Introduction
Gold plated jewelry is a type of jewelry that is covered with a layer of gold. It provides a luxurious and beautiful aesthetic, without commanding the high costs of solid gold. Unfortunately, however, gold plated jewelry doesn’t last forever – it can become tarnished over time due to wear and tear or contact with other substances. If your gold plated jewelry becomes tarnished, you may be wondering what to do with it.
Fortunately, there are several solutions available to help restore tarnished gold plated jewelry. The first option is to clean your piece using commercial cleaners specifically designed for cleaning fine metal surfaces. These cleaners contain chemicals that are effective at removing the discoloration from metal surfaces like gold plating. It’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these types of products as improper use can damage your jewelry.
You could also try cleaning your tarnished piece with some everyday household items such as baking soda, toothpaste or white vinegar. Baking soda and toothpaste act as a mild abrasive which can help remove any discoloration from the surface of the metal. To use this method, mix one tablespoon of baking soda or toothpaste with a few drops of water and then rub it gently onto the gold plating using an old toothbrush or soft cloth. Lastly, rinse off with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly before storing your jewelry away again.
For tougher cases, white vinegar works best as it’s able to penetrate deep into the oxidation found on metal surfaces since its pH level is so low – meaning that it can get into all those hard-to-reach areas where dirt has built up and won’t come off easily by hand scrubbing alone. To use this solution, make sure that you mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with two teaspoons of salt in a small container and stir until both ingredients are dissolved. Then grab an old toothbrush and start scrubbing away until you’re satisfied with the result – followed by rinsing off in lukewarm water and drying thoroughly afterwards before storing away properly again!
Prevention
The best way to ensure your gold plated jewelry remains looking as good as new and stays free from tarnishing is to properly store it away from sources of moisture, heat, and dirt. To help keep your pieces in pristine condition and prevent damage that can come from harsh environments, make sure you store them in envelopes or air-tight pouches. Avoid storing gold plated jewelry with other metals and gemstones to help avoid scratches and dulling.
When you are wearing gold plated jewelry, be mindful of the environment it will be exposed to. When swimming or showering avoid wearing the jewelry and don’t apply any lotions or perfumes directly on top of it while wearing it. The chemicals present within these substances can create an acidic reaction with the surface of the item, making it more prone to tarnishing.
At-Home Cleaning
Tarnish can really effect the overall appearance of gold plated jewelry. Fortunately, this type of jewelry is usually easy to clean at home. Before cleaning gold plated jewelry, make sure that it is worth and safe to clean with any of your household items. Store bought or chemical cleaning items might damage certain pieces.
One way to clean your gold plated jewelry is by using a homemade solution of dish detergent mixed with warm water. Soak the piece of jewelry in the solution for about fifteen minutes and then use a soft cloth to gently rub away any dirt and tarnish from the surface. Be sure not to scrub too hard as you can damage the protective coating on the jewelry. Another option is creating a baking soda paste with white vinegar, which acts like an abrasive cleaner to restore shine and luster of the jewelry. This method works especially well for more stubborn stains due tubering, dead skin cells or hard oils found on rings, bracelets and necklaces that are often worn every day. Lastly, toothpaste or a mild polishing cloth made specifically for gold-plated pieces are also effective ways of cleaning different pieces at home. Simply apply a small amount of your chosen product as if you would when brushing teeth, making sure not too scrub too forcefully in order to avoid scratching he surface and discoloring it further.
Professional Cleaning
Taking gold plated jewelry to a professional cleaner will ensure a thorough clean that can really help to enhance the shine and reinvigorate the look of the piece. Professionals are trained to handle sophisticated cleaning methodologies that should not be attempted by non-professionals with less experience, as they may harm the delicate surface of the jewelry. Professional cleaners have access to cleaning solutions that are specifically formulated for gold and other precious metals so you can be sure your piece is well taken care of. Furthermore, experts are often equipped with high powered polishing machines that can give a great amount of shine to both the gold plated surface and the gemstones mounted inside them. Finally, many professional jewelers offer complimentary inspection services as part of their cleaning service which can help identify any potential issues or problems before they become too serious – this could save thousands in repairs down the line.
Traditional Masonry
Masonry, an ancient practice of stone cutting and engraving, is often times used to clean tarnished gold plated jewelry. Many artisans have been known to restore the elevated level of luster by simply applying a mixture of distilled water and salt/baking soda to the affected area. This paste when left on the jewelry for 15 minutes can work wonders on removing dirt, oils, and tarnish. Afterwards it’s essential to rinse off the paste with a damp cloth and gently wipe away any remaining residue. Following this method can typically restore the original shine associated with gold plated jewelry without compromising its quality or completeness. To protect against future tarnishing it’s advised one polish these pieces with a wax-based cream before storing securely in anti-tarnish pouches for extra preservation measures. For fine delicate pieces it’s best to seek professional assistance prior to attempting any sort of polishing assuming that there is precious gem stones and metals.
