Soak gold and diamond jewellery for 10–15 minutes in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, brush gently with a soft brush, rinse in clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid toothpaste, bleach and strong alcohol; never soak pearls or soft stones. Store each piece separately in a lined box and have it checked at the shop every 6–12 months.
Why does jewellery lose its shine?
Pure gold hardly oxidises, but the metals alloyed into 750 and fashion gold (copper, silver…) can react with sweat, perfume, cosmetics, chlorine and sulphur compounds in the air, leaving a dull film. Diamonds attract oil and lotion, which dims their fire. This is natural and easy to fix.
Cleaning gold and diamonds at home
- Fill a bowl with warm water (about 40°C, not boiling) and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak the jewellery for 10–15 minutes to loosen oil and dirt.
- Brush gently with a very soft toothbrush, especially under stones, between prongs and along chain links.
- Rinse under clean running water with the sink plugged or using a strainer.
- Dry with a microfibre or soft cotton cloth; let it dry completely before storing.
Do not use toothpaste, baking soda or scouring powder: the abrasives leave fine scratches, especially on 24K gold.
Notes by material
| Material | Cleaning | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 24K, 23K gold | Warm soapy water, soft cloth | Hard scrubbing, knocks (soft gold dents) |
| Italian 750, fashion gold | As above; polish with a jewellery cloth | Chlorine, bleach, cleaning chemicals |
| White gold | Gentle washing; re-plate rhodium every 1–2 years | Hard scrubbing that wears plating |
| Rose gold | Gentle washing, dry at once | Prolonged damp, chemicals |
| Diamonds | Soak and brush underneath to restore sparkle | Touching the table, knocking the edges |
| Pearls | Wipe with a soft damp cloth after wearing | Soaking, ultrasonic cleaners, perfume, vinegar |
| Emerald, opal, soft stones | Damp cloth; let the shop clean them | Ultrasonic, heat, sudden temperature changes |
What to avoid while wearing jewellery
- Take it off for: sport, heavy work, gardening, cleaning with chemicals, chlorinated pools or the sea, sleeping.
- Last on, first off: apply perfume, lotion and hairspray before putting jewellery on.
- Do not store pieces together: diamond is the hardest material and scratches gold and other stones.
- Avoid heat: keep jewellery away from stoves and hot cars.
Storing jewellery properly
- Keep each piece in a soft pouch or a velvet-lined compartment.
- Fasten chains and hang or lay them straight to prevent tangles and broken links.
- Pearls need a little natural humidity; do not seal them in plastic for years.
- Add a silica gel sachet to the box to slow tarnishing.
- Keep valuable pieces in a safe and photograph them with their invoices and certificates.
When to bring jewellery to the shop
- Every 6–12 months for ultrasonic cleaning (gold and diamonds), polishing and a prong check.
- When a stone feels loose, rattles when shaken or prongs catch on fabric.
- When a chain clasp or earring back feels loose.
- When white gold looks yellowish inside and needs re-plating.
- When a ring is too tight or loose and needs resizing.
At Ngọc Diệp Gold Shop, jewellery bought in store is cleaned, polished and ultrasonically cleaned free for life; resizing, prong re-tipping and stone checks are free or at minimal cost if extra metal is needed. Visit 242 Cách Mạng Tháng 8, Trấn Biên Ward, Dong Nai City, open 7am–7pm daily.
Common mistakes
- Polishing gold with toothpaste: fine scratches.
- Soaking pearls in water or cleaners: damages the nacre.
- Using an ultrasonic cleaner on every stone: can crack emeralds, opals and treated stones.
- Wearing rings while lifting weights: dents rings and loosens prongs.
- Throwing jewellery together in one pouch: scratches and tangles.
Quick answers
Should I clean gold with toothpaste?
No. Toothpaste is abrasive and leaves fine scratches, especially on 24K; use warm water with mild soap.
How often should I clean my jewellery?
Clean daily-wear pieces at home every 2–4 weeks, and have them checked and ultrasonically cleaned at the shop every 6–12 months.
My white gold looks yellow. Is something wrong?
No; the rhodium plating has worn. Re-plating at the shop restores the bright white.
Can I shower wearing gold jewellery?
Best avoided; soap, shampoo and hot water dull jewellery and leave residue in settings.
Can pearls go in an ultrasonic cleaner?
No. Wipe them with a soft damp cloth after wearing and keep them away from perfume and cosmetics.
Does Ngọc Diệp clean jewellery for free?
Yes. Jewellery bought at Ngọc Diệp is cleaned, polished and ultrasonically cleaned free for life.
