How to Clean Silver and Gold Jewelry?

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Gold and silver are durable materials but tend to darken or dull over time and with frequent use. Whether it’s rings, bracelets, or chains, there are methods to bring the color and shine of your jewelry back to what they were.

Please note that this article’s cleaning procedures are not indicated for gold or silver plating but for solid jewelry.

On the other hand, if your piece contains a pearl or stone, you have to know that the cleaning process for it will surely be different, so, in these cases, you need to consult a professional jeweler. Otherwise, you can follow the tips in this Editorialge guide on how to clean silver and gold jewelry.

Cleaning your silver and gold jewelry is not as complicated as you think; you can get good results with a commercial cleaner like Cif Cream.

How to Clean Gold Jewelry?

Fill a bowl with warm water and add a little dish soap to make soapy water.
Immerse your gold jewelry and let it soak for 30 minutes to loosen the dirt.
Then scrub them with a soft-bristled brush. The softer, the better.
Submerge them again and dry them with a soft cloth.

Read Also: How to Wash Colored Clothes?

If your gold jewelry is very dirty, you can add a couple of drops of ammonia to the soapy water, but do not abuse this substance, as it could damage the alloy of metals or the pearls or stones embedded in the jewelry. If in doubt, always consult a specialist.

How to Clean Silver Jewelry?

Silver is a less resistant metal than gold, but it is no less popular for that. At home, we all have silver, jewelry, cutlery, or other valuables. As with gold, don’t forget that if your jewel has stones, you should check the specific cleaning method for them. As for silver pieces, if you don’t know how to clean jewelry made of this material, then Editorialge shares with you 3 cleaning methods with ingredients that you probably have at home:

1. Water and Detergent

If your jewelry isn’t quite as opaque, soapy water may suffice. Rub gently with your fingers and rinse. The water temperature does not have to be hot but warm. Then dry with a soft cloth.

2. Sodium Bicarbonate

Create a paste with a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Pass the ring by rubbing it gently between your fingers. Finally, rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a soft, clean cloth.

3. Salt and Aluminum Foil

Fill a bowl with hot water, add a tablespoon of salt, and stir until dissolved. Then, place aluminum foil at the bottom of the container and put the silver jewel inside it. Wait a few minutes, remove the silver piece, and rinse it with lukewarm water. Dry with a soft, clean cloth.

If you plan to clean jewelry in the sink, don’t forget to cover the drain. Please do not use bleach, chlorine, or other chemicals to clean your gold jewelry; they could discolor the material. If your gold or silver item has a high market value, consider taking it to a specialist.