Caring for Your Gold Jewelry

How to Care for Your Gold Jewelry: Tips From a Jewelry Maker

As someone who handcrafts each piece with care, I want to make sure your gold jewelry stays as beautiful as the day you bought it. Whether it’s a necklace, ring, or bracelet, gold jewelry is designed to last a lifetime, but it does need a little TLC along the way. Here are my personal tips to help you care for your gold jewelry and keep it shining for years to come.

1. Wear It Wisely

Gold is a durable metal, but it can still scratch or dent with rough wear, especially if it's a softer karat like 14k. If you're doing any heavy work (gardening, lifting, or working with chemicals), it's a good idea to take off your jewelry. It’s always better to avoid putting your jewelry in situations where it could get damaged.

2. Keep It Clean

Your gold jewelry will pick up oils, lotions, and dust from daily wear, but regular cleaning can bring back its shine. A simple and safe method I recommend is a warm water and mild dish soap soak. Let your jewelry sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

If your piece has intricate details, be gentle and avoid harsh scrubbing, as it can wear down the fine work. I always recommend professional cleanings once a year, especially if the piece has stones or intricate settings.

3. Avoid Chemicals

Gold reacts to harsh chemicals, which can dull its shine over time. Everyday things like perfume, lotion, and even chlorine can affect the appearance of your jewelry. Try to avoid spraying perfume or using lotions while wearing your gold, and definitely take it off before swimming in a pool or using cleaning products. A little bit of prevention goes a long way in keeping your gold glowing.

4. Store It Properly

When you’re not wearing your gold jewelry, proper storage is key to avoiding scratches or tangling (especially with chains). I recommend storing each piece in its own soft pouch or box, or even a fabric-lined jewelry box with separate compartments. This prevents your gold from rubbing against other pieces and keeps it safe from dust and moisture.

For pieces like necklaces, laying them flat or hanging them up will help avoid knotting or tangling, which can be a hassle to untangle later.

5. Know When to Take It Off

I know it can be tempting to keep your jewelry on all the time, but there are some occasions where it’s better to take it off. Whether you’re at the gym, in the shower, or even going to bed, taking your gold jewelry off will help prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

Gold is naturally soft, and constant exposure to sweat or rough surfaces (like lifting weights) can cause it to lose its polish or even scratch. Plus, taking it off during these moments means less chance of it getting snagged or damaged.

6. Polishing and Professional Care

Even with the best care, gold jewelry can lose a bit of its shine over time. I always suggest giving it a light polish with a soft cloth—microfiber works great! Be gentle, though; over-polishing can wear down the gold over time. If your jewelry needs a deeper clean or you want to restore its shine completely, don’t hesitate to bring it to a professional jeweler (or send it back to me for a touch-up). They can polish and inspect your piece to make sure it’s in perfect condition.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your gold jewelry doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a bit of attention and the right habits. Every piece I make is designed to last, and with the right care, your gold jewelry will continue to shine beautifully for years to come. If you ever have questions about your specific piece or need any tips on how to keep it in perfect condition, I’m always here to help!