How to clean gold and gemstone jewelry this summer?
You have purchased a beautiful Noir Carat gem and you are wondering how to clean gold and gemstone jewelry this summer so that it retains all its brilliance? Then follow the guide!
The dangers of summer for your antique jewelry
With the beautiful days, we enjoy the heat, the beach, the pool and we protect our skin with sunscreen. If all these moments are very pleasant, you must not forget that your antique jewelry will be put to the test during the summer.
Effects of sea water and chlorine
Although18 karat gold is a stainless metal, it is nevertheless sensitive to erosion. Both the salt in sea water and the chlorine in swimming pool water are very abrasive to gold jewelry and precious stones. They also have an impact on the soldering by creating fragility in the setting of the stones. If you bathe with your antique jewelry you risk tarnishing it or even losing a stone.
Effect of perspiration and creams
The regular application of sunscreen, then moisturizer, results in your jewelry becoming dirty, causing it to lose its shine.
When it is hot, we tend to sweat more. Our perspiration contains sulfur that will tarnish your gold jewelry. You should also know that depending on the acidity of your skin and your perspiration, you are more or less concerned by the tarnishing of your antique jewelry.
How to clean gold and gemstone jewelry after the summer?
The best solution is to carefully store your gold jewelry in its pouch or box, at least when you go on vacation. However, sometimes a piece of jewelry has a special meaning, such as an engagement ring or a wedding band for example. In this case, it is difficult to part with it even for a few weeks. Also, you will definitely have to learn how to clean your favorite gold and gemstone jewelry after the summer. Here are some tips from the Noir Carat team.
First of all, if your jewel is set with precious or semi-precious stones, be careful not to use a brush or bicarbonate to avoid scratching the stone.
Soapy water
If your antique jewelry is dirty after the summer, you can start by soaking it in a bowl of hot soapy water(Marseille soap or dishwashing liquid) for 30 minutes. To be able to clean the small interstices of the jewel, simply use an old toothbrush and rub gently.
Grandma’s recipes
Breadcrumbs: Rub some very fresh breadcrumbs on your gold jewelry. This is to remove the dirt and give it back its shine.
Baking powder: Mix baking powder with a little warm water. Gently scrub your jewelry with a toothbrush or nailbrush. Rinse and dry.
Toothpaste: Put some toothpaste on an old toothbrush and gently scrub the jewelry in circular motions. Rinse and wipe with a soft cloth.
White vinegar: Mix a little white vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Let your jewelry rest there for 30 minutes. Rinse and wipe with a soft cloth.
Be careful, however, these recipes should be used with caution depending on the gems and/or pearls that make up your nugget!
What antique jewelry to wear this summer?
It will be a long summer (hopefully!) and you won’t always be at the beach or pool. Also, don’t hesitate to treat yourself by wearing jewelry pieces even during the summer season. To shine this summer, we recommend jewelry with evocative shapes (sun, waves, flowers …) and decorated with Turquoise or Coral.
