24-karat gold is pure gold. If your gold jewelry is less than 24 karats, it simply means other metals or alloys are mixed in it to enhance the lifespan and hardness of pure gold jewelry.
Generally speaking, the more active your lifestyle is, the less purity gold you need for your jewelry. And there is nothing harm in it.
That said, if you wear gold jewelry on a regular basis you need to check and clean it periodically to keep it safe and shining. Especially, if your gold jewelry is adorned with diamonds over time, it can lose its luster due to dirt, oils, and everyday wear.
To safely remove grime and preserve the sparkle of your precious pieces, you need to know the right techniques and tools you can use.
This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to clean your gold jewelry with diamonds and gemstones, ensuring it shines as beautifully as the day you got it.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry with Diamonds and Gemstones
A jewelry cleaning solution (precisely created to keep your gold safe) efficiently keeps your gold and diamond jewelry clean and in perfect shape.
Without using any commercial ingredients, you can maintain the shine of your jewelry with these cleaning agents by following the steps below…
- Take some lukewarm water in a bowl
- Add a couple of drops of dish detergent and ammonia to it and mix
- Dip a soft baby toothbrush in the solution and rub your jewelry with it
- Now put your jewelry in another bowl filled with lukewarm water to rinse gently
- Dry the cleaned jewelry with a paper towel or a soft cotton cloth
In case you do not have ammonia, you can use white vinegar and follow the same cleaning process. But be aware that gold is a soft metal and hence you should be gentle while brushing and drying.
Diamonds are the hardest known material, and most of them are safe to clean at home, provided you do them in the right way. However, there are several gemstones that are treated after extraction, which has an impact on how a particular stone should be cleaned.
Because of the varied characteristics of colored gemstones, we recommend you ask your jeweler about the safest home cleaning remedies for any jewelry that comes embedded/glued with pieces of stones other than diamonds.
What Can I Use to Polish Gold Jewelry?
If your gold bars, coins, or diamond jewelry seems to be tarnished, you can rub/wipe the tarnished part using your fingers or a cotton swab. After a quick rinsing with clean water, dry it with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth. Finally, use a high-quality jeweler’s cloth to give it a new polished look.
Care that you do not use agents like baking soda, coke, or toothpaste as they are abrasive and can damage the gold polish.
How Can You Get Scratches Out Of Gold Jewelry?
Minor gold scratches can be fixed at home by polishing them properly. However, if your gold item or jewelry has large scratches, it’s not recommended to remove it yourself at home. Instead, take it to your jeweler and get them fixed professionally.
Most jewelers now have automatic machines for buffing that can easily fix these scratches in gold within minutes.
Precautions When Cleaning Gold Diamond Jewelry at Home
Depending on the percentage of other metals mixed with your gold jewelry, there may be higher chances of tarnishing if you use low-quality cleaning agents. Hence, seeking prevention is better!
Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your jewelry
In general, avoid chlorine-based cleaners and steer clear of chlorinated water, whether it’s in swimming pools or hot tubs. These chemical culprits can tarnish your jewelry’s shine, turning its golden glow into a dull disaster. Worse still, chlorine doesn’t just stop at surface damage—it can sneak into the metal alloys, causing cracks and even full-on structural betrayal.
Also, steer clear of soaps and detergents with mystery ingredients—your gold jewelry deserves better than a chemistry experiment. Instead, play it safe with the classic blue Dawn dish soap. Trusted and gentle, it’s a go-to for cleaning gold without compromising its shine.
Before you hit the shower, give your gold and diamond jewelry a break
Soap, shampoos, conditioners, and body washes may pamper you, but they’re no friends to your gold and diamonds. These products can leave behind a stubborn, dull film that steals the spotlight from your jewelry’s sparkle.
Hard water and chemical residues only add to the drama, making your precious pieces look tired and lackluster. Save them the trouble—take off your bling before lathering up, and you’ll keep them gleaming like the showstoppers they are.
Can You Clean Gold Jewelry with Diamonds in an Ultrasonic Machine?
Using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner for cleaning your diamond embedded gold jewelry is among the safest ways to maintain its shine and integrity.
Since both gold and diamonds are tough enough to handle sonic vibrations like pros, they are safe to clean in an ultrasonic cleaner machine. However, always check the diamond settings to ensure they’re securely set in their prongs and not loose before diving into the cleaning process.
Make sure that the diamonds haven’t undergone treatments like fracture-filling, laser drilling, or similar enhancements. These treatments can be compromised by the ultrasonic vibrations, potentially causing damage or reducing the diamond’s integrity.
If you’re unsure about your jewelry’s condition or have a particularly delicate piece, it’s wise to skip the ultrasonic cleaner and consult a jeweler first.
How to use the machine?
- Place an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning device on a flat surface or a table near you.
- Open the top lid and fill the stainless steel tank with plain tap water. Add a proper jewelry cleaning solution if your jewelry is heavily soiled.
- Next, put your jewelry items directly in the tank or basket (included in the machine).
- Switch on the machine and in just two minutes you will see small bubbles produced which remove the dirt from the jewelry due to cavitation action.
Not only for gold, but you can use ultrasonic cleaning machines to clean any kind of jewelry, including platinum, sterling silver, copper, or any other.
Since this nifty tool uses innovative technology (without the use of any harsh chemicals) it blasts away even the most stubborn, hard-to-reach contaminants, restoring your jewelry’s brilliance in no time.
The greatest part of ultrasonic cleaning of your jewelry is that it’s an affordable investment for all, no matter whether you’re a DIYer or a professional jeweler. With an ultrasonic cleaner, your gold and diamonds will sparkle like never before—without you lifting a finger.
The conclusion
By using basic ingredients like mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or brush, you can safely remove dirt and grime without damaging the gold or diamonds. You can also use ultrasonic cleaner if you wish but it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that could cause wear and tear.
Though the method suggested above is the most efficient way to clean your gold jewelry with diamonds at home, visiting your jeweler for a thorough and professional cleaning should not be avoided. Your jeweler knows the right procedure depending on the specific kind of gemstone and metal your jewelry is made of, and they also keep a check on your item for all types of flaws and damages.
We, therefore, suggest organizing at least a semi-annual visit to your local jeweler for the cleaning of your jewelry to ensure it stays in optimal condition.