Gold jewelry is wonderfully valuable and durable. No matter how strong and wear resistant it is, however, it is essential to take special care of it to ensure your prized possessions last a lifetime. Preserve your favorite accessories by understanding the characteristics of gold, what damages gold, and how to clean your jewelry. Our experts here at Mitchum Jewelers have put together this guide to help you.
Characteristics of Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry portrays limitless possibilities for breaking away from the status quo with a one-of-a-kind blend of different materials, colors, forms, and textures that open up a new visual horizon for designers and wearers alike. The classic, warm color is a time-honored aesthetic that will never go out of style, despite all the fashion trends that come and go.
Pure 24k gold is naturally quite soft, so it is mixed with other metals, such as silver, copper, and zinc, to make it stronger when used in jewelry. Still, gold jewelry requires special care to keep it looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.
What Can Damage Gold Jewelry?
Gold jewelry is especially susceptible to damage from chemicals. Even the chemicals you may not think about, such as the ones that are in your shampoo and body wash, can wreak havoc on your favorite gold jewelry. Chlorine is gold’s worst enemy, so it is best to remove your jewelry before taking a dip in the hot tub this summer or taking a shower in treated water.
Household cleaning products also contain chemicals that can damage your jewelry, so be mindful of removing rings and bracelets when doing chores. Working out in your jewelry can also be problematic, as the salt produced in sweat can be harmful. Instead, opt for a silicone ring when you head to the gym.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry at Home
It is ideal to clean your frequently worn jewelry accessories at home on a weekly basis. For your gold jewelry that only makes its way out of the jewelry box on special occasions, clean them on a monthly basis to prevent dust buildup.
Avoid using any abrasive cleaners, like baking soda or toothpaste. Instead, find a mild detergent, such as dish soap, and use a drop of it in a bowl of warm water. Soak your gold accessories in the soapy water for 15 minutes to loosen compacted dirt and grime. Afterward, gently scrub with a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse in cold water and dry well with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Professional Jewelry Services to Save Your Gold Jewelry
If possible, it is recommended to take your frequently-worn jewelry to your local jeweler for a professional cleaning every three months, even with routine cleanings at home. Also, if you notice any potential issues, like worn-down prongs or clasps, take it to your jeweler immediately for repair to prevent further damage.
Your local jeweler will also be sure to point out potential problems that were identified during a professional cleaning, so you can get them repaired immediately. At Mitchum Jewelers, our expert jewelers proudly service the community by cleaning and inspecting your favorite accessories for free, whether you purchased them at our showroom or not.
Protect Your Gold Jewelry At Mitchum Jewelers
As a top jeweler and the longest family-owned business in the Springfield, Missouri area, Mitchum Jewelers knows what it means to treat our customers like family. We would be proud to be a part of your meaningful moments, whether you are shopping for a gift or restoring your great-grandmother’s necklace to its former glory.
With over 50 years of experience repairing jewelry, our full-service repair department is fully equipped and knowledgeable to fix any problem your jewelry may have. Our two in-house jewelers offer reasonable prices for quality work to keep your jewelry in the best condition possible. Visit our Ozark, Missouri showroom or contact us to protect your gold jewelry today.
