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Whether you have just a few gold pieces or most of your jewelry box is dominated by gold, these tips will help ensure that your favorite jewelry pieces last a lifetime.

DAILY WEARING TIPS

If treated right, gold jewelry should last for years. Here are a few things to keep in mind on a regular basis while wearing gold jewelry:

• Gold is a soft metal: while gold has a shine and a luster all its own, it’s also a soft metal. This makes is susceptible to dings, scratches, and dents. Be mindful of your gold rings, watches, and bracelets while you wear them and remove them while playing any high-contact sports.
• Chlorine is gold’s worst enemy: with repeated exposure, chlorine will weaken your gold jewelry’s structure and eventually lead to it breaking. Make sure to take your jewelry off before getting in a pool or spa.
• Cover or remove while cleaning: household cleaners with acids or abrasives will damage your jewelry’s finish. Be sure to use rubber gloves while cleaning (we recommend doing this anyway to protect your skin) or remove your jewelry altogether.
• Put your jewelry on last when getting ready: makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions can damage your gold. Be sure to put these things on before your jewelry to limit the exposure.
• Take jewelry off before bathing: wearing jewelry while you bathe can lead to a buildup of soap which will cause a film on your jewelry.

REGULAR CLEANING TIPS

When worn regularly, your gold jewelry is exposed to skin oils, perspiration, dust, makeup, and more. To keep its shine, you should clean your jewelry regularly with a solution of 10-parts warm water and 2-parts dish soap. A few extra tips:

• Soaking is the key: per Real Simple, you should soak your gold jewelry pieces for 3 hours and then scrub them gently with a very soft brush. Rinse under clean water and blot dry with a cloth.
• Bonus tip: for an extra shine, use a jewelry polishing cloth after this! Do not use a paper towel or tissue as these can scratch your jewelry.
• Clean with soap as needed: by all means, clean your jewelry at home; but, don’t overdo it! Only clean your jewelry as needed when it’s visibly dirty or gathering a patina.
• Other jeweler-approved cleaners: rubbing alcohol is great for cleaning and sanitizing, but stay away from bleach!
• Look out for damage: during your regular jewelry cleanings, be on the lookout for any damage or loose stones. Cleaning damaged pieces can only make the problem worse.

HOW TO STORE YOUR GOLD JEWELRY

After you’ve worn and cleaned your gold jewelry for the day, the next step in taking proper care of it is to store it properly.

• Use a jewelry box: a clean, dry, fabric-lined jewelry box is the best option.
• Wrap each piece in a soft cloth: If you don’t have a jewelry box, save those free phone screen clothes and use the extras to wrap each piece of your jewelry individually.
• Store pieces separately: this prevents jewelry from tangling or scratching each other.