Care tips and tricks

Draft for Marii to check.

22k gold is 91.6% pure gold. That gives it its rich colour, and it also makes it softer than 18k or 14k gold. A little care keeps every piece looking its best.

Wearing your gold

• Put your jewellery on last, after perfume, hairspray, lotion and make up.
• Take it off before swimming, the sea, hot tubs and saunas. Chlorine and salt water can dull gold and weaken its joins.
• Take it off for the gym, gardening, cleaning and heavy work, so it does not bend or scratch.
• Take rings off before using hand gel or cleaning products.
• Take chains off at night, as they can kink and pull while you sleep.

Cleaning

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of mild washing up liquid.
2. Soak the piece for a few minutes.
3. Brush gently with a very soft toothbrush, getting into the patterns and links.
4. Rinse in clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth that does not leave fluff.

For pieces with stones, pearls or enamel, skip the soaking and wipe them gently with a damp cloth instead.

What to avoid

• Toothpaste, baking soda and scouring powders, which scratch gold.
• Bleach, chlorine and household cleaners.
• Paper towels and tissues, which can leave fine scratches.
• Ultrasonic cleaners for pieces with stones, which can loosen the settings.

Storing your gold

• Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or a lined box, so pieces do not scratch each other.
• Fasten chains before you put them away, so they do not tangle.
• Store your pieces somewhere dry, away from the steam of a bathroom.

Keeping it at its best

• A soft gold polishing cloth brings back the shine between cleans.
• Check clasps, hooks and settings now and then. If anything feels loose, have it looked at.
• A professional clean by a jeweller once a year keeps your gold looking new.