Gold jewelry isn’t just something you wear; it’s a valuable keepsake. Whether it’s a gift you cherish, a family heirloom, or a piece you bought for yourself, gold holds special meaning and value. To keep your beautiful gold looking new and bright for years to come, it just needs a little bit of love and attention.
At RT Kataoka, we want to help your gold shine its best. Here are some easy ways to clean, store, and maintain your favorite gold pieces.
1. Easy Steps to Clean Your Gold
Over time, everyday things like lotions, perfumes, or even natural oils from your skin can dull your gold’s shine. A gentle cleaning can quickly bring back that brilliant shine.
What you’ll need:
A small bowl
Warm water (not hot)
A few drops of mild dish soap (the kind you use for handwashing dishes)
A very soft brush (like a baby toothbrush) or a soft cloth
A clean, soft cloth for drying
How to clean it:
Mix up the soap water: Fill your bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Stir it until it’s slightly soapy.
Soak it: Gently put your gold pieces into the prepared soapy water. Let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt or grime.
Gentle brushing: With your soft brush or cloth, lightly rub the jewelry’s surface. Pay extra attention to small details or areas around stones where dirt might hide.
Thorough rinse: Hold your jewelry under a stream of cool water. Make sure all the soap is completely washed off so it doesn’t leave a dull film.
Careful drying: Lightly pat your jewelry dry using a clean, soft cloth. If your piece has tiny parts, let it air dry completely before putting it away to prevent any moisture issues.
Quick Tip: Never use harsh chemicals like bleach or rough scrubbers on your gold. They can damage the gold and any precious stones. If your jewelry has delicate stones like pearls or opals, it’s best to ask a professional jeweler how to clean them.
2. Smart Ways to Store Your Gold
The way you put away your gold jewelry is just as important as how you clean it. Storing it incorrectly can lead to scratches, tangles, or even damage.
Store individually: For optimal protection, keep each gold piece in its own soft pouch, a jewelry box with soft dividers, or separate areas. This stops pieces from rubbing against each other and getting scratched.
Seal out the air: For jewelry you don’t wear often, store it in an airtight bag or box. This helps protect it from air and humidity, which can sometimes make gold look dull.
Choose a dry location: Make sure to store your gold jewelry somewhere dry. Avoid humid areas like bathrooms.
Different metals apart: If you have jewelry made from different metals (like silver and gold), store them separately. Some metals can react with each other or cause scratches if stored together.
3. Simple Habits for Long-Lasting Gold
Incorporating simple habits into your daily routine can significantly extend the beauty and lifespan of your gold jewelry.
Last on, first off: Always put on your jewelry after you’ve applied lotions, perfumes, or hairspray. Such products can leave a dull film on your gold. Take your jewelry off before exercising, swimming (especially in chlorinated pools), showering, or doing any household chores.
Be aware of your activities: Take off rings when you’re doing manual tasks like gardening, cleaning, or lifting heavy objects. Even strong gold can bend or get scratched, and stone settings can loosen.
Get it professionally checked: It’s a good idea to have a jeweler clean and check your gold jewelry once a year or two. They can give it a deep clean, check for any loose prongs, and fix small issues before they become big problems. This is especially important for rings you wear every day.
Know your gold’s purity: Remember, pure gold (24K) is soft. Gold mixed with other metals (like 18K, 14K, or 10K) is stronger, but it can still scratch. Tailor your care routine according to the purity of your gold.
By following these simple tips, your special gold jewelry from RT Kataoka will continue to glow beautifully and keep its value for many years, ready to be passed down through your family.
Ready to add more stunning gold pieces to your collection, or curious about the value of your current gold? Come visit RT Kataoka today! We’re here to help you buy and sell beautiful gold jewelry.