How to take care of your Gold Jewellery
Gold is a precious metal that has been used for making jewellery for a very long time. Even though, now metals and stones have been introduced into the jewellery market, gold jewellery has not lost its popularity because of its vibrant appearance and safe investment value. Gold jewellery is a staple in every woman’s jewellery collection and this timeless metal is not likely to go out of style anytime soon. Even though gold is a noble metal and will not tarnish on its own, it is prone to accumulate a film of dirt and grime over a period of time. Therefore, it is important to take care of your gold jewellery from time to time and here are a few tips you can follow to maintain them in their prime condition.
Pure gold, that is 24 karat gold, is too soft to be used in jewellery. Therefore, this has to be mixed with other metals to increase strength and to make the jewellery sturdy. However, the various components added to pure gold may affect its tarnish resistance. It is important that you understand the different types of gold used in jewellery and make an informed purchase.
Mixing gold with copper, silver and zinc results in a beautiful yellow shade of gold known as yellow gold. This alloy is the most hypo allergenic and requires the least amount of care as compared to other gold alloys. When gold is mixed with palladium, nickel, zinc and copper it produces a white colored alloy known as white gold which is quite in the trend these days.
The inherent components of white gold make it more durable and scratch resistant. A combination of copper and gold gives the alloy various shades of pink and is known as rose gold. This alloy with a pretty colour is a popular choice for jewellery and is more durable than yellow and white gold. In order to take care of your gold jewellery, it is important to know that your jewellery may contain gold even if it’s not an outright yellow in colour.
Gold jewellery when worn correctly can last you for a very long time. Listed below are a few things that you should have in mind when you wear your gold jewellery on a daily basis.
Remember that gold is a soft metal, therefore any jewellery made of gold will be prone to scratches, dents and dings. Be mindful of your activities while wearing gold watches, rings and bracelets. Do not engage in strenuous activity or high contact sports when wearing gold jewellery. It is always best to remove any such jewellery items before engaging in such activities.
Long term exposure to chlorine can weaken the structure of your gold jewellery and lead to breakage. If you want to take care of your gold jewellery and make sure it remains in its prime condition for a long time then avoid wearing gold jewellery items in the swimming pool or spa. Make sure you remove the gold jewellery before entering the spa or pool.
Regular household cleaning while wearing gold jewellery can also have a damaging effect on them. Household cleaners are generally made of acids and abrasives that can have a corroding effect on your gold jewellery. One should use an appropriate cover for jewellery, such as a rubber glove, while doing the household chores. Alternatively, you can remove your gold jewellery while working and put it back on once you are done.
Avoid putting on your gold jewellery before putting on your make up, lotion, hairspray and perfume. The chemicals in these products may damage your gold jewellery. Make a habit of wearing your jewellery last after doing your hair and make-up. Also avoid wearing jewellery while bathing as it can lead to a build-up of soap and grime.
Now that we know how to use our gold jewellery on a day to day basis, let’s have a look at how we can maintain them by the following cleaning tips that will guide you on how to clean jewellery at home.
– Check your gold jewellery every 6 to 12 months to determine if they require cleaning. While doing this also check for damages or any loose stones which may get dislodged during the process of cleaning.
– One of the simplest homemade remedy to clean jewellery is to soak them in water for around three hours. You can then rinse it with clean water and blot dry using a clean cloth.
-If you want some extra shine on your jewellery then consider using a jewellery polishing cloth to normally wipe your jewellery after use. Avoid using paper towel for wiping your jewellery as they may cause scratches on the jewellery.
– A mixture of warm water and a few drops of detergent works as a great homemade jewellery cleaner. You can soak you gold jewellery for a few hours in this solution and use a cotton swab to gently remove the dirt and grime. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
– Rubbing alcohol can also be used to clean your gold jewellery. Not only does it clean your jewellery but also sanitizes it. Avoid using bleaching agents to clean your gold jewellery.
– Proper storage of gold jewellery plays an integral role in its maintenance. Always store your jewellery items separately to prevent entangling. Use a clean, fabric lined jewellery box to store your jewellery properly. If you do not have access to such a box then consider wrapping up each jewellery item separately in a soft cloth and storing them.
– All of the above mentioned points are great for cleaning your gold jewellery at home on a day to day basis. However, you should get your fine jewellery cleaned professionally at least once or twice a year. Professional jewellery cleaners not only clean and polish your jewellery with utmost care but also inspect them for any damage or loose stone that might need attention and repair.
Adhering to these tips will ensure that you take adequate care of your gold jewellery and pass it down to the next generation.
