Oxidation and discoloration of gold jewelry is a common phenomenon. This is mainly because although gold has stable chemical properties, when it is exposed to sulfides in the air, cosmetics, sweat, etc. for a long time, chemical reactions will occur on its surface, causing the color to darken and lose its luster. The following introduces the treatment methods corresponding to different degrees of oxidation discoloration for you:
Slight oxidation discoloration
Soapy water cleaning: Prepare a bowl of warm water, add a small amount of mild neutral soap, and stir well until a small amount of foam is produced. Soak the oxidized and discolored gold jewelry in soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the stains and oxide layer. After soaking, gently scrub the surface of the jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush, especially the crevices and textures. Be careful to apply gentle force to avoid scratching the gold. After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly with clean water and then dry with a soft dry cloth.
Toothpaste cleaning: Squeeze a small amount of white toothpaste without abrasive particles onto a soft cloth, wrap the gold jewelry in the soft cloth, and gently rub. The cleaning ingredients in toothpaste can help remove the oxide layer and stains on the surface. After rubbing for 2 to 3 minutes, rinse the jewelry with clean water and then dry it with a dry cloth.
Moderate oxidation discoloration
Ammonia water solution treatment: In a small container, mix ammonia water and water evenly at a ratio of 1:10. Soak the oxidized and discolored gold jewelry in the ammonia water solution for 5 to 10 minutes. Ammonia water is alkaline and can react with the oxide on the surface of gold, thereby removing the oxide layer. After soaking, gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it. It should be noted that ammonia water has a pungent smell. The operation should be carried out in a well-ventilated environment, and it is necessary to avoid contact of ammonia water with skin and eyes.
Developer powder cleaning: Purchase a small packet of developer powder from a photography equipment store and mix it with an appropriate amount of water as per the instructions to form a paste. Dip a soft-bristled brush in the developing powder paste and gently apply it to the surface of the gold jewelry, especially the areas that have oxidized and discolored. After applying evenly, wait for 5 to 8 minutes to allow the developing powder to fully react with the oxide layer. Then rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry it with a dry cloth.
Severe oxidation discoloration
Professional jewelry cleaners: There are some cleaners on the market specifically designed for cleaning jewelry, and some of them are quite effective in removing the heavy oxide layer from gold jewelry. When purchasing, choose products from regular channels and with a good reputation, and read the instructions carefully. Pour the cleaning agent into the matching container as per the instructions and soak the gold jewelry in it for a certain period of time (the specific time depends on the instructions of the cleaning agent). After soaking, gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristled brush, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it.
If the oxidation and discoloration of gold jewelry are extremely severe and you handle it yourself, you may not achieve the desired effect, or you are worried that improper operation may damage the jewelry. In this case, sending it to a professional jewelry store is the most reliable method. Jewelry stores are equipped with professional facilities and experienced technicians. They can adopt appropriate methods for treatment based on the oxidation condition and material of the jewelry, such as ultrasonic cleaning and electroplating refurbishment, to restore the original luster of gold jewelry.