How to Clean Rose Gold Jewelry

A glance at your rose gold jewelry is like catching a sunset at its glorious peak. Today, however, it feels like you are gazing at that magnificent sunset through a dirty window. Don’t worry — your gold jewelry isn’t fading away into the darkness. It just needs to be cleaned. Did no one mention that your women’s or men’s rose gold wedding band would need the occasional scrub and polish, even though the material doesn’t technically tarnish? Well, we’re here to tell you it does!

If you’ve been scarred by years of damaging things by trying to clean them, let us reassure you. This isn’t like the sweater that emerged from the dryer several sizes smaller. Jewelry is designed to endure, and it’s relatively easy to clean rose gold. However, it’s best not to test the limits of its endurance with shabby treatment, so here’s what you need to know about cleaning rose gold jewelry before you drive off into the perpetual sunset. Whether it’s a necklace, engagement ring or any other type of rose gold jewelry, these tips will help you remove buildup and make your favorite accessories shine like new again. 

What Makes Rose Gold Unique?

What sets rose gold apart from white gold and yellow gold appearance-wise is its reddish hue. The romantic shade that helped popularize rose gold rings for women comes from the copper in the alloy. Unlike sterling silver, rose gold won’t tarnish, which is another one of its many attractive qualities, but over time, the color may deepen or intensify. That can make the piece more valuable, especially as an antique. So, the main goal in caring for the rose gold is not worrying about color change as a sign of tarnishing but, rather, about preserving its natural color as it intensifies.

So, What Is the Right Way to Clean Rose Gold Jewelry?

Avoid harsh cleaning solutions that will strip that color away. Be proactive by regularly buffing the jewelry with a dry polishing cloth. That way, you limit the frequency of deep cleans. When you do need to clean jewelry, you can start with mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth. A soft toothbrush is a solid option for removing grime from crevices. In most instances, there’s no need for specialized jewelry cleaners or harsh chemicals. Soap, water and a cleaning cloth or soft-bristled brush are usually all you need.  

Line a container — which could be a shallow bowl, a dishpan or a thoroughly clean microwavable seven-layer lasagna tray — with a paper towel or soft cloth so that the jewelry won’t get scratched. Add about two inches of warm but not hot water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Completely submerge the jewelry in the soapy water. Leave it there for two to five minutes. Then, remove it and rub it clean, making sure not to use anything abrasive — even your fingers will do in a pinch. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub your jewelry. A paste made of baking soda and lukewarm water works well for removing especially stubborn buildup. 

Then, put your jewelry in another lined bowl of clean water. Swish your items around to make sure that the cleaning solution is completely rinsed off. After all, soap scum residue is probably one of the main things you are trying to remove in the first place. Drag out that trusty polishing cloth for gentle drying action and call it a day!

Solid Rose Gold vs. Gold Plated

Rose gold jewelry comes in two main varieties: solid rose gold and rose gold-plated. Solid rose gold is a metal alloy made with gold, copper and silver. It has a beautiful, rosy hue throughout and is resistant to tarnishing. Gold-plated jewelry, on the other hand, features a thin layer of rose gold applied to a different base metal. This offers a more affordable way to enjoy the rose gold look. However, since the rose gold layer is delicate, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning methods. For regular cleaning of gold-plated rose gold jewelry, a soft, damp cloth is all you need to maintain its shine.

An Important Note About Gemstones

Does your rose gold jewelry feature gemstones? If so, you’ll want to take extra precautions when cleaning it. Some stones, like opals, are delicate and easy to damage. Others, like diamonds and even moissanite, are much more durable. Before cleaning gemstone jewelry, make sure you know what type(s) of stone(s) you are dealing with and whether they require a special cleaning method. 

Other Ways to Treat Your Rose Gold Jewelry Right

If you treat your jewelry with care between cleanings, you usually won’t need more than this gentle cleaning to reset your rose gold’s shine. So get in the habit of giving your ring a quick daily inspection – nothing elaborate, just a quick once over – and a weekly wash using the cleaning method outlined above. 

These short breaks also give you a chance to make sure that the skin resting against the jewelry gets its share of hygienic care. The high-quality, hypoallergenic material that we use in our jewelry won’t irritate your skin on its own, but if you are washing your ring but not your hands, you might not be getting the thorough cleaning you need! And just as you wanted to avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your jewelry, avoid them when wearing your jewelry. You should be doing this for your skin’s sake anyway! Be mindful of your jewelry when applying lotions and perfumes, too. These products cling to jewelry, making them appear dingy and dirty. If you need to remove a ring to apply products or put on protective gloves, make sure that you have a secure place or protective container to put the ring so that it won’t get damaged or lost. Your jewelry box is the safest place, but a small bowl in a secure location will do the trick in a pinch. 

Accidents Happen

Of course, accidents happen. If your ring has reached a state you can’t salvage with your at-home approach, consider taking it to a jeweler for a professional cleaning. Feel free to consult our guarantee page to learn more about getting your piece serviced or resized under our Lifetime Warranty. And if the jewelry has been lost or is damaged beyond repair, our affordable catalog means that a replacement won’t break the bank. 

Keep Your Rose Gold Gleaming

Caring for your favorite pieces of jewelry doesn’t have to be difficult. With the cleaning tips above and a gentle touch, your rose gold pieces will withstand the test of time and maintain their gorgeous shine for years to come.