Maintaining the golden jewelry in good
condition is relatively easy and can be done at home. Despite the fact
that golden jewelry does not darken like the jewelry made out of other
metals, it is nevertheless subject to dirt, staining and other
environmental influences which can make it loose its shine. Here is some
advice for you to follow if you want to have your old golden jewels
look like new.
Soapy water
Believe it or not, you can clean gold with
soap and water, but this is most effective with jewels that have a
smooth surface and are not set with any gems. Fill a small bowl with
warm, but not hot water and add a few drops of dish-washing liquid or a
soft soap. Submerge your jewel in this solution for 20 minutes. Rinse
and dry your jewel with a soft cotton towel. This way you will remove
all traces of cosmetics and daily wear and will restore your jewel to
its original shine.
Cleaning golden ornaments with precious stones
If your jewels are set with precious
stones you can still clean them at home without worrying that you will
damage the gems. It is important not to dip your ornaments in water,
since it can seep through the small cracks and pores of the stone or
between the stone and its setting where it can cause rust and loosening.
In this case follow the instructions given above, but instead of
submerging the jewel, dip a clean towel in the soapy water and carefully
rub the ornament clean. Use a separate towel to dry. Then let the jewel
air-dry for a period of time placing it in such a way that any water
left in its crevices will drip away easily.
Cleaning of hard-to-reach spots
If your golden ornaments have some areas
that are hard to reach, the usual soap-bath will do them no good. You
will need to buy a very soft toothbrush and use it gently in order to
remove dirt and stains from these difficult spots.