Proper Storage and Protection of Gold
Separate Storage:
One of the key tips for preventing scratches on gold is to store it separately. Placing each piece of gold in a soft fabric pouch or a dedicated jewelry box prevents contact with other accessories and metals. This helps avoid surface scratches that may occur due to friction with other metals. If you own multiple gold pieces, it’s best to store each one in its own compartment to prevent potential damage.
Using a Jewelry Box with Separate Compartments:
Jewelry boxes with separate compartments not only prevent gold from coming into contact with other metals and accessories but also provide a safe space for its protection. These boxes are usually lined with soft materials like velvet or foam, which help prevent gold from getting scratched or damaged.
Proper Storage Location:
To protect gold, it is best to store it in a dry and cool place. Humidity and high temperatures can reduce its shine and even cause discoloration. Additionally, exposing gold to direct sunlight can lead to chemical changes and potential damage. Therefore, it is advisable to keep gold away from heat sources and moisture to maintain its quality.
Care When Wearing Gold
When Should You Wear Gold?
One of the common mistakes in using gold jewelry is wearing it before completing your beauty routine. Cosmetic products such as perfumes, body creams, hair sprays, and lotions can damage gold. These chemicals may cause discoloration and even create stubborn stains on its surface. The best practice is to wear your gold jewelry only after finishing your makeup and skincare routine.
Regular Cleaning of Gold:
Gold should be cleaned regularly to maintain its original shine. You can use simple methods, such as mild soap and water, for this purpose. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a little mild soap, then soak your gold jewelry in it for a few minutes.
Afterward, gently clean the gold with a soft brush or cloth, rinse it with water, and dry it with a soft cloth. This method helps restore the shine of your gold and removes any dirt or buildup.
Removing Gold While Doing Heavy Tasks:
When performing heavy tasks such as housework, exercising, cooking, or any other physical activities, it is best to remove your gold jewelry. These activities can cause gold to come into contact with hard surfaces, leading to scratches. Additionally, excessive sweating may cause discoloration or damage to the gold.
Avoiding Pools and the Sea:
Swimming pools contain chemicals like chlorine, and seawater has salt, both of which can gradually damage gold. Chlorine and salt can cause discoloration and permanent stains on gold jewelry. Therefore, it is best to avoid wearing gold while swimming in pools or the sea.
Avoiding Direct Sunlight and Heat:
Gold should not be exposed to direct sunlight or intense heat for long periods. These conditions can gradually reduce its shine and even cause discoloration. To prevent this issue, store your gold jewelry in a place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Keep Gold Away from Magnets:
Although gold itself is not magnetic, some gold jewelry may contain other metals that can react to magnets. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your gold jewelry away from magnets to prevent any damage.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the beauty and value of your gold jewelry for a longer time and keep them in the best condition.
Home Remedies for Removing Scratches from Gold:
The most important thing to consider initially is preventing scratches on your gold. If you have delicate gold, it’s best to wrap it in a soft satin cloth to avoid abrasion. Another key point is to avoid wearing delicate gold pieces for everyday use to prevent damage.
Before explaining various methods for removing scratches from gold, we need to understand that scratches are generally categorized into two types based on depth:
Surface Scratches: These are usually caused by light contact or gentle abrasion. They do not go deep and can generally be removed using home remedies without specialized equipment.
Deep Scratches: These occur from more severe impacts or contact with harder surfaces and usually require professional equipment to address. Attempting to fix deep scratches at home, especially by untrained individuals, can potentially cause more damage to the gold and lower its value.
A crucial point to note in this guide is that these recommendations are for gold without gemstones. Stones and jewelry with gemstones need specific care, and these methods may not be suitable for them.
Below, we will discuss different methods for removing scratches from gold. These methods are divided into home remedies and professional techniques so you can choose the best option based on the depth of the scratch.
