Jewelry Trends

How to Clean Rose Gold Jewelry

Rachel Akmakjian

Author

Rachel Akmakjian

Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Rose Gold Jewelry Looking Great

Rose gold is a popular precious metal option for a range of jewelry, as the delicate pink hue lends a slightly romantic, feminine touch to engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and other pieces. However, just as is the case with any piece of jewelry, like an engagement ring, worn every day or nearly every day, rose gold jewelry can begin to accumulate dirt and grime, making the jewelry look dull, lackluster, or even dirty.

When this happens, you’ll likely wonder how to clean rose gold — but don’t just take any advice on how to clean rose gold jewelry. Using the wrong products or cleaning methods can damage all precious metals, including rose gold.

What You Will Learn

What is Rose Gold?

Before we get into how to safely clean rose gold jewelry, it’s essential to know what rose gold is and isn’t. How you clean any jewelry depends on the precious metals used in its design.

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Rose gold metal is a mixture of yellow gold and other metals like copper or silver. In addition to creating the beautiful pink color associated with rose gold, these mixtures also make for a more durable piece of jewelry (as 24k pure gold is pretty soft and easy to damage).

Real rose gold jewelry isn’t just one pure metal (it does not contain pure gold nor any other pure metal); it’s just rose gold, made with differing amounts of metals depending on the jewelry you purchase.

Unlike many other precious metals, rose gold does not tarnish, so you’ll never need to worry about how to clean tarnished rose gold jewelry.
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What About Rose Gold Plated Jewelry?

All of the above said it’s worth noting that there’s a difference between pure rose gold jewelry and rose gold plated jewelry. Rose gold plated jewelry looks like rose gold but features a cheap base metal throughout the bulk of the piece. Jewelry makers dip cheap base metals in gold and copper to create the rose gold look without the high price.

Rose gold plating won’t last for more than a few years (and lasts even less time than traditional gold plating), as the outer layer of gold and copper will wear away. Additionally, while real rose gold jewelry tends not to tarnish, rose gold plated jewelry typically tarnishes over time.

Unless you’re specifically looking for an affordable piece of jewelry, steer clear of rose gold plating. If you have a piece of rose gold plated jewelry and need to clean it, we’ll get to that momentarily.

How to Clean Jewelry: Rose Gold

Cleaning rose gold is easy, and you likely already have everything at home. Here’s how to do it.

Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need a few things for cleaning rose gold.

  • A few drops of mild dish soap
  • A soft cloth
  • Warm water

Make Your Cleaning Solution

Make your cleaning solution by mixing the mild soap and water in a bowl.

Soak Your Jewelry

Most jewelry will only require just a few seconds of soaking time. However, for jewelry that you suspect is particularly dirty — maybe you know it’s been exposed to cosmetics or other substances frequently, which can cause build-up — you can let it soak for longer, up to 10 minutes.

Rinse Your Jewelry

Rinse your jewelry by submerging it in a clean bowl of fresh, warm water, with no soap added.

Dry Your Jewelry

Finally, dry your jewelry by wiping it down with a soft jewelry cloth.

how to clean jewelry rose gold

Cleaning Gold Jewelry: What Not to Do

You’ll find a few different methods when researching cleaning gold jewelry, rose gold or otherwise. However, you’ll notice that our method is quite simple. While other methods may employ a range of products like a soft toothbrush, a paper towel, store-bought jewelry cleaner, or white distilled vinegar, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid solutions like these that can scratch or damage your jewelry, mainly if you’re cleaning something with great sentimental value, such as a rose gold engagement ring, or if you’re cleaning a piece of jewelry that includes precious stones or porous stones, as these come with their cleaning considerations.

How to Clean Rose Gold Plated Jewelry

So how do you go about cleaning gold-plated jewelry?

Luckily, the process is the same as cleaning real rose gold jewelry unless the gold plated jewelry has tarnished. You’ll need warm water, mild soap, and a dry polishing cloth. Let the jewelry soak in the warm water and mild soap mixture for a few seconds, rinse it in clean water, and then dry it off with the jewelry cloth.

However, if the jewelry has tarnished, you’ll need something a little stronger. Remember, though, this method is only suitable if you need to clean tarnished rose gold plated jewelry. Do not use it to clean real rose gold or fine jewelry containing precious gemstones or other more valuable materials.

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What’s the Safest Way to Keep Your Rose Gold Jewelry in Prime Condition?

The safest way to keep your rose gold jewelry looking its best is by taking it to a reputable jeweler for regular cleanings and inspections.

You’ll want to turn to jewelry insurance for all your other jewelry safety needs. That’s where BriteCo comes in. BriteCo offers comprehensive coverage options that will have your back whenever the worst happens.

Thought you left your rose gold ring in your jewelry box, but now it’s nowhere to be found? BriteCo covers mysterious losses. Can’t find your wedding rings after your honeymoon? Our coverage applies to international travel, too. Damaged your diamond earrings, rose gold rings, sterling silver, or any jewelry? You might just be surprised at what we cover.

Learn more today and get your quick coverage quote in seconds.

Also Check:

What is Gold Vermeil Jewelry? | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
Unveiling the Truth: How to Tell if Gold is Real Using a Lighter
What Jewelry Does Not Tarnish? | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
How to Clean Rose Gold Jewelry | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance

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Rachel's expertise is further enhanced by her distinction as a Graduate Gemologist from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA), equipping her with exceptional knowledge in gem identification and grading. Her education and experiences have given her an in-depth understanding of the demands and expectations facing jewelers and customers in today’s evolving retail marketplace.