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You just inherited your grandmother’s precious necklace as an heirloom. As you were busy admiring its intricate designs and how it’s gold-tinted in the light, you also noticed that it had become dull and tarnished over time. This disappointed you. Well, don’t lose heart.  

There are simple and effective ways of cleaning your gold jewelry to restore its former shine and beauty. But before we discover the secrets of restoring glory, let us understand the reasons behind gold jewelry losing its color over time.  

The Science of Gold Tarnishing

Undoubtedly, pure gold is luster and corrosion-resistant, but it is not used in jewelry. Instead, it is typically alloyed (mixed) with another metal. The only reason is that pure gold is very soft and can easily scratch, bend, or warp over time with daily use. Therefore, pure gold is alloyed with other metals such as copper, nickel, or palladium to increase its durability, strength, and hardness.

When gold jewelry comes into contact with Sulphur (already present in the atmosphere as a component of pollutants) and oxygen, it forms a layer of gold sulfide on its surface. This layer makes it appear black, dull and tarnished.  

Time is a prime factor that contributes to gold discoloration. It is a natural process that cannot be prevented, but the good news is that it can be restored. Don’t be surprised. You can clean your gold jewelry without hassle. Gone are the days of dull and worn-out gold jewelry. Restore the sparkle with the below-mentioned tips. 

Warm Water and Mild Soap Works Best

If you are looking for ways to clean your not-so-old jewelry, you can follow this process to see the difference immediately.  

 Materials Needed:  

• bowl  
• warm water  
• mild soap  
• brush  
• Towel  

Procedure:  

• Fill the bowl with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild soap to it.  
• Mix gently until the soap is dissolved.  
• After that, place your jewelry in the water and let it soak in for approximately 15-20 minutes. This will loosen the accumulated dirt on your jewelry.  
• Now, use the brush to gently scrub the hard-to-reach corners on your jewelry. Remember to use a soft-bristled brush to avoid any damage.  
• Clean it with running water to remove the soap residue.  
• Use a microfiber cloth to pat dry the jewelry.  

And ta-da! You have retained the glow and bling of your jewelry.

Nothing Better Than Baking Soda and Water

If your gold jewelry is old enough and requires intense cleaning, then you can use baking soda and water to clean it.

Materials Needed:  

• baking soda  
• water  
• brush  
• cloth  

Procedure:  

• In a bowl, mix a part of baking soda with a part of water to make a paste. Stir it well until the mixture forms a smooth consistency.  
• Take the paste so formed on a toothbrush and rub it gently on your jewelry. Pay close attention to hard-to-reach areas. Do not scrub too hard, be mindful.  
• After this, let the paste sit for some time.  
• Now rinse the jewelry in running water to remove the residue of baking soda.  
• We are almost done now. Pat dry the jewelry with a lint-free cloth. Make sure that there are no remaining water droplets on the jewelry.   
• In case your jewelry still looks dull, use a jewelry polishing cloth to restore the shine you are looking for.  

If your jewelry has a lot of dirt built up, you can mix up a mild soap with the baking soda to give it a renewed gleam and glimmer.  

Okay, I understand that you might question how to prevent this jewelry from tarnishing again.  

Well, the answer is quite simple. Just store them properly and schedule a cleaning task. This routine will allow you to keep your jewelry looking brand-new without getting into the use of chemicals.  

To summarize, gemstones and gold jewelry accumulate natural dirt from outside wear and tear. But a gentle cleaning can make them look beautiful for a long time.