelry. It's a mix of pure gold with silver, copper, and zinc. It requires the least amount of maintenance.
  • White Gold: White gold is an alloy with nickel or palladium, zinc, and copper. White gold is more durable and scratch-resistant than yellow gold.
  • Rose Gold: Rose gold gets its unique color from alloying gold with copper. This makes it more durable than white or yellow gold.

No matter what type of gold you're looking for, you can find gold rings and gold bracelets at Bryan Anthonys. You can also shop our beautiful selection of dainty rose gold necklaces and rose gold earrings.

Ways to Maintain the Lifetime of Your Gold Jewelry

Your gold jewelry can be maintained using just a few basic jewelry care tips. Whether you want care instructions for gold filled jewelry, or you want to learn how to get tarnish off gold, taking the steps below will ensure your jewelry stays beautiful for years to come.

Avoid Wearing Your Gold Jewelry in Pools

Can you wear gold jewelry in the pool? You'll definitely want to remove your jewelry before going in the pool. What can damage gold in a pool is the chlorine and other chemicals that are added to the water. These harsh chemicals can discolor your jewelry.

Take Off Your Gold Jewelry When Showering or Taking a Bath

Can gold jewelry get wet? Technically, water won't harm gold, but it can reduce its shine. To make sure your gold stays as shiny as possible, it's recommended to take off all gold jewelry whenever you’re bathing or showering.

Put On Jewelry Last

Learning how to care for gold jewelry includes making a habit of putting your jewelry on last when you’re getting ready. This helps prevent a build-up of perfume or makeup on your jewelry, which can damage or dull the finish.

Occasionally Polish and Buff Pieces

Every piece of your gold jewelry should occasionally be polished. How often should you clean gold jewelry? Knowing how to care for gold filled jewelry, as well as any other type of gold, means polishing it every month or two to reduce scratches and restore that gorgeous shine.

Ways to Properly Store Your Gold Jewelry

Keeping gold jewelry clean isn’t the only thing you need to worry about. You should also know how to properly store jewelry, too. This is one of the most important factors to consider in regards to gold jewelry care, but unfortunately, it’s often the last thing many people think of. The following are steps to take to store your gold jewelry properly:

  • Step 1: Select a jewelry box that’s lined with fabric and has separate compartments.
  • Step 2: Gold jewelry should be wrapped in soft tissue, in an individual bag, or in a cloth pouch.
  • Step 3: You may want to use silica gel packets to help absorb moisture from the air.

Do Regular Cleanings

If you really want to know how to protect gold jewelry, you’ll need to remember to do routine cleanings. Over time, gold can build up exposure to oils, dust, and makeup, causing it to dull. The best way to clean gold jewelry is simply by following these tips:

  • Use Warm Water and Dish Soap: This will keep your jewelry clean, and dish soap is non-abrasive and won't harm your gold.
  • Let them Soak: You should let your jewelry soak for about 3 hours. This is safe, since dish soap is a mild cleaner.
  • Use a Soft-Bristled Brush: To learn how to polish gold jewelry at home, you just want to clean each piece individually with a very soft-bristled brush, a soft-bristled toothbrush, or even a cotton swab.
  • Use a Jewelry Polishing Cloth: Don't use a paper towel or tissue as these can scratch gold. Instead, use a soft polishing cloth.
  • Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals can scratch gold and may even permanently discolor it.
  • Avoid Using Toothpaste: Toothpaste, bleach, and even baking soda are too harsh to clean gold jewelry.

Shop Jewelry at Bryan Anthonys

Bryan Anthonys offers a wide selection of beautiful gold jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. No matter what type of gold you're looking for, you can find a variety of classic, exquisite styles at Bryan Anthonys.

FAQs

How long can gold last?

When well cared for, gold-plated jewelry should last a couple years, while 14 karat gold can last for many years. Purer gold, such as 18 or 24 karat, can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Is it OK to wear gold in the ocean?

Saltwater can damage most types of gold, as salt can cause gold to erode. It's recommended that you remove your gold and other jewelry before going into the ocean.

Will sweat ruin a gold?

Sweat won't ruin pure gold, but the alloys often added to gold may be damaged over time.

What type of gold does not tarnish?

Pure gold, such as 24 karat gold, won't tarnish.

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