Caring for Your Solid Gold Jewelry: A Complete Guide
You've invested in beautiful solid gold jewelry—now how do you keep it looking as stunning as the day you got it?
While gold is one of the most durable precious metals, it still needs proper care to maintain its luster and protect your stones. Here's everything you need to know about caring for your gold jewelry so it lasts for generations.
Daily Wear Do's and Don'ts
Do:
Put your jewelry on last. After you've applied makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotion, that's when your jewelry should go on. These products can leave residue that dulls the shine of your gold.
Remove jewelry before swimming. Chlorine and salt water can damage gold alloys over time, potentially affecting color and finish.
Take rings off before exercising. Weights and exercise equipment can scratch or dent gold, and sweat can accelerate tarnishing.
Store pieces separately. Gold can scratch other gold, and harder gemstones can definitely scratch gold. Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or separate compartment.
Don't:
Wear jewelry while cleaning with harsh chemicals. Bleach, ammonia, and other household cleaners can damage gold alloys and loosen stone settings.
Sleep in your jewelry. Your pieces will last longer if you give them a nightly rest, plus you'll avoid accidentally catching and bending delicate settings.
Leave jewelry in humid environments. Bathrooms seem like natural places to store jewelry, but humidity can accelerate tarnishing, especially for gold alloys.
How to Clean Your Gold Jewelry at Home
For regular maintenance, you can safely clean your solid gold jewelry at home with this simple method:
What You'll Need:
Warm water (not hot)
A few drops of mild dish soap
A soft-bristled toothbrush (dedicate one just for jewelry)
A soft, lint-free cloth
The Process:
Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a small bowl.
Let your jewelry soak for 10-15 minutes. This loosens dirt and oils.
Gently scrub with the soft toothbrush, paying attention to crevices and behind stones where buildup accumulates.
Rinse under warm running water. (Pro tip: plug the drain or do this in a bowl so nothing accidentally goes down the sink!)
Pat dry with a soft cloth and let air dry completely before storing.
For pieces with diamonds, this method is perfectly safe. The gentle scrubbing helps remove oils and dirt that can make diamonds look cloudy. However, if your jewelry has softer gemstones like opals, pearls, or emeralds, skip the soaking and use only a damp cloth to avoid damage.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning
While home cleaning is great for regular maintenance, professional cleaning should happen once or twice a year. Jewelers have ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners that can remove buildup from areas you can't reach with a toothbrush.
More importantly, professional cleanings give your jeweler a chance to inspect your pieces for:
Loose stones or weakened prongs
Bent settings or damaged clasps
Wear patterns that might lead to future problems
This preventive maintenance can save you from losing a precious stone or dealing with a major repair down the line.
Special Considerations for Different Gold Colors
White Gold: White gold is typically plated with rhodium for extra shine and durability. Over time, this plating wears away, revealing the slightly yellowish color of the white gold beneath. This is completely normal and not a defect. Most jewelers can re-plate your white gold pieces for a reasonable fee, restoring that bright white finish. Plan for re-plating every 12-18 months for frequently worn pieces.
Rose Gold: The copper content in rose gold makes it slightly more prone to tarnishing than yellow gold, especially in humid climates. Regular cleaning will prevent this, and rose gold typically doesn't require any special plating.
Yellow Gold: The most low-maintenance of the three colors, yellow gold resists tarnishing well and doesn't require any special treatments beyond regular cleaning.
Storing Your Jewelry Properly
How you store your jewelry between wears matters almost as much as how you clean it. Here are the key principles:
Keep pieces separated. Use individual pouches, compartments, or jewelry boxes with dividers. This prevents scratching and tangling.
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid bathrooms and other humid areas. A bedroom dresser or closet is ideal.
Consider anti-tarnish strips. These small strips absorb moisture and gases that can cause tarnishing. Pop one in your jewelry box for extra protection.
Keep away from sunlight. While gold itself won't fade, some gemstones can be damaged by prolonged sun exposure.
The Bottom Line on Care
Caring for your solid gold jewelry doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. A few minutes of gentle cleaning every few weeks, combined with mindful wear and proper storage, will keep your pieces looking beautiful for decades.
Remember, jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, not locked away. Don't be afraid to wear your favorite pieces regularly—just be thoughtful about when you take them off. With proper care, your gold jewelry can be passed down through generations, accumulating stories and memories along the way.
At Coastal Carats, we create pieces designed for real life—jewelry that's meant to be worn, loved, and yes, occasionally splashed with water while you're washing your hands. Our solid gold pieces are built to last, and with the care tips above, they'll stay beautiful for a lifetime.
Ready to add to your collection? Explore our floating diamond charms and custom engagement rings at Coastal Carats—heirloom-quality jewelry designed for everyday elegance. Shop now for 33% off through December 2nd.
