Clean gold-filled jewelry with lukewarm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft cloth — nothing abrasive, nothing “miracle.” Soak 2–3 minutes, rub gently with fingers or a baby-soft brush, rinse, and dry completely before storing. That's it: the gold layer is thick enough that gentle cleaning restores it for years.
What you need
- A bowl of lukewarm (not hot) water
- One drop of plain dish soap
- A lint-free or microfiber cloth
- A soft toothbrush for chain crevices
What to never use: toothpaste, baking soda, “jewelry dip” solvents, ultrasonic cleaners — all of them can scratch or strip the surface faster than a decade of wear would.
The routine
- Swish the piece in the soapy water for a couple of minutes.
- Work crevices (a herringbone weave, a clasp) with the soft brush — no pressure.
- Rinse in clean water.
- Dry fully. Moisture trapped in a pouch is how “mystery tarnish” happens.
- Buff ten seconds with the dry cloth for shine.
Between cleanings: the 10-second habit
Last thing on, first thing off. Quick wipe after wearing. Store flat — chains like our gold-filled herringbone especially — in a dry pouch. Perfume and sunscreen go on before the jewelry.
If it's already dull
Two rounds of the routine above fix most films. For stubborn spots, a jewelry-grade polishing cloth with a light touch. If a piece arrived with an issue, don't scrub — email us and we'll make it right.
A note per material
Check your product page's material line. Gold-filled and vermeil take this routine happily. Gold-plated: halve the brushing, double the gentleness. Freshwater pearls — our studs and baroque pieces — get a damp cloth only: never soaked, never soap. Pearls are organic.
New to gold-filled? Start with what gold-filled actually means.
FAQ
How often should I clean it? Monthly for daily-wear pieces — or whenever it looks tired.
Can tarnish come back? Films can re-form; the 10-second habit above slows them dramatically.
Dishwasher or ultrasonic cleaner? Never.
Does cleaning wear the gold away? Not with cloth and soap — abrasives are what remove gold.