Gold jewellery care: karats, cleaning and storage
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Gold does not rust or tarnish the way silver does, but it scratches, collects dirt and can lose stones if it is not cared for. A few habits keep it looking new.
Karats explained
The karat (K) tells you how much of the metal is pure gold, out of 24 parts. The rest is other metals that make the piece harder and change its colour. The number stamped inside a piece (for example 18K or 750) shows its purity.
| Karat | Gold content | Common stamp | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 | Deep yellow and very soft; scratches and bends easily |
| 22K | 91.6% | 916 | Rich colour, still soft; traditional in the Gulf |
| 21K | 87.5% | 875 | Popular in the region; a little harder than 22K |
| 18K | 75% | 750 | Durable enough for rings and settings; used for white, yellow and rose gold |
| 14K | 58.5% | 585 | Harder and paler; good for everyday wear |
White gold is usually plated with rhodium for its bright white finish. The plating wears with time and can be renewed by a jeweller.
Everyday habits
- Put jewellery on last, after perfume, lotion, sunscreen and hairspray have dried.
- Take it off before swimming. Chlorine and salt water can weaken gold alloys and dull stones.
- Take it off for the gym, cleaning and gardening, where knocks and chemicals are likely.
- Fasten clasps before you put a chain away, so it does not tangle or kink.
Cleaning gold at home
- Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild washing-up liquid.
- Soak plain gold pieces for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Brush gently with a soft baby toothbrush, especially behind settings and in chain links.
- Rinse in clean water. Close the sink plug first.
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and let it air-dry fully before storing.
Do not use toothpaste, baking soda, bleach or abrasive cloths: they scratch gold. Pearls, opals, emeralds and other soft or porous stones should not be soaked or put in an ultrasonic cleaner; wipe them with a damp cloth instead. Gold-plated and vermeil pieces need the gentlest care, as the gold layer is thin.
Storage
- Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or a lined box compartment. Harder stones such as diamonds can scratch gold and other stones.
- Store jewellery somewhere dry, not in the bathroom.
- Keep the original box: it protects the piece when you travel.
When to see a jeweller
Have rings and stone settings checked about once a year. If a stone moves, a claw is bent or a clasp no longer closes firmly, stop wearing the piece until it has been repaired.
Unworn jewellery bought from ANUM 360 can be returned in its original box within 14 days of delivery. Earrings for pierced ears cannot be returned unless they arrived faulty.