Monday, May 11, 2009

Caring for Your Gold Jewelry

Do you know the 4 simple rules that will keep your gold jewelry looking new? It is a very durable metal but its luster can fade with time. But with proper care, yours can last a lifetime.

Rule #1- Don't wear your golden jewelry twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week
  • While many of us love to wear our favorite pieces day and night, the most effective way to preserve them is to limit the exposure to daily elements.
  • Many personal care products can be harmful to your piece. This includes lotion, make-up, perfume, shaving cream, and hairspray. These daily elements can form a dull film that covers the gold and is hard to remove. You can easily prevent this by removing them before grooming.
Rule #2- Avoid chlorine bleach at all costs
  • Never clean them with any chlorine bleach substance. Chlorine bleach ruins it by oxidizing the metal and turning it black.
  • Remove them before you do any household chores. Some common household cleaners have bleach and other chemicals that may adversely affect them.
  • Do not go swimming or in a hot tub with your golden accessory. Because of the chlorine, prolonged exposure to a swimming pool can turn it into a black color.

Rule #3- Clean your piece properly

  • Light tarnish can be removed by using soap water and a soft bristle brush. After gentle scrubbing, rinse and dry with a cotton cloth. You can also use a specially treated cloth or other cleaning products.
  • For gold jewelry without colored gemstones, you can use an ultrasonic cleaning machine.
  • For heavy tarnish, please consult your jeweler for the best cleaning method.
Rule #4- Proper storage is a must
  • Dry your gold jewelry before storage. Moisture can weaken springs and clasps, which increases the likelihood of breakage.
  • Provide ample space for storage. They should not be in direct contact with other pieces because they can scratch each other. Most boxes have separate compartments so that you can keep them separate.

The effects of common household chlorine products on 14k & 18k rings.

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