Removing Gold Scratches with Boiling Water:
The simplest method you can try at home with minimal resources is using boiling water and dish soap. Before you proceed, keep in mind that this method might not be suitable for jewelry with gemstones or silver, as it could damage them.
Make sure to use this method only for your gold jewelry. Also, be cautious when submerging gold in boiling water to prevent them from coming into contact with each other. To avoid this, it’s best to boil your gold pieces one by one.
Using Toothpaste:
Toothpaste is another effective home remedy for removing scratches from gold. Due to its mild abrasive properties, toothpaste can help smooth out the surface of the gold and remove light surface scratches.
Steps:
- First, clean the gold surface with a soft, dry cloth to ensure there is no dust or dirt left on it.
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste (preferably the white type without abrasive granules) onto a soft, clean cloth.
- Gently rub the cloth over the scratches in small, circular motions. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.
- After a few minutes, rinse the gold with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
This method works best for very light scratches and can also enhance the shine of the gold. However, be aware that excessive contact with toothpaste could potentially damage the gold’s surface.
Using Baking Soda:
Baking soda is another common household item that acts as a gentle cleaner. It can effectively reduce light surface scratches on gold.
Steps:
- Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to create a paste.
- Using a soft cloth, gently apply the baking soda paste to the surface of the gold and rub it in small, circular motions.
- After a few minutes, rinse the gold with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
This method is mostly suitable for light scratches. It is recommended to use it cautiously on high-value gold, as excessive contact with baking soda could potentially damage the surface of the gold.
Using Vinegar and Salt:
Vinegar and salt, as a natural and mild combination, can restore the shine of gold and reduce some small surface scratches.
Steps:
- Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of white vinegar.
- Place the gold piece in the solution and let it sit for a few minutes.
- After a few minutes, remove the gold and wipe it clean with a soft cloth to remove any vinegar and salt solution.
This method is highly effective for surface scratches and also enhances the shine of gold due to the mild acidic properties of vinegar. However, overusing vinegar may damage the gold, so it’s best to apply this method intermittently and with care.
Professional Methods for Removing Scratches on Gold:
If the scratches are deeper and home methods are not effective, you will need to use more professional methods and specialized equipment. Below, we will review these methods.
Using a Polishing Machine:
A polishing machine is a professional tool used in gold and jewelry making to smooth the surface of gold and remove scratches. This machine is made of special abrasive materials that can precisely polish the gold surface and restore its original shine.
Advantages of Using a Polishing Machine:
- Completely removes deep scratches and creates a smooth and shiny surface.
- When used by professionals, it poses no risk to the structure or value of the gold.
- This method is recommended for individuals who have deep scratches on their gold and want to restore it to its original condition.
Jewelry Making Services:
gold and Jewelry makers typically offer a variety of services for repairing damaged gold and jewelry. Specialists in these workshops can completely remove deep scratches from gold using specialized equipment and materials, restoring it to its original shine.
The services provided by jewelers include:
- Professional Polishing: Using advanced machines and specialized abrasive materials, deep scratches are removed.
- Rhodium Plating: If your gold has worn off and lost its original color, jewelers can use rhodium plating to restore its color and shine.
Since these methods require specialized equipment and expertise, it is best to have them done by professionals in reputable workshops.
How often can we polish gold?
How often you can polish your gold depends on the method you use. If you’re using polishing cloths, you can polish your gold every 2 to 3 months.
However, if you want to use professional polishing (as mentioned above) to remove scratches from your gold, it’s best to do it every 6 months. If your gold hasn’t developed any scratches, it’s even better to do it every 2 to 3 years. This is because polishing each time causes wear on the surface of the gold and can reduce its weight.
Summary
The main causes of scratches on gold are constant friction with other objects, multiple impacts, and daily use. As a soft metal, gold is easily susceptible to scratches, especially when used as jewelry. Various chemical factors and specific environments can also contribute to the creation of scratches. Therefore, the physical properties of gold and its usage environment play a significant role in the formation of scratches.
Source: zarinjewel.com
