20.02.2023 - UPDATES

5 Tips on How to Clean Jewellery

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From exquisite wedding rings and glamourous bracelets to stunning necklaces and captivating earrings, gold jewellery is a timeless symbol of sophistication and luxury. But, like all precious jewellery, proper care and attention is a necessity if you want to keep your most treasured pieces looking their best. Help your handcrafted Cerrone jewellery to last a lifetime with our simple cleaning tips.

How Often Should Gold Jewellery Be Cleaned?

How often should you clean your gold jewellery depends on how often you wear it. For jewellery that forms part of your daily ensemble, a gentle weekly clean is recommended. Pieces that are worn less frequently can benefit from a monthly clean, while jewellery that is reserved for special occasions should be tended to at least once per year.

In any case, the best indicator that it is time to renew your bespoke jewellery is when the finish appears dull, or when the metal is blemished by dirt, debris or other substances. Taking the time to inspect your fine jewellery after each use is best practise as it will allow you to clean it as required, allowing your collection to maintain its lustre for years to come.

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1. Try At-Home Cleaning Methods

   Solid Gold and Gold Plated Jewellery

   To clean your gold jewellery, you will need:

   • small bowl
   • soft cloth (lint-free)
   • soft-bristled brush
   • gentle dish soap
   • warm water

   Step 1 

   Begin the cleaning process by preparing a bowl of warm (not boiling) water and a few drops of gentle dish soap. The bowl should be large enough to fit the gold piece(s) you are cleaning. Swish the mixture to ensure the soap is well blended. When cleaning gold jewellery, it is important to clean only one piece at a time to avoid scratches.

   Step 2 

   After adding your jewellery to the cleaning solution, it is important to let it soak for an adequate amount of time. The recommended time is between 10-20 minutes, to ensure that the soap can effectively break down any grease on the surface of the jewellery. Allowing it to soak for this length of time should be sufficient to achieve the desired result.

   Step 3 

   To effectively clean jewellery that has intricate carvings, a soft-bristled toothbrush, eyebrow brush or paintbrush should be used. To get into any crevices or details, gently scrub the piece with the brush to remove any dirt that is embedded in the setting. 

   Step 4

   Finally, rinse your jewellery with clean water and gently pat it with a soft cotton cloth to dry it. Avoid using a paper towel as the fibres may scratch the surface, especially when dealing with higher carat gold.

   Gemstone Jewellery

   When cleaning Cerrone gold jewellery that contains gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, amethysts, aquamarine, and lemon quartz𑁋it is safe to gently clean it using the method described above. 

   However, emeralds, pearls, and opals should never be soaked in water or exposed to any chemicals, as they are incredibly delicate materials. In these cases, a gentle clean with a damp cloth of warm water and mild soap should suffice.

   We recommend that you talk to the experts at Cerrone about the safest at-home cleaning methods for any gold jewellery that contains precious and semi-precious gemstones.

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2. Know What Not to Do When Cleaning Gold Jewellery

   • Refrain from using harsh cleaning solutions such as bleach, baking soda, ammonia, or dish soaps that contain unknown ingredients.
   • Avoid using large, hard-bristled brushes and instead opt for a baby-sized, soft toothbrush. 
   • Refrain from repolishing jewellery too often as this can wear away at the soft metal, particularly on gold-plated jewellery. 
   • Do not use paper-based cleaning towels or other abrasive cleaning materials as these can scratch gold surfaces.

3. Take General Care of Your Gold Jewellery

   • Avoid exposing your gold jewellery to perfume, hair spray, makeup, lotions, and creams. Putting your gilded pieces on last when getting ready is an easy way of reducing exposure to harsh chemicals.
   • Take off your jewellery before entering a hot tub, swimming pool, or beach as these areas generally contain abrasive substances such as chlorine, acids, sulphur, and salt, which can damage or discolour gold jewellery.
   • Carefully store gold jewellery pieces in separate compartments of a fabric-lined box to prevent them from rubbing against each other, scratching and dulling the finish. 
   • Be mindful when wearing gold jewellery as its soft metal composition makes it easily susceptible to dings, scratches, and dents. As such, it’s best to remove it before engaging in strenuous activity and high-contact sports.
   • Avoid putting all jewellery in the same bag when travelling as this can cause the pieces to rub against each other, resulting in scratches. Placing your jewellery in separate anti-tarnish bags is a good workaround when travelling.

4. Properly Store Your Gold Jewellery

   In a High-Quality Jewellery Box

   Whether you have a robust or a more modest collection of bespoke pieces, all your handcrafted treasures deserve a home that is fitting of their quality and beauty. Keeping your gold jewellery in a soft fabric-lined box is essential for guarding it against scratching and other damage. 
   When selecting a jewellery box, consider the size and type of jewellery you own. If you own a lot of rings, opt for a box with multiple ring rolls. Necklaces should be stored on individual hooks or in pockets to prevent them from knotting and tangling. Earring lovers should look for earring tabs or compartments to store studs or larger earrings. Bracelets should be stored in larger compartments, while bangles can be stored in a zip pouch. For added convenience, look for a jewellery box that comes with a removable, smaller box for travel. This way, you can keep your jewellery safe and secure no matter where you go. 

   According to Material

   Organising your jewellery is key to ensuring its safety and longevity. Because some metals and gemstones are harder than others, it’s important to store your fine jewellery according to the type of material it is made from. This will protect your pieces from scratching and chipping.

   Away From Extreme Temperatures

   The ideal storage area is one with a steady temperature and low moisture levels, which can otherwise cause discolouration and tarnishing. To this end, it is wise to keep your gold jewellery out of direct sunlight and away from cold draughty areas.

   Away From Corroded Jewellery

   Be it gold jewellery, sterling silver or any other tarnish-prone pieces, it is always a good idea to keep your fine items away from any sort of corroded jewellery, as this can lead to an accelerated tarnishing process. 

5. Engage a Professional

   
   While regular at-home cleaning routines and proper storage can go a long way in maintaining the lustre of your Cerrone gold jewellery, we recommend having your Cerrone jewellery professionally inspected and cleaned once a year. This will help your jewellery to conserve its glamorous aesthetic all year round.
   Not only will a qualified jeweller be able to restore your prized pieces to their original glory, but they will also be able to identify any structural issues with claws or stone settings and assist you accordingly. This is an important measure to prevent the loss of a stone and promote the longevity of your cherished jewellery.

   Cerrone Complimentary Jewellery Cleaning

   At Cerrone, we offer annual cleaning and inspection services, free of charge, to Cerrone customers on their Cerrone jewellery pieces. Simply bring your handcrafted Cerrone jewellery into one of our boutiques for ongoing complimentary cleaning services. We can also assist you with any necessary repairs at this time, for which you will be charged accordingly. With our ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction, you can enjoy the true lustre of your most precious pieces, now and into the future.