How To Clean Rose Gold Jewellery

Discover how to safely clean rose gold jewellery at home using NAJO's guide, featuring simple and effective techniques to preserve its shine and allure.

Rose gold jewellery, renowned for its unique and warm glow, has become a beloved choice for many. It transcends mere fashion trends, embodying a classic expression of grace and sophistication. In this guide, we're excited to unveil the secrets to effectively cleaning rose gold jewellery.

Grasping the distinct traits of rose gold and mastering the art of its maintenance is essential to sustain its captivating charm. Through this guide, you'll gain insights that will assist you in maintaining the pristine and radiant appearance of your rose gold jewellery, ensuring it continues to shine just as brilliantly as day one. 

Composition of Rose Gold

The Unique Blend:

Rose gold is an alluring alloy, primarily a blend of pure gold and copper. The proportion of these metals can vary, giving rise to different shades within the rose gold spectrum. Sometimes, a small amount of silver is also added. This blend not only contributes to its distinctive pinkish hue but also affects its durability and weight.

Karat Variations:

The purity of rose gold is measured in carats, similar to yellow gold. For instance, 14K rose gold contains 58.3% gold, with the remainder being copper and, occasionally, silver. This composition is what gives 14K rose gold its famed durability and deeper colour compared to higher carat versions like 18K, which has a softer, more subtle pink tone due to a higher gold content.

Preparing To Clean Your Rose Gold Jewellery at home

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to gather the right materials and understand when it’s time to seek professional help. Here’s how you can prepare:

Assembling the Necessary Materials

  • Soft Cloth: You’ll need a soft, lint-free cloth. Microfiber or a jewellery cleaning cloth is ideal, as it’s gentle on the metal and won’t scratch the surface.
  • Mild Dish Soap: Opt for a mild, bleach-free dish soap. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish of your rose gold, so it’s crucial to use a gentle cleaner.
  • Warm Water: Warm water is effective for cleaning without causing any harm to the jewellery. Ensure it’s not too hot, as extreme temperatures can affect the metal.
  • Soft-Bristled Brush: A very soft-bristled brush, like a baby toothbrush, can be used for cleaning intricate designs or hard-to-reach areas. Be gentle to avoid scratching the jewellery.
  • Bowl or Container: A small bowl or container is needed to mix the soap solution or to soak the jewellery if necessary.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process for Rose Gold Plated Jewellery

Ensuring your rose gold jewellery maintains its stunning appearance involves a careful and thorough cleaning process. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step one

Gentle Wiping with a Soft, Dry Cloth

  • Begin by gently wiping the jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth. This step removes surface dust and light oils that may have accumulated from regular wear.

  • It's a good habit to do this after each wear, as it prevents buildup and maintains the shine of the jewellery.
Step two

Creating a Solution for Deeper Cleaning

  • Mix a few drops of mild, bleach-free dish soap in a bowl of warm water. The water should be lukewarm, not hot, to avoid damaging the jewellery.

  • The soap should be gentle to ensure it doesn't strip the metal of its natural sheen.
Step three

Soaking and Gently Brushing the Jewellery

  • Submerge the rose gold jewellery in the soapy solution, letting it soak for about 5-10 minutes. This loosens any stubborn dirt and grime.

  • After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the jewellery. Focus on areas where dirt can easily accumulate, such as crevices and around any gemstones.

  • Be gentle to avoid scratching the metal or dislodging any set stones.
Step four

Rinsing and Drying the Jewellery Properly

  • Rinse the jewellery under a stream of lukewarm water to wash away any soap residue. Ensure the sink drain is closed or use a strainer to prevent loss.

  • Gently pat the jewellery dry with a clean, soft cloth. Be thorough but gentle to avoid scratching or bending the piece.

  • Allow the jewellery to air dry completely on a soft cloth before storing or wearing it again. This ensures that no moisture remains that could potentially tarnish the metal.

Following these steps will help keep your rose gold jewellery clean and preserve its natural beauty. Regular cleaning, along with proper storage and handling, will extend the life and lustre of your precious rose gold pieces.

Identifying When Professional Cleaning Is Needed

Deep-Set Dirt and Grime:

If your jewellery has accumulated significant dirt or grime that can’t be removed with gentle home cleaning, it might be time to take it to a professional.

Damaged or Loose Gemstones:

If your rose gold jewellery has gemstones that are loose, chipped, or missing, professional intervention is essential. Attempting to clean such pieces at home can further damage the stones or the setting.

Visible Scratches or Deformities:

While minor scratches can often be handled at home, more severe damage or deformities in the metal should be addressed by a professional jeweller.

Regular Maintenance:

Even if your rose gold jewellery appears to be in good condition, an annual professional cleaning is recommended to maintain its beauty and ensure any unnoticed issues are addressed.

