Cleaning gold after summer: secrets for a lasting shine

Gold jewellery and watches often pay the price of a summer filled with sun, sea and sand. If relaxing under a beach umbrella is good for most people, the same cannot be said for jewellery, which loses its lustre after the summer and returns to the city looking more distressed. Let's take a closer look at how to clean gold when we get back from holiday and what precautions to take to preserve the beauty and durability of jewellery and watches. 

How to clean gold jewellery: a guide to lost lustre

Gold is a material that requires special care to maintain its beauty. Yellow gold turns black over time and white gold turns yellow, and this process is accelerated by contact with dust and cosmetics. Just think of all the sun creams, lotions and other products we all use in summer.

The best advice on how to clean white or yellow gold is to avoid using abrasive products or substances, especially if you aren’t a professional, always preferring neutral formula products.

The procedure for cleaning gold is very simple: 

• Prepare a neutral soap and water solution in which to soak the jewellery for about 15 minutes.
• Use a soft-bristled brush soaked in water and neutral soap to scrub the surface of the jewellery, lingering on the parts that are engraved or have special decorations where dirt can become embedded.
• Rinse under running water.
• Dry with a soft cloth. 

For deep cleaning jewellery after the summer, it is best to rely on the professionalism of the experienced jeweller who has the expertise and professional products to clean all types of jewellery, from yellowed white gold and diamonds to precious stones. Starting with a thorough diagnosis of the jewellery's condition, he then uses methods such as ultrasonic baths for cleaning earrings, rings and other gold or platinum jewellery, as well as professional polishing and rhodium-plating, following the standards dictated by the brand in order to restore the jewellery to its original beauty.

Cleaning your watch to ensure timeless beauty

Sweat, dust and cosmetics can spoil the appearance of watches, especially after a summer holiday, when it is essential to give them the care they need to restore their splendour and beauty. Routine cleaning of the watch is a must: after going to the beach or swimming pool, it is a good idea to wash off salt and chlorine with running water and neutral soap and, if necessary, clean the strap links with a soft-bristled brush. 

If the watch is scratched, covered in stubborn dirt or a dull patina that compromises its appearance, the best thing to do is to entrust it to the expert hands of a specialised technician who will proceed with deep cleaning or professional polishing to restore it to its original condition. 

It goes without saying that choosing a high quality watch, made of the finest materials offers a guarantee of durability and also of impeccable care and maintenance. This is the case of Rolex, for example, and of its 18ct gold, an exclusive alloy with unparalleled characteristics, including a perfect lustre and resistance to wear and tear. Through its boutiques, Rolex ensures a top-level maintenance service for the timepiece, which includes deep cleaning. 

Caring for gold: little gestures make all the difference

Caring for your jewellery and watches with regular maintenance is the first step to ensuring their eternal beauty. In addition to the good habits of keeping them clean at home, it is also advisable to take a few precautions to protect them from dirt and scratches. 

Particular attention should be paid to watches with straps made of leather, a natural material that is more vulnerable to dirt. In this case, sweat, contact with water, cosmetics and prolonged exposure to the sun must be absolutely avoided. For the beach, it is advisable to choose a timepiece made of extremely resistant materials, such as Rolex Oystersteel, an alloy that guarantees maximum resistance to abrasion. 

As far as jewellery is concerned, it is advisable to put it on only after applying creams and perfumes, so as to avoid contact with aggressive substances. It should be stored in special jewellery boxes when not in use, to protect it from dust. After sunbathing at the beach or in the swimming pool, we recommend gentle cleaning as described above, booking a professional cleaning service at the end of your holiday. 

Before cleaning your jewellery, learn more about the differences between white gold and yellow gold, and please contact our specialised workshops if you require maintenance and cleaning of gold jewellery and watches.