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Jewellery Care Guide | Solid Gold & Sterling Silver

 

How to care for solid gold and sterling silver jewellery - Glasaje Melbourne

Care Guide

Jewellery care guide

Solid gold and sterling silver are built to last. With a little care, your Glasaje pieces will look their best for years to come.


01

Everyday care

The simplest way to keep your jewellery looking its best is in how you wear it day to day. A few small habits make all the difference.

  • 1Put it on last. Jewellery should be the final thing you put on, after skincare, perfume, sunscreen, and makeup. These products can build up on the surface over time.
  • 2Take it off for the rough stuff. Remove pieces before swimming, showering, exercising, cleaning, or gardening. Chlorine, salt water, and harsh chemicals are the main culprits behind dull or damaged jewellery.
  • 3Wipe it down. A quick wipe with a soft cloth after each wear removes the oils and moisture that build up through the day.

Solid gold does not tarnish. If a gold piece looks dull, it is surface buildup, not the metal changing - and it cleans off easily.

02

How to clean solid gold jewellery at home

You do not need special products to clean solid gold. Warm water and a mild soap will do the job.

  • 1Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
  • 2Soak the piece for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • 3Gently clean any grooves or textured areas with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • 4Rinse under clean warm water.
  • 5Dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth before storing.

For pieces set with lab-grown diamonds or citrine, the same method works. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can loosen settings or damage softer stones.

03

How to clean sterling silver jewellery

Unlike solid gold, sterling silver can develop a light tarnish over time as it reacts with the air. This is normal and easy to remove.

  • 1Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
  • 2Soak the piece for around 5 minutes.
  • 3Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, working into crevices and chain links.
  • 4Rinse under warm running water.
  • 5Pat dry with a soft cloth and let it air dry fully before storing.

For heavier tarnish, a silver polishing cloth works well. Use gentle straight strokes rather than circular ones to avoid fine scratches. Wearing your silver regularly also helps - the natural oils in your skin keep it bright.

04

How to store your jewellery

Good storage protects your pieces between wears and slows tarnish on silver.

  • 1Keep pieces separate. Store each piece in its own soft pouch or a lined compartment so they do not scratch one another.
  • 2Keep it dry and cool. Moisture and heat accelerate tarnish on silver. A cool, dry drawer is ideal.
  • 3Airtight helps silver. For sterling silver you are not wearing often, an airtight pouch or zip bag significantly slows tarnishing.
05

What to avoid

A few things are worth keeping your jewellery away from, whether gold or silver.

Safe to use

  • Warm water and mild dish soap
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Soft, lint-free cloth
  • Silver polishing cloth (for silver)

Keep away from

  • Bleach, chlorine and pool water
  • Toothpaste and abrasive cleaners
  • Ultrasonic and steam cleaners
  • Perfume, lotion and hairspray (apply before jewellery)

Quick reference: gold vs silver

Solid 9ct gold Sterling silver
Tarnishes? No Yes, lightly over time
Everyday cleaning Warm soapy water Warm soapy water
For heavier marks Soft brush, mild soap Silver polishing cloth
Best storage Soft pouch, dry Airtight pouch, dry
Water safe? Yes, but dry after Yes, but avoid pools
06

Frequently asked questions

No. Solid gold does not tarnish. It may look dull over time from oil and product buildup, but this is easily removed with warm soapy water. The gold itself does not change.
Store silver in an airtight pouch when you are not wearing it, keep it away from perfume and lotions, and wipe it with a soft cloth after each wear. Wearing it regularly helps too - the natural oils in your skin keep silver bright.
Solid 9ct gold is water safe and will not be damaged by showering, though soap buildup can dull it over time - a quick wipe afterwards helps. For sterling silver, brief water exposure is fine, but avoid prolonged contact with pool or ocean water.
Dullness on solid gold is almost always surface buildup from skin oils, lotions, and everyday grime - not the metal itself changing. A soak in warm soapy water and a gentle brush will bring the shine back.
Avoid toothpaste (too abrasive), bleach, and ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Stick to warm water and mild dish soap with a soft brush, and a silver polishing cloth for tarnished silver.
Yes. Every Glasaje piece is covered by our 12-month warranty from the date of delivery, covering manufacturing faults and material defects.

Need a hand?

If your piece needs more than an at-home clean, our Melbourne team is here to help. We offer resizing and repairs, and we are always happy to answer a care question.

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