The short answer is lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap, a soft toothbrush or cloth, rinse and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. The material determines how gentle you need to be, and gold-plated jewellery requires extra gentle care.
Contents
- The short answer: how to clean jewellery
- How do you clean silver, and why does it go dark
- How do you clean gold-plated jewellery
- How do you clean gold
- How do you clean earrings
- What to avoid so jewellery doesn't turn black or worn
- Storage that keeps your jewellery looking good for longer
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
Jewellery collects skin oils, soap residue and dust, and over time silver can go dark and gold plating can lose its shine. Here's a practical guide, material by material, so you can clean your jewellery properly without wearing it down.
Whether it's rings from Goio Galore, earrings or heirloom silver, the same basic principle applies: the gentler the treatment, the longer the piece stays looking good.
The short answer: how to clean jewellery
For most jewellery, the approach is the same: lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap, a soft toothbrush or a soft cloth to go lightly over the surface. Rinse the piece in clean water afterwards, and dry it thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Never use hot water on jewellery with pearls or porous stones, as they can't withstand being submerged in water.
- Go gently, especially around settings and joints.
- Always dry the piece completely before putting it away.
Below, we take a closer look at what applies to silver, gold-plated jewellery, solid gold and earrings.
How do you clean silver, and why does it go dark
Silver goes dark when it reacts with sulphur compounds in the air. This forms a dark layer known as tarnish, and moisture, perfume and certain substances speed up the process.
For plain silver without stones or plating, you can use a silver polishing cloth or a silver polish. The household trick with bicarbonate of soda, hot water and aluminium foil also works, but it's important that it's only used on plain silver, so not on gold-plated silver, oxidised silver or jewellery with pearls and stones, as the method can damage both the plating and the stones.
How do you clean gold-plated jewellery
Gold-plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold on top of the silver, and this layer wears away if you use abrasive agents, silver polish, toothpaste or hard rubbing. That's why gold-plated jewellery should only be cleaned with mild soap and a soft cloth, never with a dip bath or polishes intended for silver.
The pieces from Goio Galore are made from 925 sterling silver with 18 carat gold plating, and it's recommended to clean them gently with a soft cloth and avoid perfume, hair products and chlorinated water, so the plating stays looking good for as long as possible.
Tip: Clean gold-plated jewellery on its own with a clean, soft cloth, so no residue from silver polish from other pieces gets onto it.
How do you clean gold
Solid gold can handle mild soapy water and a soft brush, and it's one of the most robust materials to clean. Still, be careful around stones, as pearls and porous stones can't withstand being submerged in water, even if the setting is gold.
How do you clean earrings
With earrings, it's especially the post and clasp that collect skin oils and dirt, because they're in close contact with the skin. The best method for hygiene is to wipe the post and clasp with a cotton bud, and then dry the rest of the earring thoroughly, so no moisture is left in the clasp or setting.
Find more earrings in silver and with gold plating, that are easy to keep looking good.
See earringsWhat to avoid so jewellery doesn't turn black or worn
Jewellery stays looking its best when it's taken off before you shower, swim in chlorinated or salt water, or exercise. Also let perfume and hair products dry in before putting the piece on, as these substances can speed up tarnishing and wear on the surface.
- Avoid chlorinated water and salt water while wearing the jewellery.
- Avoid spraying perfume directly onto the jewellery.
- Avoid hard brushes and abrasive agents, especially on gold plating.
- Avoid soap residue by not rinsing thoroughly enough.
Storage that keeps your jewellery looking good for longer
Store jewellery dry and separately, so pieces don't scratch each other. A jewellery box or pouch is a good choice for travel and drawers, while a jewellery dish on the bedside table is handy for the rings and stud earrings you wear daily.
The jewellery dishes in the shop are handmade pots from Doing Goods, mostly in brass, and they're perfect for rings and stud earrings on the bedside table or chest of drawers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you clean jewellery?
Use lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap, a soft toothbrush or cloth, rinse in clean water and dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
How do you clean silver?
Use a silver polishing cloth or a silver polish, or the household trick with bicarbonate of soda, hot water and tin foil, but only on pure silver without stones or coating.
How do you clean gold-plated jewellery?
Use only mild soap and a soft cloth, and avoid abrasive agents, silver polish and dip baths, as these wear away the gold plating.
How do you clean gold?
Solid gold can handle mild soapy water and a soft brush, but be careful around pearls and stones, which shouldn't be left in water.
How do you clean earrings?
Wipe the post and clasp with a cotton bud, as that's where skin oils and dirt build up the most, and dry the rest of the earring thoroughly afterwards.
Can you polish silver plate?
Yes, but carefully. Silver plate only has a thin layer of silver, so use a silver polishing cloth or a mild silver polish and rub gently. The household trick with bicarbonate of soda and tin foil is meant for pure silver.
Why does silver turn black?
Silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, forming a dark layer called tarnish, and moisture, perfume and certain substances speed up the process.
Summary
Clean jewellery according to material: mild soap and a soft cloth for most pieces, silver polish only for pure silver, and extra care with gold-plated jewellery. Take jewellery off before bathing, swimming and exercising, let perfume dry in first, and store pieces dry and separately, ideally in a jewellery dish or box.
Read also
- Jewellery as a gift: the foolproof guide
- How do you care for brass?
- How do you polish brass?
- Gifts for your best friend: personal and creative ideas
- What should I wish for as a birthday present?
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