Ion Exchange
Ion exchange is a method of cleaning tarnished gold plated jewelry that doesn’t require lots of hard work and elbow grease. This process uses a special liquid formula, which contains ions that replace the unwanted particles that are present from the tarnishing. The ions in the cleaner then act like magnets, attracting and removing dirt and grime from your valuable items. It’s easy to use, just add it to a bath with your item for two minutes and rinse away the dirt.
The benefit of using an ion exchange jewelry cleaner for gold plated jewelry is twofold; it helps to clean up the surface without scratching or damaging it, as many polishes and abrasives can do, and it also helps protect against future tarnish when used regularly. Additionally, this method allows you to clean gold-plated jewelry while preserving its brilliance and luster by removing only what needs to be removed. Many other methods of cleaning cause discoloration over time due to repeated use of harsh solutions or solvents. So now you have an easy way to keep your precious metals looking their best!
Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners are a popular choice for cleaning tarnished gold plated jewelry. This cleaning tool uses sound waves of a high frequency to vibrate liquid, resulting in loose particles, dirt, and tarnish being dislodged from the gold plated jewelry. It is important to use an ultrasonic cleaner specifically designed for gold plated jewelry when using this method; these specialized cleaners often contain a combination of special chemicals or detergents that work together to clean deep layers of dirt and leaving your jewelry looking brand new. Additionally, you should always make sure to read the instructions for your specific ultrasonic cleaner before use as different models may require different steps for effective cleaning.
Once you have the right equipment, ensure that all of the components of your jewelry such as stones and clasps are securely attached so they don’t fall off during cleaning. Remove any excess oils or creams that may be on the jewelry before submerging it into the solution. The ultrasonic cleaner should be pre-filled with fresh water and detergent according to the instructions; if using a separate cleaner and/or bleach solution prior to using the ultrasonic cleaner, be sure to rinse thoroughly with fresh water and soap after each use. Place your jewelry in the basket or container provided by your ultrasonic cleaner and gently lower into the liquid, making sure not to submerge it completely. Select your desired cycle setting on the machine based on manufacturer instructions and then allow it to run until complete. Finally, remove from container with tweezers or gloves and gently pat dry with a soft cloth or cotton ball.
Professional Advice
One of the best ways to preserve and care for your gold plated jewelry is to consult with a professional jeweler. Professional jewelers can help inspect and analyze the condition of the piece to determine whether there are areas that need attention. They can also advise about the most effective, safe and affordable ways to clean, polish, or repolish tarnished gold plated jewelry. If needed, they will provide reliable repair services as well. In addition, you should inquire about preventative measures that can be taken in order to help avoid tarnishing in the future. This may include proper storage, handling and cleaning methods that can improve the lifespan of your gold-plated jewelry. With regular maintenance by a professional jeweler, you’ll be able to keep your gold-plated pieces looking pristine for many years.
Conclusion
Many people have had the same problem. You bought a gold plated piece of jewelry thinking it was the perfect accessory, only to find it tarnished soon after. Thankfully, there is no need to despair because there are a few simple and effective ways to restore your favorite piece of jewelry back to its original shine.
First, try gently buffing away small areas of built-up grime with a soft cloth and mild detergent or dish soap. It is important not to scrub too hard or you may cause further damage and reduce the integrity of the gold plating. If this option does not provide enough sparkle, consider using a jewelry polishing cloth designed specifically for gold-plated jewelry as part of your polishing routine.
Furthermore, for pieces in need of more intensive care and attention, try using a nonabrasive cleaning pad along with jeweler’s rouge and some water. This will remove stubborn tarnish from the gold surface and leave it looking as good as new. Another solution includes dipping the item into an oxalic acid solution; however, please be aware that this method should be treated with caution because any mishandling could result in further discoloration.
Finally, for long-lasting protection against future tarnish buildup it is recommended that you store your gold plated jewelry in an area free from moisture and excessive heat and utilize treated paper packets to absorb atmospheric pollutants which accelerate oxidization processes like tarnishing on many metals including gold plate. With any luck these strategies can help keep your favorite pieces looking pristine so they can last you a lifetime!
Welcome to my jewelry blog! My name is Sarah and I am the owner of this blog.
I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
So whether you’re someone who loves wearing jewelry yourself or simply enjoys learning about it, be sure to check out my blog for insightful posts on everything related to this exciting topic!
