Gold jewellery is often an investment, a family heirloom or a piece with great sentimental value. While gold as a material is durable, neglecting to care for your gold pieces can leave them tarnished, scratched or with a dulled shine. The lack of regular maintenance can also decrease their resale value, as chemicals, sweat and daily wear and tear can damage them.

Here at MoneyMax, we live and breathe gold, so let us share some tips on how you can care for your gold jewellery.

Learn How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore! Especially when it comes to your beloved gold pieces, washing them at home can be a breeze. 

1. Mix some mild soap and water to create your cleaning solution, and then pre-soak your gold jewellery for a few minutes to prepare it for brushing. This step will loosen any dirt or grime, making the process easier. 
2. Then, using gentle circular motions, clean it with a soft-bristled brush, focusing on the nooks and crannies – especially for items with more intricate designs. 
3. Follow this up by rinsing your jewellery with lukewarm water and drying them with a soft cloth. Avoid using tissue or paper towels as they can scratch the surface of the gold jewellery.

However, if your gold jewellery is fitted with gemstones, pearls or diamonds and is particularly delicate, you can opt to send them in for professional cleaning to ensure they are cleaned safely and correctly. 

Speaking of professional care, be sure to periodically send your jewellery for professional inspections and polishing. The former can help fully restore the shine of your gold jewellery, while the latter ensures there are no worn or broken parts.

Learn How to Store Gold Jewellery Properly

A metal as precious as gold deserves to be stored safely and securely. While durable, gold can still be scratched, damaged or tarnished if not stored with care. Sunlight, moisture and abrasive surfaces can also diminish its shine over time.

Individual pouches or lined jewellery boxes will be your best bet for keeping your gold jewellery free from damage and sparkly. Individual pouches should be made of soft fabric, while jewellery boxes should ideally have individual padded compartments and velvet lining to prevent pieces like bracelets or necklaces from tangling or scratching each other. You can also include anti-tarnish fabric or slips to absorb excess moisture.

It is essential to store your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, so avoid windows or bathrooms at all costs!

Tips for Everyday Care

In addition to cleaning and storing them correctly, treating your gold jewellery the right way on a daily basis can also help keep their shine in years to come. To do so, minimise your jewellery’s exposure to soap and chemicals, as they can dull their shine. Remove your jewellery and store it properly before activities like swimming, showering, or exercising. Products like perfume and makeup can also damage gold or result in buildup on your jewellery. Get in the habit of putting them on last when getting ready to reduce their exposure to these chemicals. 

Lastly, it is also important to note that not all gold jewellery is made the same. Investing in higher quality jewellery, such as MoneyMax’s 916 gold jewellery and 999 gold jewellery, can ensure that your investment retains its monetary value over time or that your family heirloom lasts through generations. However, if you are looking simply for pure gold as an investment piece, check out our guide to types of gold. Alternatively, our gold bar gifts are also available and can make for great family heirlooms or as a meaningful gift.