How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home (Without Damaging Stones or Pearls)

Solid gold does not tarnish, so when it looks dull it is almost always a thin layer of soap, lotion and everyday skin oils. The good news is that the safest way to clean it is also the simplest.

What you need

• A small bowl of warm (not hot) water
• A few drops of mild dish soap, without moisturizers or bleach
• A very soft toothbrush
• A soft, lint-free cloth

Step by step: plain gold and stones

1. Soak the jewelry in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Brush gently with the soft toothbrush, paying attention to clasps, chain links, the inside of rings and the back of stone settings, where residue builds up.
3. Rinse under clean, lukewarm water. Close the sink plug first.
4. Dry completely with a soft cloth. Let chains air dry flat for a few minutes.
5. Polish lightly with a dry cloth for extra shine.

This works for plain gold, cubic zirconia, sapphire, ruby and most hard stones. Brushing behind a stone is what brings back its sparkle.

Pearls need a gentler hand

Pearls are soft and porous, so they should never be soaked.

1. Wipe each pearl with a soft cloth dampened in plain water.
2. Clean the gold parts around them with a barely damp brush.
3. Lay flat to dry completely before storing.

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What never to use

• Toothpaste and baking soda: they are abrasive and leave fine scratches.
• Bleach, chlorine and ammonia: they can weaken gold alloys and damage stones.
• Boiling water: sudden heat can crack some stones.
• Ultrasonic cleaners at home: they can loosen small stones in pavé settings. Leave those to a jeweler.
• Paper towels and tissues: their fibers are rougher than they look.

Storing your jewelry

• Store pieces separately so chains do not tangle and stones do not scratch softer gold.
• Fasten necklace clasps before storing to prevent knots.
• Keep pearls apart from everything else, in a soft pouch.
• A lined jewelry box is ideal. Our illuminated box was designed to be used, not thrown away.

How often to clean

For pieces you wear every day, a gentle clean once or twice a month keeps them bright. Once a year, it is worth having rings and pieces with stones checked by a jeweler to make sure the settings are secure.

The advantage of solid gold

Because solid gold has no plating to wear through, it can always be brought back. Even after years of daily wear, a professional polish restores the original finish.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I clean gold with vinegar?

It is not recommended. Vinegar is acidic and can damage pearls, some stones and enamel. Warm water with mild soap is safer and works just as well.

Can I clean gold jewelry with toothpaste?

No. Toothpaste is abrasive and leaves fine scratches on gold.

How do I make cubic zirconia sparkle again?

Soak the piece in warm soapy water and gently brush behind the stone with a very soft toothbrush, where residue builds up. Rinse and dry well.

How do I untangle a gold chain?

Lay the chain flat, add a drop of oil or baby powder to the knot and gently tease it apart with two pins. Then wash off the oil with warm soapy water.

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