Be A Care Bear --- Treat Your Gold Right

Always remove gold jewelry before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form on karat gold jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy. And please! Don't put your rings on the edge of the sink when you wash your hands. Gold has an independent spirit and will try to jump down the drain in its quest for freedom.

There are a variety of commercial preparations to use to clean your gold jewelry. You'll also want to invest in a soft chamois cloth to keep your pieces lustrous and shining.

Chlorine, especially at high temperature, can permanently damage or discolor your gold jewelry. Do not wear gold jewelry while using chlorine bleach or while in a pool, hot tub or nuclear reactor core.

Tarnish, that bugaboo of gold lovers, is easily removed with a jewelry cleaner, or by using soap and water mixed with a few drops of ammonia (P-U stinky!). Carefully brush your gold piece with an old toothbrush. Then simply rinse it with lukewarm water and allow it to air dry.
If there's heavy tarnish on your jewelry, consult your local jeweler for the best cleaning procedure. You should also talk to your jeweler before attempting to clean any karat gold jewelry set with colored gemstones because some stones require special cleaning procedures.

Grease can be removed from karat gold jewelry by dipping the jewelry into plain rubbing alcohol.

About ultrasonic cleaners: They can be a convenient way to quickly clean your jewelry at home and are available in many styles and prices. However, ultrasonic cleaners can damage some jewelry, particularly pieces containing gemstones (they're delicate!) Ask your jeweler to tell you if an ultrasonic cleaning machine is right for you…and your gold.

REMEMBER: See your local jeweler at least once a year for cleaning and repair of your gold jewelry. (Visit your dentist twice a year for cleaning and repair of your gold fillings!)

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