Here is the full guide on how to clean pre-owned gold jewellery safely yet effectively.
Cleaning Second-Hand Gold Jewellery
1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start, make sure to have the following supplies available:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
- Small bowl
- Optional: ammonia—for a deeper clean
2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Fill a small bowl with warm water and add one or two drops of mild dish soap. Mix the solution until it's sudsy. Take note that you should never use hot water, as it might cause some gemstones to crack.
3. Soak the Jewellery
Put your gold jewellery in the bowl and let it soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will help loosen some of the dirt or grime that might have started forming on top of the jewellery. An antique piece like this 18ct yellow gold ring needs some time in the cleaning solution to get rid of dirt.
4. Gently Brush with a Toothbrush
After soaking, give the jewellery a light scrub with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. This is particularly important for intricate designs, settings, or crevices where dirt tends to accumulate. Be gentle so as not to scratch the surface of the gold.
A beautiful piece with intricate design such as this 22ct yellow gold braided bangle can be cleaned easily with a toothbrush.
5. Rinse and Dry
Run warm water over the jewellery to remove the soap residue. Be sure to use either a sink strainer or a bowl to catch any small parts that might drop. After rinsing, gently pat dry with a soft cloth or microfiber. Avoid using paper towels since they will scratch the gold.
6. Polish with a Soft Cloth
Once it's dry, buff the jewellery with a soft cloth to further enhance its sparkle and remove any remaining water spots or fingerprints. A piece like this 9ct yellow gold twisted hoop earrings will shine like a star once it is polished nicely with a soft cloth.
7. Optional: Deep Cleaning with Ammonia
You can also have a solution of one part ammonia to six parts water for deeper cleaning. Allow the gold jewellery to soak in the solution for no longer than one minute. Proceed with the remaining cleaning and drying procedure as usual. Use caution when using ammonia, since it tends to damage some sorts of stones and settings.
8. Professional Cleaning
If your gold jewellery comes with intricate designs, pricey stones, or sentimentally valuable designations, it's always best to get the jewellery cleaned professionally by a jeweller. Only such experts are specifically trained and equipped with the right kind of tools to undertake the cleaning job effectively.
For instance, take a piece such as this classic.
This 14ct multicolour gold elegant necklace features lots of stunning stones. Consider getting a piece like this cleaned by a professional to avoid any damage.
Some Useful Tips to Help You Maintain Your Gold Jewellery
- Clean it Regularly: Always clean pre-loved gold jewellery frequently so that there will not be any pile of dirt, and it looks shiny.
- Proper Storage: Keep your vintage gold jewellery items in a soft pouch or even in a lined box for jewellery. It will prevent scratching and tangling.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove your jewellery before swimming, bathing, or cleaning the house with domestic cleaners. The chemicals may react with the gold.
- Handling: Clean hands should always handle your gold jewellery, and it should never be worn during highly strenuous activities that might result in damage to the ornaments.
Cleaning pre-owned gold jewellery is an easy task that brings new life to treasured pieces. Follow these steps and give proper care to keep your gold jewellery looking beautiful and radiant for many more years.
At Retrogold, we offer unique and timeless vintage gold pieces that can add sophistication and elegance to your look. Explore now and add some pre-owned golden sparkle to your treasure.