22k gold has a rich glow that draws many to its radiance. At 91.67% pure, one must properly care for 22k gold jewelry in order to preserve its beauty and value over time. 22k gold is softer than lower-carat jewelry that contains more copper, silver, or zinc – additives that harden the metal. And while stronger than 24k gold, 22k gold is still considered to be a malleable metal and prone to dents and scratches if not handled carefully. Here are some practical tips to help you care for your 22K gold jewelry.
Daily Handling and Care for 22k Gold
- Don’t Drop It: When putting on or removing 22k gold jewelry, make sure that you are doing so over a soft surface like a bed or a cloth in order to prevent accidentally dropping the jewelry – the most common cause of dents or scratches.
- Avoid Contact with Hard Surfaces: Remove your 22K gold jewelry when it could bang against hard surfaces – this applies most specifically to rings – simply remove them when you are at your desk, working in the yard or kitchen, and most certainly when playing sports.
- Avoid Chemicals: Perfumes, household cleaners, and chemicals of any kind should not come into contact with your 22k gold pieces. Chemicals can tarnish and damage the metal. This goes for chlorine as well, never swim with high carat jewelry on.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Regular Cleaning: When worn frequently, your gold jewelry is exposed to perspiration, oil from your skin, dust particles, and makeup. To maintain its luster, clean your jewelry regularly using a solution of diluted dish soap -yes, you can use dish soap to clean your jewelry. For best results, soak your gold jewelry pieces for several hours, and then gently scrub with an extra soft brush.
- Polishing Cloths: There are jewelry polishing cloth especially designed for gold that remove fingerprints, oils, and minor tarnish. They are a good investment.
Storage
- Careful Storage: When not wearing your 22K gold jewelry, store the pieces with enough space around them to avoid scratches and nicks. Soft pouches or cloth-lined jewelry boxes are the best places to store them.
- Keep Away from Moisture: The 8.33% of 22k gold that is made up of silver, copper, or zinc doesn’t like moisture or humidity that could cause it to tarnish. Be sure to store your 22k gold jewelry in a dry place where it won’t be exposed.
While 22k gold is exclusive in value and appearance, understanding how to care for high carat jewelry allows for wearing it frequently and elegantly.
