How to Clean Gold Chains

https://www.wikihow.it/Pulire-le-Catenine-d%27Oro

You can preserve the beautiful appearance of your jewelry by cleaning it regularly.If you want to clean a gold chain, start by deciding on the cleaning solution to use, then immerse the jewel;then rub it gently with a toothbrush or soft cloth to remove any residual stains or dirt.Rinse the chain under running water and repeat the procedure if necessary.Consult a jeweler if you need additional help or if it is an antique piece of jewelry.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Perform Routine Cleaning

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Pour the dish soap into a bowl. Take a bowl and mix a few drops of mild dish soap with room temperature or warmer sparkling or carbonated water.If you're worried about getting your worktop wet, place a towel under the bowl before you begin.
- Sparkling or carbonated water helps remove stubborn stains on gold through carbonation.^{[1]
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- You can use dishwashing detergent as long as it's specifically marked as mild, as harsh detergents can damage the jewelry.^{[2]
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Dip the chain. Take the jewel and gently immerse it in the bowl, to avoid damaging it and limit splashes.Move the necklace a little so it doesn't roll up or overlap too much and leave it in the bowl for 2-15 minutes.If necessary, soak it again to remove particularly stubborn stains or dirt.
- You can place the chain in a metal strainer and immerse it completely in the bowl.You can then remove it by simply lifting the strainer;It's a good method to use if you're worried about dropping the jewelry.^{[3]
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Scrub with a toothbrush. Get a soft-bristled toothbrush.Remove the chain from the bowl, then dip the toothbrush in the cleaning solution and gently scrub the bristles on the chain;brush with quick but delicate movements and never vigorously, and insert a few bristles to clean between the spaces and rings of the necklace.Rub in a circular motion clockwise and repeat counterclockwise to ensure you loosen or completely remove the dirt.
- Using a medium or hard toothbrush would risk scratching the jewel.Having a set of brushes specifically for cleaning jewelry is a good idea, but it is at your own risk, as they could ruin a fragile or delicate piece of jewelry.
Place the chain back in the strainer after you've finished scrubbing it with the toothbrush, then run some warm water over the jewelry.If you think there is chemical residue, give it a little shake while the water is running.^{[4]
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Place the chain on a soft cloth and gently pat dry;Continue until you can lift it without feeling wet or greasy, and continue buffing in small motions until the shine returns.Your jeweler can get you a cloth to use, or you can use a simple microfiber cloth.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Remove Dirt and Stains

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Use rubbing alcohol. This method can be a little aggressive, so it is not recommended for antique or delicate gold chains.In a bowl, create a mixture of equal parts alcohol and tap water, then immerse the necklace for a few minutes.With this method you don't need to rinse the jewelry again, but you can still do so if you prefer.^{[5]
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- A good thing about rubbing alcohol is that it will disinfect the jewelry, as well as clean it.
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Use ammonia. Create a mixture of 6 parts hot tap water with 1 part ammonia in a small bowl, then leave the chain to soak for up to 1 minute.Ammonia is a very powerful cleaning agent, so it should only be used for new, undamaged jewelry;you also need to rinse the jewelry thoroughly under running water after finishing.
- Regularly using ammonia to clean jewelry can damage its components over time;it is therefore advisable to use this method only occasionally, for stubborn residues or stains.^{[6]
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If you choose this method you will need to pour a little beer onto a soft cloth, then place the jewelry in the cloth and rub up and down the rings.You can also dip a soft toothbrush in beer and use it to gently scrub the chain.You can use any type of beer except dark beer.^{[7]
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It is an economical and universal solution for cleaning jewelry.Place a small amount of toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush, then gently scrub the toothbrush until you start to see results;reapply the toothpaste as many times as necessary.When you're done, rinse the chain thoroughly under hot water.^{[8]
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You can purchase a special solution for cleaning gold jewelry directly from your jeweler or on an online jewelry site.Read the label to make sure you can use it on gold chains and follow all instructions carefully, including safety warnings.^{[9]
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Use an ultrasonic cleaner. If you want professional results without messing with cleaning solutions, you can purchase an ultrasonic cleaner:just put the chain inside the machine and it will clean it using light and rapid vibrations.This method is especially recommended for thicker and more solid necklaces, without ornaments.^{[10]
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- Before using an ultrasonic cleaner it is best to consult a jeweler to make sure it is suitable for the type of your chain, because otherwise it could damage it.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Avoid or Manage Difficulties

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Make repairs before cleaning. In a well-lit room, look at the chain closely and carefully inspect every link and joint, the clasp, and every ornament.If the clasp has already loosened, you risk damaging it beyond repair while cleaning the jewel;Likewise, if the stones are damaged, they may come loose.
- You can take the necklace to the jeweler and ask him to repair the damage and clean it thoroughly.
If you're not sure what effect your cleaning solution will have on your jewelry, dip a cotton swab in some of the solution and apply it to a link on the chain.Notice if any discoloration occurs:If you notice any discoloration or other abnormalities, rinse the chain immediately under warm water.
It is quite common to lose a piece of jewelry in the drain pipe while cleaning it.Before you begin, block the sink drain with a strainer or a fine-mesh strainer to ensure you can easily retrieve the chain if it falls.^{[11]
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Protect all precious stones. If the necklace has precious inserts such as pearls or diamonds, you will have to carefully evaluate the effect that a certain procedure or cleaning solution will have on them;some solutions, such as ammonia, are only good for gold, while they are highly harmful to decorations such as freshwater pearls.
- Be sure to rub gently, as you may accidentally dislodge or dislodge a stone from its setting;some gems may even lose their color if rubbed vigorously.^{[12]
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Consult a jeweler. If you have any doubts, go to the jewelry store and ask for the opinion of a professional:the jeweler will be able to suggest cleaning methods suitable for your jewel and give you advice on possible cleaning solutions.This is especially important if your jewelry is antique or particularly delicate.
- If you purchased a gold necklace from a jewelry chain, you may be able to contact customer service for cleaning advice.^{[13]
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Expert Advice

Kennon Young
Authoritative gemologist expert
Kennon Young is a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Certified Gemologist, an ASA (American Society of Appraisers) Certified Gemologist and a JA (Jewelers of America) Certified Goldsmith.In 2016, he was named an “ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser,” which is the most prestigious title ever in the jewelry appraisal industry.

Kennon Young
Authoritative gemologist expert

In some cases, cleaning the jewelry may not be a good idea at all. Gold oxidizes only after 50-60 years:if you have a gold jewel that is old enough to oxidize, removing that oxidation could devalue it, because it is precisely the sign of how old that jewel is.

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