How to Clean Tarnished Gold-filled Jewelry?
Gold-filled jewelry offers an attractive alternative to costly gold plating that provides a luxurious appearance without incurring associated expenses. Created by bonding real gold to base metals, its beautiful finish requires proper maintenance to preserve and prolong its brilliance over time - otherwise, its brilliance would wane over time. So, how to clean tarnished gold-filled jewelry?
In this guide, you can follow steps on restoring brilliance into tarnished pieces!
Why Gold-Filled Jewelry Tarnishes
Gold-filled jewelry offers an excellent alternative to solid gold. Mechanically binding at least five percent gold to brass base metal makes this form more resistant to tarnishing and wear than similar gold-plated items with thinner gold layers that wear off faster.
Gold-filled jewelry may be resistant to tarnishing; however, over time exposure to certain environmental elements such as air or moisture exposure, body oils or perfumed lotions could still result in it tarnishing. With time these factors cause its shine to diminish leaving behind a dull appearance.
Related read: Can gold rust?
Precautionary Measures Before Cleaning
Before beginning to clean jewelry, it must be treated carefully. Abrasive cleaning methods or harsh chemicals could damage its gold layer and cause further tarnishing or peeling; gentle methods should always be preferred to maintain its beauty.
Tools and Materials Needed for Cleaning
To clean your tarnished gold-filled jewelry, you'll need the following tools and materials:
Soft cloth
Mild soap
Soft-bristled brush
Lukewarm water
Jewelry polishing cloth
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Step 1: Prep Cleaning Solution
Commence by creating a cleaning solution using mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as this could expand and crack or peel your gold layer, dissolving soap into it completely in a small bowl.
Step 2: Delicate Cleaning of Jewelry
Soak a soft cloth or soft-bristle brush in soapy water and use it to delicately rub over jewelry that needs cleaning, paying close attention to areas with more apparent tarnish or dirt accumulation. Avoid harsh scrubbing as this could harm its gold layer; extra caution must be exercised around any gemstones or delicate details.
Step 3: Rinsing and Drying Jewelry
Once your jewelry has been thoroughly cleansed, use clean lukewarm water to rinse away any soap residue left by its cleaning solution and leave no lingering film on its surface. Pat dry with a soft cotton cloth as air drying may lead to water spots forming!
Step 4: Polish for Extra Shine
Once your jewelry has dried completely, utilize a polishing cloth made specifically for gold to bring its shine back. Gently rub in circular motions to bring its original luster back, as this step also serves to remove any remaining tarnish and gives your piece its like-new appearance.
Related read: How to clean gold jewelry?
Alternative Cleaning Methods
Using Baking Soda and Water Paste
As an organic solution to cleaning jewelry, try mixing baking soda and water into a paste and applying it using a soft cloth and gently rubbing over tarnished spots with it before rinsing thoroughly and drying with another soft cloth.
White Vinegar Cleaning Method
White vinegar can also be an effective natural cleaner for gold-filled jewelry, especially those tarnishes stubborn tarnish spots. Soak jewelry in vinegar for several minutes, then gently scrub using a soft-bristled brush before rinsing and drying as usual - especially helpful against stubborn spots!
Commercial Jewelry Cleaners Suitable for Gold-Filled Jewelry
There are various commercial jewelry cleaners on the market, but you must select one specifically formulated to clean gold-filled items safely. Avoid products designed specifically to remove grime as these might contain harsher cleaners that could harm them further. Always adhere to manufacturer instructions and test on a small area first before continuing on your cleaning regimen.
Related read: How do jewelry stores clean diamond rings?
How to Store Gold-Filled Jewelry to Prevent Tarnishing
Proper storage of gold-filled jewelry can help avoid tarnish. Store pieces in airtight containers to limit exposure to air and moisture; anti-tarnish strips may help ensure their pieces look new for longer. Adopting a regular jewelry cleaning regimen using mild soap and water for best results in maintaining its shine. Clean it once every few weeks using a mild cleaner. Avoid exposure of jewelry to harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and household cleaners.
The Bottom Line
How to clean tarnished gold-filled jewelry? Maintaining the beauty of gold-filled jewelry requires regular care and gentle cleaning, following this guide for easy restoration of tarnished pieces and long-term shine. Proper storage and handling are equally essential when caring for jewelry pieces like these; for more tips on this subject visit TJ Gold - we have expert advice available and premium products to ensure it always looks its best!
