How To Clean Rose Gold Jewelry

Understanding Rose Gold Composition

Rose gold isn’t a naturally occurring metal but rather an alloy created by mixing pure gold with copper and sometimes silver. The distinctive pinkish hue comes primarily from the copper content. Most rose gold jewelry contains about 75% gold (18K) or 58.5% gold (14K), with the remainder being copper and sometimes a small amount of silver.

The copper content in rose gold makes it more durable than pure gold, which is a significant advantage for everyday wear. However, this copper component can oxidize over time, especially when exposed to moisture, chemicals, and air. This oxidation doesn’t necessarily harm the jewelry but may slightly darken its appearance over very long periods.

Understanding the composition of your rose gold jewelry is crucial because it influences the cleaning methods you should use. Higher karat rose gold (18K and above) has more pure gold and less copper, making it less prone to tarnishing but slightly softer. Lower karat rose gold (14K and 10K) contains more copper, giving it a stronger reddish tone and making it more durable but potentially more reactive to chemicals.

The good news is that rose gold doesn’t tarnish in the same way that silver does. Instead, it may develop a patina over many years that some jewelry enthusiasts actually appreciate for its vintage look. Proper cleaning and maintenance, however, will help maintain its original warm glow and luster.

Daily Care and Maintenance Tips

Preventive care is the best way to keep your rose gold jewelry looking its best. Following these daily maintenance practices will minimize the need for deep cleaning:

Remove Before Activities: Always remove your rose gold jewelry before swimming, showering, applying makeup, lotions, perfumes, or cleaning products. Chlorine, saltwater, and chemicals in beauty products can damage the metal over time and accelerate tarnishing.

Wear After Products: Put your jewelry on after applying cosmetics, hairspray, perfume, and lotions. These products contain chemicals that can build up on your jewelry and potentially cause damage to both the metal and any gemstones.

Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals: Household cleaners, chlorine, and other harsh chemicals can damage rose gold. Remove your jewelry before cleaning or using any chemical products.

Store Properly: Keep your rose gold pieces in a jewelry box with separate compartments or in individual pouches to prevent scratching. The ideal storage environment is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight.

Gentle Handling: Handle your rose gold jewelry with clean hands and grasp it by the edges rather than by any gemstones or detailed areas that might be more fragile.

Regular Wipe-downs: After wearing, gently wipe your rose gold jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove body oils, sweat, and other residues that might accumulate during wear.

How to Clean Rose Gold Jewelry at Home

Regular cleaning keeps your rose gold jewelry sparkling. Here’s a step-by-step guide for basic cleaning that you can easily do at home:

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Mild dish soap (free of phosphates, ammonia, and harsh chemicals)
• Warm (not hot) water
• Soft-bristled toothbrush (baby toothbrushes work well)
• Microfiber cloth or soft lint-free cloth
• Small bowl
• Optional: soft towel

Cleaning Process:

1. Prepare the Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a small bowl.
2. Soak the Jewelry: Place your rose gold piece in the solution and let it soak for about 5-10 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt or oils.
3. Gentle Scrubbing: Using the soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush the jewelry, paying special attention to crevices and settings where dirt can accumulate.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your jewelry under running lukewarm water, making sure all soap residue is removed. Use a strainer or plug the drain to prevent losing your piece.
5. Dry Completely: Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Allow the jewelry to air dry completely before storing or wearing it.

For regular maintenance, performing this cleaning routine once every few weeks should be sufficient. However, pieces worn daily may benefit from more frequent cleaning.

Deep Cleaning Methods for Tarnished Pieces

If your rose gold jewelry has developed a deeper tarnish or has stubborn dirt that doesn’t come off with basic cleaning, you might need to try some more intensive methods. However, always proceed with caution, especially if your jewelry contains gemstones or has intricate detailing.

Baking Soda Method (For Plain Rose Gold Only):

1. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.
2. Apply this paste to your jewelry using a soft cloth or very soft-bristled brush.
3. Gently rub in circular motions, focusing on tarnished areas.
4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
5. Dry completely with a soft cloth.

Vinegar Soak (For Plain Rose Gold Only):

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl.
2. Soak your rose gold jewelry for 15-20 minutes.
3. Remove and gently brush with a soft toothbrush.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all vinegar.
5. Dry completely with a soft cloth.

Important Note: These deeper cleaning methods should only be used on plain rose gold pieces without gemstones, pearls, or delicate detailing. The acidic nature of vinegar and the mild abrasiveness of baking soda can damage certain gemstones and pearls.

For severely tarnished pieces or if you’re uncertain about using these methods, professional cleaning is the safest option. Jewelers have specialized equipment and solutions designed specifically for different types of jewelry and can restore your rose gold items without risking damage.

Special Considerations for Gemstone Rose Gold Jewelry

Rose gold jewelry often features beautiful gemstones that require special attention during cleaning. Different gemstones have varying levels of hardness and react differently to cleaning agents. Here’s how to care for rose gold jewelry with gemstones:

Diamond Rose Gold Jewelry:

Diamonds are the hardest natural gemstone (scoring 10 on the Mohs hardness scale), making them quite durable. You can clean diamond rose gold jewelry using the basic soap and water method described earlier. However, be gentle around the settings, as the gold itself can still scratch or bend.

Sapphire and Ruby Rose Gold Jewelry:

With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires and rubies are quite resistant to scratching. The basic soap and water cleaning method works well, but avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stones have been treated or have inclusions.

Emerald, Opal, and Pearl Rose Gold Jewelry:

These gemstones are more delicate (emeralds: 7.5-8, opals: 5.5-6.5, pearls: 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs scale) and require extra care. Never soak these stones for extended periods, and avoid ultrasonic cleaners entirely. Instead:

• Use only mild soap and water for brief cleaning
• Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth
• Avoid brushes that might scratch softer stones
• Keep pearls away from all chemicals, including perfumes and hairspray

When in doubt about how to clean a particular gemstone in your rose gold jewelry, consult with a professional jeweler. They can provide specific guidance based on the exact type of stone and setting in your piece.

When to Seek Professional Cleaning

While regular at-home cleaning is excellent for maintenance, there are situations when professional cleaning is the best option for your rose gold jewelry. Professional jewelers have specialized equipment, solutions, and expertise to safely and effectively clean even the most delicate pieces.

Consider professional cleaning in these scenarios:

• Annual Maintenance: Even with regular at-home cleaning, having your valuable rose gold pieces professionally cleaned once a year keeps them in optimal condition.
• Intricate Designs: Jewelry with filigree work, complex settings, or tiny crevices that are difficult to clean at home will benefit from professional ultrasonic cleaning (except for delicate gemstones).
• Valuable or Antique Pieces: For heirloom or high-value rose gold jewelry, professional cleaning reduces the risk of accidental damage.
• Stubborn Tarnish or Buildup: If your at-home cleaning methods aren’t removing all tarnish or dirt buildup, professionals have stronger solutions that are safe when properly used.
• Inspection Opportunity: Professional cleaning provides an excellent opportunity for jewelers to check for loose stones, weak prongs, or any potential issues that need repair before they lead to loss or damage.

Many jewelry stores offer free cleaning services, especially if you purchased the piece from them originally. During professional cleaning, jewelers typically inspect the jewelry, clean it using specialized equipment like ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and then polish it to restore its luster.

After professional cleaning, your jeweler might also recommend rhodium plating for white gold parts of your jewelry or offer to check and tighten any stone settings to ensure everything is secure.