How to clean your gold and diamond jewellery
How to care for and clean your gold and diamond jewellery: A comprehensive guide
Gold and diamond jewellery is more than just an accessory; it’s a cherished memory, a symbol of love, and often, a family heirloom. To keep its brilliance intact over the years, proper care and cleaning are essential. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips to help you maintain your jewellery’s sparkle and elegance for generations to come.
Why proper care matters for your jewellery
While gold and diamonds are durable materials, they aren’t invincible. Daily wear, exposure to cosmetics, and environmental factors can dull their shine. Gold can scratch or tarnish, and diamonds can accumulate dirt, reducing their brilliance.
Taking care of your jewellery not only preserves its beauty but also protects its sentimental and financial value, ensuring it remains as stunning as the day you first wore it.
Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning gold and diamond jewellery
Before we dive into the best practices, here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
Using harsh chemicals: Strong cleaners or abrasive materials can scratch gold or damage delicate settings.
Cleaning all jewellery together: Different pieces have unique care needs, and mixing them can lead to scratches or damage.
Exposing jewellery to chlorine: Found in pools and some cleaning products, chlorine can weaken gold and dull diamonds over time.
How to clean gold and diamond jewellery at home
1. Regular cleaning for everyday wear
For routine maintenance, follow these simple steps:
Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
Soak your jewellery: Let the pieces sit in the solution for 15-20 minutes to loosen dirt.
Gently brush with a soft toothbrush: Focus on crevices and settings, brushing lightly to avoid damage.
Rinse thoroughly: Use warm water to remove all soap residue.
Dry with a soft cloth: Use a microfiber cloth to dry and polish your jewellery.
2. Deep cleaning for heavily soiled jewellery
For pieces that need extra care:
Add a small amount of ammonia to your soap solution (no more than a teaspoon).
Soak the jewellery briefly and brush gently.
Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Note: Avoid ammonia for jewellery with pearls or other delicate gemstones.
Special care tips to keep your jewellery looking its best
1. Avoid Chemicals
Remove your jewellery before applying lotion, perfume, or household cleaners. These substances can harm gold and reduce a diamond’s sparkle.
2. Store Jewellery Properly
Store your pieces separately in a soft-lined jewellery box or individual pouches to prevent scratching.
3. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Visit a trusted jeweller annually for professional cleaning and to check the settings. This is particularly important for engagement rings and wedding bands worn daily.
When to seek professional cleaning
While home cleaning is effective for regular upkeep, certain situations call for professional care:
If your jewellery has visible damage, such as deep scratches or loose stones.
For polishing gold to restore its original lustre.
To clean jewellery with delicate stones like emeralds or opals that require specialised care.
Recommended products for jewellery care
Investing in the right tools can make all the difference. Consider:
Microfibre jewellery cloths for gentle polishing.
Mild jewellery cleaning solutions safe for gold and diamonds.
Velvet-lined storage boxes to protect your pieces from scratches.
Conclusion: Caring for your gold and diamond jewellery ensures it retains its brilliance and sentimental value. With proper maintenance and occasional professional attention, your jewellery will continue to shine brightly for years to come. At LUM, we believe every piece of jewellery tells a story, and preserving its beauty is the best way to honour it.
