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01Everyday wear: the key rules
Gold is a robust, durable precious metal. Even so, cosmetics, water and friction can make its surface look dull over time. This overview shows when it is better to take your jewelry off:
| Situation | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Showering & bathing | Better take it off | Soap and shower gel residue builds up and makes jewelry look dull. |
| Pool & sea | Always take it off | Chlorine can attack the alloy; salt and sand leave fine scratches. |
| Sports & fitness | Take it off | Sweat, knocks and equipment cause scratches, dents or loss. |
| Sleeping | Take it off | Fine chains can catch, tangle or break. |
| Cosmetics & perfume | Put it on afterwards | Residue settles on the gold and dulls its shine. |
| Housework & gardening | Take it off | Cleaning agents and hard knocks damage high-karat gold in particular. |
02Why gold loses its shine
It is perfectly natural for jewelry to become duller over time. The most common causes:
- fine signs of wear and scratches,
- residue from soap, creams, skin oils and cosmetics,
- slight oxidation of the added metals – especially in lower alloys such as 333 gold.
The good news: with regular, gentle care your jewelry regains its original shine.
03Cleaning gold jewelry at home
Solid gold jewelry without delicate stones can easily be cleaned at home:
-
Prepare a soap bath
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild, pH-neutral soap.
-
Let it soak
Leave the jewelry in for about 15 to 20 minutes so that deposits loosen.
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Brush gently
Carefully clean gaps and chain links with an extra-soft toothbrush.
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Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the jewelry under running lukewarm water until all soap residue is gone.
-
Dry and polish
Pat it dry and gently polish it with a soft microfiber or polishing cloth.
04Protection from chemicals
Frequent contact with harsh substances leads to wear and discoloration. Protect your jewelry from:
- perfume, deodorant, body lotion and hairspray,
- chlorine, bleach and harsh household cleaners,
- disinfectants and solvents.
05Storing it properly – at home and when traveling
At home
- Keep each piece in its own compartment of a soft-lined jewelry box – this prevents scratches.
- Store chains hanging or laid out straight so that they do not tangle.
- Choose a dry place and avoid damp rooms such as the bathroom.
When traveling
- Use soft fabric pouches or a travel case with separate compartments.
- Pack fine chains individually so that they do not get caught in each other.
- Place the case in your luggage so that no pressure is put on the jewelry.
06Personalized necklaces: extra care
Letter and name necklaces are particularly delicate. This is how they stay beautiful for a long time:
- Take fine chains off for sleeping and sports.
- Handle letters, connecting points and the clasp with care, and never pull on the chain.
- Check the clasp from time to time to make sure it closes securely.
- Store the necklace with the clasp closed so that it does not tangle.
07Real gold or gold-plated?
| Feature | Real gold | Gold-plated |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Solid gold alloy | Wafer-thin gold layer on base metal |
| Durability | Very long-lasting, does not flake | The layer wears off through friction and sweat |
| Color | Lasts permanently | The metal underneath shows through |
| Value | Keeps its material value | Hardly any material value |
08Jewelry with gemstones
| Stone | Care |
|---|---|
| Diamond, sapphire & ruby | Very resistant – a gentle soap bath is ideal. |
| Emerald | Delicate – no hot water, no ultrasound; wipe dry or slightly damp only. |
| Pearls | Very sensitive to acids and cosmetics – wipe with a soft cloth after wearing and store separately. |
| Opal & turquoise | Porous – never immerse in water, clean only with a slightly damp cloth. |
09When to see a goldsmith
Sometimes your jewelry belongs in expert hands. We recommend a check if you notice:
- visible wear or damaged chain links,
- loose stones in their settings,
- deep scratches or stubborn dullness that cannot be polished away.
Unsure about care?
Whether cleaning, polishing or repair – we are happy to advise you personally.