Do you wear your jewelry regularly for various activities and even leave it on while you sleep? Over time, it can accumulate dirt from sweat, cosmetics, and other substances. To maintain the beauty of your jewelry for as long as possible, it’s best to clean it regularly.
The best cleaning method for your gold chain, earrings, or rings depends on the material. However, the following general rule always applies: treat your jewelry as gently as possible, remove it during sports and sleep, and avoid contact with cleaning agents and cosmetics. This way, your jewelry will remain shiny and beautiful for a long time.
"Tarnishing" is essentially a chemical reaction known as oxidation (reaction with oxygen), which causes a dark patina to form on silver and the shine to diminish on gold. By rhodium-plating our silver jewelry, we add an extra layer to delay tarnishing. Although oxidation cannot be completely prevented, it can be removed with proper care and careful cleaning.
Your favorite jewelry faces various "dangers" in everyday life. Here are a few points to keep in mind when caring for and storing your jewelry:
Caution: Jewelry should not come into contact with chemicals as they can damage the material and gold plating. It’s better to remove rings, bracelets, and similar items when doing housework. Semi-precious stone jewelry should also be protected from shocks.
Hydrophobicity: Gold-plated jewelry lasts longer if not exposed to excessive water. If you can't do without your jewelry while showering or swimming, opt for stainless steel jewelry or non-gold-plated versions.
Safe and Sound: Store your jewelry in a closed jewelry box to protect it from moisture and excessive oxygen. You can find more tips in our guide to jewelry storage.
The right cleaning method depends on the material of the jewelry. Just like skin types, each jewelry material requires special care:
925 Sterling Silver: To make tarnished silver shine again, use a silver polishing cloth or a bath of lukewarm water, salt, and a strip of aluminum foil. For strong oxidation, a silver bath from the drugstore or jeweler can be used.
18K Gold: 18K real gold is a very durable material suitable for everyday wear. Unlike silver, gold does not oxidize and can withstand water contact without any issues. However, avoid chlorinated water as it can discolor gold. Polish your gold jewelry with a soft cloth occasionally. For very dirty pieces, use lukewarm water with mild soap, being careful not to be too aggressive, and always dry your gold jewelry well after cleaning.
Gold Plating: For yellow gold or rose gold plated jewelry, avoid aggressive cleaning as the gold plating can peel off over time. Lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth are usually sufficient. Ensure to dry your jewelry carefully and gently.
Semi-Precious Stones: Handle semi-precious stones with care. While hard, they are susceptible to scratches and cracks. Clean necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc., with gemstones using lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush, then dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. The same applies to freshwater pearls, which can also be air-dried.
Cleaning jewelry is also a good opportunity to inspect the material and gemstones. Check semi-precious stones for major scratches and cracks. For set or glued gemstones and pearls, ensure they are still firmly in place.