Trends might come and go but there are some fashion staples that will always be timeless: think the little black dress, the ballet pump, a crisp, white shirt and classic pieces of gold jewellery. 

Gold has long been a symbol of luxury and even the simplest kiss of gold can transform an outfit from so-so to refined elegance in an instant. There’s magic in the warm, lustrous glow of gold catching the light that gives the impression of luxury and sophistication. Except, maybe, when that glow fades: dull, tarnished jewellery doesn’t really say luxury.

To make sure your jewellery continues to sparkle, here are Toolally’s top tips for caring for gold.

Get to know your gold: 

Gold is typically measured in ‘karats’ - from 24k to 10k - which describes how pure the gold is. Solid gold is durable and highly valuable but, as it is softer than metals, can be more prone to scratches. Gold-plated jewellery is a thin, gold layer on top of a base metal which makes the item more delicate.

Gold vermeil, which we use here at Toolally, is a thick layer of gold over sterling silver. It’s an affordable alternative to solid gold with the beauty and durability of gold but without the eye-watering price tag.

Plated jewellery will wear over time but vermeil, being a much thicker layer of gold, will last much longer with the proper care.

Prevent damage to gold jewellery:

They say prevention is better than cure and the same is true for caring for gold jewellery. Best practice is to limit the chances of damage to the gold.

Think about when you might come into contact with surfaces or products that might dull or damage your precious jewellery and remove it first. Common culprits are chemicals that can be found in some haircare and cosmetic products, such as hairspray, as well as chemicals in household cleaning products which can tarnish gold. Never has there been a better excuse to avoid the washing up! 

It’s best to avoid prolonged water exposure so, again, remove jewellery before showers and baths, as well as using swimming pools. The chlorine in pools can be particularly damaging to the gold layer of your jewellery. The same is true for other types of exercise too - not only do you risk scratching the surface of jewellery, but sweat can also dull the lustre of gold and attract dirt and debris.

How to clean gold jewellery:

Gold vermeil, which is more delicate than solid gold, needs a little TLC to preserve its sparkling appearance. A gentle clean at regular intervals can prolong the appearance of your jewellery.

A word of caution: be gentle to avoid damage.

To prepare, you’ll need a squirt of mild (salt-free) hand soap diluted into lukewarm (not hot) water, as well as a soft cloth. 

Place the jewellery in the warm, soapy water and leave it to soak for up to five minutes. This is to loosen any gunk or debris that might have gathered on the surface or in nooks and crevices. Be sure not to soak for too long, especially with gold vermeil and gold-plated jewellery, as water can loosen the gold layer and any gemstones.

Use a soft cloth to gently clean your jewellery. Some people like to use a soft bristle brush on gold jewellery to loosen any dirt in between links and clasps but this needs to be really light touch.

Once clean, rinse thoroughly under warm water to remove any soapy residue and then gently pat dry. We suggest using a microfibre or other lint-free cloth.

You might choose to buff polish your jewellery once it’s dry to bring back that luxurious shine. Do this sparingly though as over-polishing can wear down the layer of gold. It’s worth investing in a specially-designed polish cloth for this.

How to store gold jewellery:

When you’re not wearing your gold jewellery, store it with care. The classic, velvet-lined jewellery cases are ideal for the job. If not, place your gold trinkets in a soft jewellery pouch or in an airtight container. You want to avoid leaving jewellery in direct sunlight or in humid environments to avoid tarnishing.

A final word:

The refined look of gold jewellery makes it a favourite go-to to uplift any outfit. Though it is versatile and can be styled with anything, it’s worth taking extra care and attention to make sure you can enjoy the luxury of your gold jewellery for many years to come.