Unique Properties Affecting Care and Cleaning

Durability and Hardness:

The copper in rose gold lends it a hardness and durability superior to that of yellow or white gold. This makes rose gold less prone to scratches and deformities, but it's still crucial to handle it with care.

Tarnish Resistance:

Unlike silver, rose gold does not tarnish easily. However, over time, the copper content can react with oxygen and cause slight discolouration. Regular cleaning and proper storage can minimise this effect.

Sensitivity to Chemicals:

Despite its durability, rose gold can still be sensitive to harsh chemicals. Exposure to chlorine, for instance, can weaken its structure over time. Thus, it's recommended to remove rose gold jewellery during activities like swimming or cleaning with chemical products.

Colour Changes Over Time:

The unique colour of rose gold may deepen slightly with age due to the copper component. This is a natural and often appreciated aspect of the metal, adding character to the jewellery.

Understanding these aspects of rose gold helps in not only appreciating its beauty but also in knowing how to care for it. The right maintenance approach ensures your rose gold jewellery retains its characteristic lustre and charm, reflecting its fine craftsmanship and the elegance of its wearer.

Caring For Your Rose Gold Jewellery

Caring for rose gold jewellery requires a gentle approach. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to keep your jewellery in pristine condition:

Using Harsh Chemicals or Abrasive Materials

Chemicals to Avoid: Steer clear of bleach, chlorine, acetone, and other harsh chemicals. These can react with rose gold, leading to discolouration and damage.

Avoid Abrasive Materials: Scrubbing with abrasive materials like baking soda or toothpaste can scratch the surface of rose gold. Always opt for a soft cloth or brush.

Excessive Scrubbing or Soaking

Gentle Scrubbing: Overzealous scrubbing can wear down the finish of the jewellery. Use a gentle touch with a soft-bristled brush.

Limit Soaking Time: While soaking helps loosen dirt, excessive soaking, especially in soapy water, can eventually erode the finish. Limit soaking to just a few minutes.

Storing Without Proper Protection

Separate Storage: Rose gold jewellery should be stored separately to avoid scratches from other pieces. Use a fabric-lined jewellery box or individual soft pouches.

Avoid Moisture and Sunlight: Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Exposure to these elements can accelerate tarnishing and fading.

Care with Gemstones: If your rose gold jewellery includes gemstones, ensure they're also suitable for the cleaning method you choose. Some gemstones require specific care.

Shop Women’s  Rose Gold Jewellery Today

NAJO, an Australian jewellery brand with over 30 years of experience, crafts exquisite rose gold jewellery inspired by the breathtaking beauty of nature. Browse our collection of rose gold earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets.

Our collections reflect the serene landscapes, vibrant flora, and the dynamic Australian coastline, bringing a piece of this natural splendour into your everyday life.

Shop Rose Gold

FAQs

Does water damage rose gold?

Water itself typically does not damage rose gold, a durable alloy known for its resistance to water. However, it is advisable to remove rose gold jewellery before exposure to chlorinated water in swimming pools or hot tubs, as well as salt water, to prevent potential corrosion and discoloration.

Care should also be taken to avoid contact with harsh chemicals found in some soaps and cleaning agents. While occasional exposure to plain water isn't harmful, it's important to dry rose gold jewellery thoroughly after it gets wet to prevent any moisture-related issues. Regular and prolonged exposure to water may affect the shine and finish of the jewellery over time.

How do you clean a rose gold necklace chain?

To clean a rose gold necklace chain, create a mild solution by mixing a few drops of gentle dish soap in lukewarm water. Soak the chain for about 10-15 minutes to loosen any dirt and grime. Then, gently brush it with a soft-bristled brush, focusing on links and crevices, and rinse it under lukewarm water.

Pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow it to air dry completely before storing or wearing. Regular cleaning and careful handling are key to maintaining the necklace's appearance. If the chain is delicate or intricately designed, consider professional cleaning to avoid damage.

What tarnishes rose gold?

Rose gold, known for its unique colour and durability, is less prone to tarnishing than metals like silver, but it can still discolour over time. The copper in rose gold can react with oxygen, particularly in humid conditions, leading to slight tarnishing.

Additionally, chemicals in cleaning agents, cosmetics, perfumes, and chlorine can accelerate this tarnishing, reacting with the gold and copper in the alloy. Body chemistry, such as sweat and oils, and environmental factors like humidity and pollution also play a role in the gradual tarnishing of rose gold.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Jo Tory

Born in Australia, Jo Tory is proud to be one of the country’s pioneering female jewellery founders. She has been our Creative Director since NAJO’s formation, steering the company to be one of Australia’s most successful fine jewellery brands today. Jo also sits on the Jewellers Association of Australia’s Board of Directors, where she actively promotes the highest standards and ethics within the Australian jewellery industry.