The COVID-19 pandemic affected an array of changes all across America and the world at large. While many of us would prefer to forget as much as possible about this deeply challenging and strange time, there were some positives and “silver (or gold) linings” that emerged.
As the pandemic’s initial weeks of lockdowns, quarantines, and isolations extended well into 2020 and beyond, many of us became more resourceful, curious, and creative with our home-based activities and routines. After all, if we could explore new and engaging activities in the sanctuary of our own homes, why not?
One such activity was one that many (if not most) people likely did not initially consider:
Cleaning your treasured gold jewelry from the safety, security, and comfort of your own “castle”—or condo. Some even delved deep into the ins-and-outs and whats-and-whys of fine jewelry insurance and engagement ring insurance. And if you have not yet explored this often-misunderstood topic, the entire team of passionate professionals and proven jewelry insurance experts at Zillion are always available and eager to assist you.
And while we’re all deeply devoted to protecting your valued diamond engagement ring and fine gold jewelry, with next-level, one-click jewelry insurance that allows you to wear it with confidence and enjoy concierge-level claims and care, there’s some things we simply cannot help you with. Visiting your home and cleaning your gold jewelry for you certainly lands on this no-can-do list.
But what we can do for you, right here and right now, is the next best thing: provide you with some safe, simple, easy-to-follow, and easier-to-incorporate instructions on how to polish and buff your gold jewelry right back up to snuff. So you can once again enjoy and showcase it like it was brand new.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry Method 1: The Dish Soap Solution
It doesn’t get much more basic than this time-honored, tried-and-true cleaning method for your gold jewelry. Simply ensure you have some dish detergent, a quality brush, and some old-fashioned elbow grease on hand.
Prep
- In a bowl or similar container, mix up some dish detergent (Dawn is always a strong go-to solution) with warm (not hot) water. Stir gently. While tap water will work just fine, you can also use sodium-free seltzer water or club soda. Why? Its carbonation helps loosen unwelcome dirt and greasy grime from your prized, pricey jewelry. Just make sure to not use hot, boiling, or freezing cold water here.
Clean
- Soak your jewelry in this simple solution. Allow each individual jewelry piece to sit-and-soak for between 15 and 30 minutes. The warm, soapy water will work its way into the crevices and grooves, loosening hard-to-reach dirt, sludge, and sediment buildup. One other note: make sure to place the soaking bowl somewhere safe—and ideally out of sight from anyone else. The last thing you want is someone in your house mistaking it for dirty dishes and/or water…and dumping your clean gold jewelry down the drain!
- Carefully brush your gold jewelry piece or pieces with a new, baby-size, soft-bristled toothbrush. Be gentle here and make sure not scrub too hard. Brush each piece of jewelry individually, and pay close attention to indentations where dirt may be hidden. The softer the bristles on the brush, the better. Eyebrow brushes will also work well.
Rinse & Dry
- To rinse, place each jewelry piece in lukewarm water individually. Rinse well to remove dirt that’s been loosened by your brushing. Once again, make sure the water is warm—and not hot, boiling, or cold. If you’re rinsing your jewelry in the sink, make sure to plug or cover the drain. You can also easily rinse your jewelry in a pasta strainer.
- Blot-dry your gold jewelry with a soft cloth. Then let your piece or pieces sit on a towel to thoroughly air-dry. Make sure your jewelry is dry before wearing it, as wet jewelry can trap moisture against your skin. This could easily cause some skin irritation or rash.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry Method 2: The Boiled Water Way
While it doesn’t get simpler than this approach to clean your gold jewelry at home, we must advise caution. This is not an ideal or even recommended method for just any or every piece of gold jewelry. If you’re cleaning heavily soiled jewelry made completely from gold, or gold jewelry that contains “strong” gemstones such as diamonds, boiling is a good way to go. When not to employ this method? When you’re dealing with delicate gemstones like opals, pearls, or coral—or any jewelry piece featuring glued-in gemstones.
- Bring some water to a boil. You don’t need to boil that much water; just enough to submerge all your jewelry in. Find a sturdy bowl or container that can withstand boiling water – Pyrex or metal cooking bowls and dishes are a smart, safe choice. Place your jewelry inside the container. If you’re cleaning more than one gold jewelry piece, arrange it in the container so that no piece is covering or touching any other one.
- Carefully pour the water over your jewelry. Be sure not to spill or splash by pouring too fast. If you’re cleaning multiple gold jewelry pieces, pour enough water so that all your jewelry is fully submerged.
- Wait for the water to cool. Once you can comfortably place your hands in the water, you can go ahead and carefully remove your jewelry. Then you’ll want to slowly scrub each piece with a soft brush—before dabbing it dry with a soft towel. After cleaning, be sure to let it sit long enough to fully air-dry.
Another Clean Sweep: Engagement Ring Insurance from Zillion
We hope you’ve found this blog post helpful in caring for and cleaning your valuable gold jewelry. Please note that we also offer a handy how-to guide with ways to safely clean your diamond ring at home. Remember, these and many other helpful tips, tricks, tactics, and insights can always be found and enjoyed on the Zillion blog. When it comes to ensuring that your gold jewelry is not only clean, but also safe and secure, we’re always ready, willing, and eager to help you discover a smart and affordable avenue to realizing a whole new safety, security, and peace of mind:
A dedicated and comprehensive jewelry insurance policy from Zillion.
Simply put, regardless of the nature or age of your prized jewelry piece or pieces, you should always protect it with the power of jewelry insurance. To get started, visit our home page for a quick, easy, no-obligation quote. So you can have many, many years to clean and admire it at home.