How to Clean and Care for Gold Jewellery at Home

Gold jewellery is remarkably durable, but daily wear still takes a toll — lotion, perfume, sweat, and general handling gradually dull its shine. Here's how to keep your gold jewellery looking as good as the day you bought it, using things you likely already have at home.

Everyday Habits That Protect Your Gold

• Last on, first off — apply perfume, lotion, and hairspray before putting on jewellery, and remove jewellery before washing hands with harsh soap or applying more product.
• Remove before physical activity — gym sessions, swimming (especially in chlorinated or salt water), and heavy manual work all accelerate wear and can loosen stone settings over time.
• Store pieces separately — gold jewellery stored loose in a drawer scratches against other pieces; a soft pouch or lined box compartment prevents this.

Cleaning Gold Jewellery at Home

For most plain gold pieces (chains, bangles, bands without delicate stone settings), a simple at-home clean works well: warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap, a soft-bristled brush (an old, clean toothbrush works fine) to gently clean around any detailing, then a thorough rinse and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

What to Avoid

• Harsh chemicals — avoid bleach, chlorine, and abrasive cleaners, which can damage gold's surface and, more importantly, can loosen or discolour any diamond or gemstone settings.
• Ultrasonic cleaners at home — while jewellers use these professionally with the right settings, home ultrasonic devices can be too aggressive for delicate settings and aren't recommended without professional guidance.
• Over-cleaning delicate pieces — mangalsutras, pieces with pavé settings, or anything with multiple small stones are best left to a professional jeweller for a deeper clean every so often, rather than frequent home scrubbing.

How Often Should You Clean It?

For daily-wear pieces like a mangalsutra, wedding band, or everyday studs, a gentle home clean every 2-3 weeks keeps buildup from settling in. For occasional-wear pieces, a clean before and after each wear is usually sufficient.

When to See a Professional

If a stone feels loose, a clasp isn't closing securely, or a piece has visible scratches affecting its finish, it's worth having a jeweller inspect and service it rather than attempting a fix at home — this is especially true for anything with diamond or gemstone settings.

Need a professional clean or setting check? WhatsApp us — we're happy to help, even for pieces not purchased with us.