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How to Care for Your 24K Gold Jewelry

Written by Anna Currell
November 29, 2023

Gold has always been a rare and valuable material. But the rarest and most valuable type is 24K gold. If you’re lucky enough to own a piece of 24K gold jewelry, you know how special it is. Whether you made an investment in a set of new 24K gold rings or you inherited a solid gold necklace from your great grandmother, 24K gold jewelry is a treasure. Learning how to protect and care for these precious pieces will help keep them looking their best and make sure they last a lifetime. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of caring for your 24K gold jewelry

What is 24K Gold?

The purity of gold is measured in karats, and 24K gold is 100% pure. Lower karat counts mean that the gold is alloyed, or mixed with other metals. For example, 18K gold is made up of 75% gold and 25% other metals — 18 parts gold, 6 parts alloy.

gold-purity-karat

The higher the karat count, the more pure the gold and therefore the more expensive it is. 24K gold is also the softest type of gold because it has no other metal alloys to strengthen it. It is so delicate that it is actually quite rare in jewelry making. Even though it’s less pure, lower karat gold makes for more durable jewelry because the addition of other metals make it stronger overall. But because lower karat gold is less pure, it's also less valuable.

How to Clean 24K Gold Jewelry

Because 24K gold jewelry is softer than lower karat gold, it requires extra care. To clean your gold jewelry, you only need to use warm water, a gentle soap (like a dish soap), and a soft cloth. First, gently rinse your jewelry in the soapy water. For a deeper clean, you can use a soft bristled brush like a baby toothbrush or a brush made for jewelry. Make sure to dry your 24K gold jewelry very thoroughly with the soft cloth; water exposure can erode gold so drying it right away is important. Be sure to avoid using any type of cleaning solutions or chemicals to clean 24K gold, because they can sometimes contain eroding materials that cause damage. 

cleaning-diamond-ring-with-cloth

Lastly, it’s important to have your 24K gold jewelry cleaned and polished by a professional twice a year. Professional jewelers will have specialized equipment and years of experience handling delicate and precious metals, so they can provide a more thorough deep cleaning.

How to Store and Care for 24K Gold Jewelry 

Storing your 24K gold jewelry properly can prevent a lot of damage. Dents, dings, and scratches tend to happen when you leave your jewelry on the counter or loose in your purse — it can really hurt your pieces when they bump into other hard surfaces. Instead, place them in a secure, designated spot, like a jewelry box or a pouch. Look for containers with soft surfaces made of fabric or velvet.

You should also avoid wearing your 24K gold jewelry in instances where damage can happen easily — for example, take off your jewelry before you hop in the shower or pool, before you go to the gym, and before you wash the dishes. It’s a good idea to take your jewelry off before you go to sleep, not just to protect your jewelry but for your safety as well. Necklaces can get caught in your hair and rings can scratch you if you toss and turn at night. When in doubt, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Taking care of your 24K gold jewelry is important, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right habits, you can keep your jewelry in excellent condition for years to come. For a little extra help, let Quick Jewelry Repairs take care of your biannual jewelry cleanings. Our team will give your jewelry the full spa treatment so you can feel confident about wearing your favorite pieces for many years to come.

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harshil

Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for sharing a great posts.