Gold is a precious metal mined from our planet. It is the most durable among the precious metals, highly malleable and ductile, and possesses a high degree of luster that catches the eye of craftsmen. Gold has been used for adornment in all forms particularly as jewelry. Nowadays, many artisans have made gold necklaces more affordable to the masses. They come in many designs and in considerable lengths. More often than not, the consumer has a choice of the purer but softer form of gold in 21k or the cheaper but more durable 10k. Gold also has many hues it could be yellow gold, white gold or the slightly pinkish hue. With the variety of choices that a person may have in gold necklaces, it is amazing that very few know how to take care of their necklace.
Here are some tips on how to care for a gold necklace.
- Wear it sparingly. Wear your gold necklace on special occasions only. They get to be damaged the longer they are worn. Remove them especially when coming in contact with soap or detergents.
- Keep it away from chlorine. The chlorinated water in pools is a gold necklace s worst nightmare. It can cause the deterioration of the structure and lead to chinking.
- Store it safely in its own holder. Necklaces can get tangled when you place them in a box with other jewelry pieces. Untangling the gold chain with force will cause it to break. Besides, it is easier to organize necklaces this way. Make sure that it is free from dust and excessive moisture. Alternatively, you can wrap the necklace carefully by itself in tissue paper and keep it in your jewelry box to keep from scratching.
- Clean your necklace periodically. Warm sudsy water can be used for cleaning a gold necklace. Drops of dish-washing liquid in warm water will do fine. Brush it gently with an old soft toothbrush and make sure it gets into crevices. After rinsing, dry it with Chamois or a soft lint-free cloth. Make sure that dust, makeup and perspiration are removed. If you want, you can buy a professional non-abrasive cleaner but make sure that it is safe to use with semiprecious stones, especially if your necklace is set with them.
- Give the necklace a professional treatment. At times, it will increase the lifespan of the necklace if you can send it to a reputable jeweler for steam cleaning and restoration. Certain gold necklaces require an ultrasonic cleaning machine to touch up their previous luster.
- Inspect your necklace after every use. Damage cannot be avoided, especially when using a malleable metal like gold in necklaces. Check the necklace for fragile points and bring it immediately to your professional jeweler for repair. Do not attempt doing it yourself as this might cause more damage.
Gold necklaces can last for a long time when treated with care. Your necklace could even be an important family heirloom that future descendants can enjoy. Simply follow these guidelines and you re on your way to prepping your gold necklace for many generations to come.
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