How to Clean Gold Jewellery the Right Way (and What to Avoid)

Your guide to gold-plated, solid gold, and PVD-coated jewellery care

Step 1: Find Out What Your Jewellery Is Made Of

When your jewellery starts to lose its shine or collect buildup from daily wear, it’s natural to want to give it a good clean but before you reach for the soap and water, stop and check what it’s actually made of.

Different metals and finishes react in very different ways to moisture, polishing, and cleaning solutions. A method that works wonders for one type of jewellery could damage another. For example: gold-plated jewellery can be easily stripped with the wrong cloth, while solid gold is more forgiving, and PVD-coated stainless steel barely needs any effort at all.

That’s why the most important first step in cleaning your jewellery isn’t grabbing a toothbrush or running it under the tap, it’s understanding what’s underneath the sparkle.

In this post, we’ll break down:

  • The best cleaning methods for gold-plated, solid gold, and PVD-coated pieces
  • What not to do (especially with delicate finishes)
  • Simple tips to keep your jewellery looking its best for years to come

Whether you're dealing with everyday buildup or prepping your favourites for a special occasion, this guide will help you clean smarter and protect your jewellery in the process.

Gold-Plated Jewellery (e.g. gold over brass or copper)

Gold-plated jewellery is delicate, especially when the gold layer is thin. Avoid abrasive materials and harsh chemicals.

How to clean:

  • Use a very soft cloth (microfibre is ideal) to gently wipe off dirt and oils
  • For a deeper clean, mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water
  • Dip a soft cloth (not the whole piece) into the soapy water and gently rub
  • Rinse with a damp cloth and pat dry thoroughly

Avoid:

  • Soaking in water
  • Rubbing hard or using polishing cloths meant for silver
  • Alcohol, perfume, or chemical jewellery cleaners

Tip: Clean only when needed. Frequent cleaning can wear down the plating.

Solid Gold Jewellery (14k, 18k, etc.)

Solid gold is more durable and water-safe, so you can clean it more thoroughly without worry.

How to clean:

  • Soak the piece in warm water with mild dish soap for 10–15 minutes
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub around settings and details
  • Rinse under clean water and dry with a soft cloth

Optional:

  • Use a gold polishing cloth occasionally to restore shine

Avoid:

  • Harsh abrasives or baking soda (can scratch softer high-karat gold)
  • Over-polishing (it’s still a soft metal)

Tip: Give solid gold pieces a gentle clean once every few weeks for best shine.

PVD-Coated Stainless Steel Jewellery

PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coated jewellery is incredibly durable and is renowned to be resistant to tarnishing. One of the best things about PVD-coated jewellery is how little upkeep it needs compared to gold-plated or silver pieces. All of our jewellery is PVD-coated and is designed to stay as beautiful as the day you receive it (yes, even with daily wear).

How to clean:

  • Wipe regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils or fingerprints
  • For deeper cleaning, wash gently in warm soapy water
  • Use a soft cloth or soft toothbrush if needed, then rinse and dry thoroughly

Avoid:

  • Abrasive brushes or cloths (they aren’t necessary and could dull the finish)
  • Harsh chemical jewellery cleaners - you don’t need them!

Tip: Because it’s so resilient, PVD-coated jewellery only needs light, occasional cleaning, even with regular wear.

 

What to avoid when cleaning jewellery

Cleaning your jewellery might seem straightforward, but using the wrong products or techniques can cause serious damage. To keep your pieces sparkling and safe, steer clear of these common mistakes:

✋ Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Household Cleaners

Many everyday cleaning products contain bleach, ammonia, or acids that can eat away plating, dull metals, or discolour stones. Even some “jewellery cleaners” on the market are too strong for delicate finishes like gold plating or PVD coatings.
Stick to mild soap and water or products specifically designed for your jewellery type.

✋ Don’t Use Abrasive Materials or Toothpaste

Toothpaste and rough cloths might seem like a handy quick fix for tarnish, but they’re actually too abrasive for most jewellery surfaces. They can scratch soft metals like gold or thin plating layers, leaving your jewellery looking worse than before. Always use soft microfibre cloths or gentle brushes instead.

✋ Avoid Soaking Gold-Plated Jewellery

Gold plating is a thin layer over a base metal and can be easily damaged by prolonged exposure to water or cleaning solutions. Soaking gold-plated pieces can cause the plating to wear off faster, revealing the metal beneath. Instead, gently wipe with a damp cloth and dry immediately.

✋ Don’t Clean Jewellery Too Often

Over-cleaning, especially with polish or chemicals, can wear down coatings and delicate finishes. Clean your jewellery only when needed, a gentle wipe after wear can often keep it fresh longer.

✋ Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners for Plated or Delicate Jewellery

While ultrasonic cleaners work wonders for solid metals and diamonds, they can cause plated jewellery to chip or peel. If you’re unsure, it’s better to stick to hand cleaning.

 

With the right cleaning method, your jewellery can last longer and look beautiful every day. And if you’d rather skip the constant polishing, our PVD-coated jewellery is the perfect choice for effortless, daily style.

Back to blog