How to Clean Your Yellow Gold Jewelry Without Damaging It

Politains – Bespoke Jewelry in Paris & Zurich 

With its radiant warmth and timeless charm, yellow gold remains a pillar of fine jewelry. At Politains, we craft bespoke pieces in 18K yellow gold from our ateliers in Paris and Zurich, often adorned with ethically sourced colored gemstones. To keep their brilliance intact, proper care is essential. 

Why does yellow gold lose its shine? 

Pure gold doesn’t tarnish, but the alloys used to strengthen it (silver, copper…) can react to sweat, humidity, cosmetics, or dust link. A fine film may settle on the surface and dull the jewel’s natural shine. 

How to safely clean yellow gold jewelry? 

🔧 What you’ll need: 

• A bowl of lukewarm water (not hot) 

• A few drops of mild soap (like dishwashing liquid) 

• A soft-bristled toothbrush (new) 

• A soft, lint-free cloth (preferably microfiber) 

• Optional: a hairdryer on cool setting 

🧼 Step-by-step cleaning: 

1. Prepare the bath: Fill the bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild soap. Stir gently. 

1. Soak the jewel: Let the jewelry sit for 10–15 minutes to loosen debris. 

1. Brush carefully: Use the toothbrush to gently scrub the setting, especially under and around the gemstones. 

1. Rinse thoroughly: Run the piece under lukewarm water to remove soap residue. 

1. Dry with care: Dab with a soft cloth or use a hairdryer on cold to remove moisture from crevices. 

❌ What to avoid at all costs: 

• Abrasive substances (baking soda, toothpaste, vinegar, bleach) 

• Rough fabrics or cotton that may shed 

• Steam or ultrasonic cleaners (especially with delicate gemstones) 

• Wearing your jewelry in pools, spas, or the sea 

💎 Extra care for gemstone jewelry 

Pieces set with colored gemstones — like emeralds (like our outstanding Colombian Emerald ring in gold), tanzanites, or opals — are more sensitive. Avoid soaking them or exposing them to extreme heat or chemicals. When in doubt, gently wipe them with a soft cloth or bring them to your Politains jeweler. 

📦 Everyday storage & care tips 

• Store pieces individually in their original box or soft pouch. 

• Avoid stacking or rubbing jewelry together. 

• Remove them before sports, cleaning, or applying lotion. 

🔍 The Politains touch 

At Politains, our master jewelers in Paris and Zurich offer deep cleaning, professional polishing, and secure setting checks for your most cherished pieces. We adapt our techniques to each gemstone’s specific nature — whether sapphire, emerald, ruby, or spinel. 

A well-cared-for jewel is a jewel that endures. Give your Politains creations the care they deserve. 

FAQ – Caring for Yellow Gold Jewelry

Can you clean yellow gold jewelry with vinegar?
Yes, white vinegar can be used with care to clean yellow gold jewelry — but only if the piece does not contain gemstones. Soak the gold part in white vinegar for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a soft cloth. If your piece includes precious stones, opt instead for a milder solution like warm water with a drop of gentle soap.

How do I know if my gold jewelry needs professional cleaning?
If your piece has lost its shine, shows visible scratches, or the gemstones appear dull even after at-home cleaning, it’s time to consult a professional. A jeweler can polish the piece, tighten the settings, and restore its full brilliance without risk of damage.

Do precious stones set in yellow gold require special care?
Yes. Each gemstone has unique properties and levels of hardness. For example, emeralds are more delicate and require extra care, while diamonds tolerate more frequent cleanings. Avoid harsh chemicals, hard brushes, and sudden temperature changes to preserve both the stone and the setting.

What’s the difference between 18K and 14K yellow gold when it comes to maintenance?
18K gold (75% pure gold) is slightly softer and more prone to scratches, while 14K gold (58.5% gold) is harder due to a higher alloy content and slightly more resistant to daily wear. However, 18K gold is less likely to tarnish. Both types require regular maintenance, but 18K may benefit from more frequent polishing to maintain its shine.

How often should I clean my yellow gold jewelry?
For jewelry worn daily, a gentle cleaning every two to three weeks is ideal. For occasional wear, monthly cleaning is sufficient. We recommend professional polishing once or twice a year to maintain the brilliance of the gold and the integrity of gemstone settings.

Does Politains offer professional cleaning and polishing services?
Yes. Politains provides professional cleaning and polishing services for all our jewelry — whether newly purchased or well-loved. This includes checking the settings, cleaning the metal and stones, and restoring their original brilliance. Appointments are available in our boutiques in Paris, Geneva, and Zurich, or you can contact us online.