Gold doesn't tarnish the way silver does, but it does dull over time from lotion, perfume, natural skin oils, and everyday contact. The good news: keeping solid gold jewelry looking bright doesn't require a professional cleaning every few weeks. A few simple habits, done at home, keep it looking close to day one.
What You'll Need
A bowl of warm, not hot, water, a few drops of mild dish soap, a soft-bristled brush (an unused baby toothbrush works well), and a lint-free cloth. Avoid anything abrasive, paper towels included, since they can create fine scratches on gold's relatively soft surface.
How to Clean Solid Gold Jewelry
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into warm water and let the piece soak for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen buildup. Gently brush with the soft-bristled brush, paying attention to any crevices, clasps, or areas where the piece contacts skin most, then rinse thoroughly under warm running water. Pat dry immediately with a lint-free cloth; don't let gold air-dry, since mineral deposits from tap water can leave a film.
Cleaning Gold with Gemstones or Diamonds
The soap-and-water method above is safe for gold set with diamonds, since diamonds are extremely hard and non-porous. Softer or porous stones, including pearls, opals, and emeralds, should not be soaked; wipe those pieces with a barely damp cloth instead and avoid soap entirely. If you're unsure what stone you're working with, treat it as delicate and stick to a dry or barely damp cloth.
What to Avoid
Skip ultrasonic cleaners for anything with gemstones, since vibration can loosen settings over time. Avoid chlorine entirely, including pool water and some household cleaners, since it can weaken gold alloys and cause pitting with repeated exposure. Don't use toothpaste, despite the common myth; its mild abrasives are fine for teeth but will scratch gold's surface over repeated use.
Everyday Habits That Extend the Shine
The biggest factor in how quickly gold dulls isn't cleaning frequency, it's exposure. Put jewelry on last, after applying lotion, perfume, and hairspray, and take it off first before showering, swimming, or exercising. Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined box rather than tossed together in a drawer, since gold pieces can scratch each other on contact.
When to See a Professional
A home clean handles routine dulling, but bring a piece to a jeweler for a professional check if you notice a loose stone, a bent prong, or a clasp that doesn't close securely. Catching those early is significantly cheaper than a repair after a stone is lost. Every Abtin & Co. piece carries a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects, so if something feels off within that window, that's the first place to check.
FAQ
Can I clean gold jewelry with toothpaste?
It's a common suggestion, but toothpaste contains mild abrasives that can scratch gold's surface with repeated use. A soft-bristled brush with mild dish soap and warm water is a safer routine.
How often should I clean my gold jewelry?
For pieces worn daily, every one to two weeks keeps buildup from settling in. Pieces worn occasionally can go longer between cleanings, closer to once a month.
Is it safe to shower or swim while wearing gold jewelry?
It's better to remove it first. Chlorine in pool water and minerals in tap water can dull gold over time and, in the case of chlorine, weaken the alloy with repeated exposure.
Does solid gold tarnish?
Pure gold doesn't tarnish, but most jewelry-grade gold, like 14K, is alloyed with other metals for durability, and those alloys can cause slight dulling over time. Regular cleaning restores the original shine.
Shop our Gold Everyday collection, crafted in solid 14K gold designed to hold its shine with the routine care above.