The warm glow of rose gold is undeniably beautiful. Made from yellow gold and copper, rose gold makes stunning jewelry that is elegant, charming and versatile. But even the shiniest gold can lose its sparkle and shine over time, eventually needing a cleaning. Learning how to clean rose gold jewelry is quick, easy and often achievable with supplies you already have at home. Read on and let the cleaning begin!!
Steps for cleaning rose gold jewelry
The steps for cleaning rose gold jewelry are pretty simple, but first, you'll need to gather all the necessary supplies. Note that the items needed depend on the cleaning method you choose from the ones listed here. Each method has just a few simple steps to get you from grime to shine in no time! Check out the following options to understand the supplies and directions needed for each method.
Method 1: using soap and water to clean rose gold jewelry
This is the most common method for cleaning rose gold jewelry. It’s safe, simple and uses supplies commonly found around the house.
For this method, you will need mild dish soap, warm water, a shallow dish, a soft cloth and the jewelry you’re cleaning.
Step 1
First, line a shallow baking pan or small bowl with a clean towel. This will hold your jewelry in place while soaking, preventing it from mingling with other jewelry, which can cause damage.
Step 2
Fill the dish with a few drops of mild dish soap and lukewarm water.
Step 3
Submerge your rose gold jewelry in the cleaning solution for one minute. Then, wet one end of the soft, non-abrasive cloth in the cleaning solution and rub the jewelry gently to remove any stubborn oil, dirt or residue.
Step 4
Once cleaned, thoroughly rinse the jewelry to remove any excess soap.
Step 5
Pat dry with the dry end of your soft cloth.
Method 2: using commercial cleaners to clean rose gold jewelry
Sometimes, it's easiest to purchase a cleaner made specifically for the task.
All you need: a commercially sold cleaner specifically designed for rose gold jewelry. These can be easily found at jewelry stores, department stores or online retailers. Since each cleaner may have its own specific instructions, be sure to follow the directions closely for safe and effective cleaning.
What about rose gold-plated jewelry?
There are a few things to consider when cleaning rose gold-plated jewelry. First, since the rose gold plating on such jewelry is quite thin, you should use a gentler cleaning method, such as soap and water (Method 1, above). Be gentle when handling and cleaning plated jewelry. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as these can wear down the thin plating over time.
What NOT to do when cleaning rose gold
As with all jewelry, be gentle. Do not use abrasive materials (like steel wool soap pads, abrasive scrubbing tools or baking soda) or harsh chemicals, as these can scratch or damage the surface. Also, don’t expose your rose gold jewelry to water (of any kind) for too long. While water is not naturally corrosive, it can still tarnish or weaken your rose gold over time.
How to polish rose gold jewelry
Sometimes, gold-plated jewelry can look dirty or discolored despite your best cleaning efforts. The discoloration you see may not be dirt but tarnish (as explained above) or general wear. That’s why it’s essential to know how to polish rose gold jewelry to quickly and easily remove tarnish and discoloration when it shows up. A gold polishing cloth is a mildly abrasive cloth with a polishing agent embedded in it that helps remove dirt and tarnish from gold-plated jewelry without damaging it. To use, gently rub the cloth on the surface of your jewelry using small circles, applying light pressure to avoid damaging the plating. Continue polishing until tarnish and dirt are gone. Remove any residue by rinsing the jewelry after polishing and dry immediately with a soft, clean cloth to prevent water spots. Or, in a pinch, a simple soft cloth can be used to buff away light tarnish gently.
How to maintain your rose gold jewelry
There are many tips and tricks for cleaning and caring for your rose gold jewelry (or any color of gold, for that matter!). Here are a few:
Properly store your rose gold jewelry
Clean your jewelry before storing it, and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Consider placing pieces in separate trays or pouches to keep jewelry from clinking together. For even more protection, consider purchasing anti-tarnish strips or bags which help prevent tarnishing by absorbing moisture and pollutants.
Clean your rose gold jewelry regularly
Begin a regimen of regular, non-fussy cleaning (weekly or before storing) with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. This can help maintain your rose gold jewelry’s shine until you have time for a more thorough cleaning.
Avoid exposure to harsh elements
Keep your jewelry away from chemicals or certain activities, like cleaning supplies, hairspray, fragrances, sunscreens, swimming in chlorine or prolonged sweating.
Thoroughly dry your jewelry
This means drying your jewelry any time it gets wet—not just after cleanings. From getting wet in an unexpected rain to accidentally wearing your jewelry in the shower, it’s important to be vigilant about drying rose gold jewelry quickly. Use a soft, dry and preferably lint-free cloth to remove water from your rose gold jewelry so it doesn’t get water spots or prematurely wear down.
Replating rose gold-plated jewelry
Even with regular cleanings, polishing, proper storage and handling, rose gold-plated jewelry may begin to show signs of wear or tarnish. If cleaning and polishing don’t restore your rose gold-plated jewelry to its desired appearance, consider having it professionally replated to restore it to its former glory.
Insure your rose gold jewelry with Jewelers Mutual
Now that you're taking the right steps to clean and care for your rose gold jewelry properly, consider protecting it with a personal insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. It's an affordable option that covers loss, damage and disappearances. Individuals looking for jewelry insurance often think that insuring their jewelry through a homeowners insurance policy is the best option. And while home insurance companies may be experts at insuring homes, jewelry insurance companies are experts at insuring jewelry. Plus, a personal jewelry insurance policy may have some advantages over a homeowners policy for you in some cases. Check your rate from Jewelers Mutual today by clicking the button below.
