Minor scratches on gold jewelry are a common problem. The following several tips can help repair them and restore the jewelry to its original luster:
Toothpaste repair method
Principle: Toothpaste contains fine abrasives that can remove minor scratches on the surface through friction without damaging the gold. Meanwhile, the cleaning ingredients in toothpaste can also clean the surface of jewelry, removing stains and grease.
Operation steps:
Prepare a tube of white toothpaste without abrasive particles and a soft cotton cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush.
Squeeze toothpaste onto a cotton cloth or toothbrush, wrap the jewelry with the cotton cloth or directly dip the toothbrush in toothpaste and gently wipe the scratched area. When wiping, follow the texture direction of the gold and apply moderate force to avoid excessive force causing new scratches.
After wiping continuously for several minutes, rinse the jewelry clean with clear water and then dry it with a soft dry cloth.
Agate knife polishing method
Principle: Agate knives are hard and smooth in texture. By using their hardness to squeeze and rub the surface of gold, the surface of gold can become flatter and smoother, thereby reducing or eliminating minor scratches.
Operation steps:
Prepare a agate knife and make sure its surface is smooth and flawless.
Place the gold jewelry on a stable table and gently scrape the scratched area along the texture of the gold with a agate knife. When scraping, maintain a certain force and speed to ensure that the surface of the gold is subjected to uniform pressure.
After repeatedly scratching several times, observe the changes in the scratches. If the scratches are still obvious, you can appropriately increase the frequency and force of scraping, but be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the jewelry.
After the scraping is completed, wipe the jewelry clean with a soft dry cloth.
Fire baking repair method (operate with caution)
Principle: Gold has good ductility and plasticity. By roasting it over fire, the surface of gold can be softened. Minor scratches may be smoothed out during the expansion process of gold. However, this method requires strict control over the heat and time; otherwise, it may cause damage to the gold jewelry.
Operation steps:
Prepare a windproof lighter or alcohol lamp, as well as a heat insulation pad.
Place the gold jewelry on an insulating pad and gently heat the surface of the jewelry with the flame of a lighter or alcohol lamp. When baking, keep a moderate distance between the flame and the jewelry to avoid direct contact of the flame with the jewelry, which may cause local overheating.
After baking continuously for a few seconds, observe the changes on the surface of the gold. If you notice that the surface of the gold begins to soften or show a change in luster, stop baking immediately.
After the jewelry cools down, wipe it clean with a soft dry cloth.
Note: The fire repair method carries certain risks. If not operated properly, it may cause gold jewelry to deform, discolor or even melt. Therefore, if you lack relevant experience and skills, it is not recommended that you try it yourself. It is best to send the jewelry to a professional jewelry store for processing.
Professional polishing cloth wiping method
Principle: Professional polishing cloth is a specially treated fabric with a trace amount of polishing agent on its surface. It can remove minor scratches on the surface of gold through friction, restoring the luster of jewelry.
Operation steps:
Purchase a professional polishing cloth suitable for gold jewelry.
Gently wipe the surface of the gold jewelry with a polishing cloth, especially the scratched areas. When wiping, do it in a certain direction and avoid wiping back and forth to prevent affecting the polishing effect.
After wiping continuously for several minutes, observe the changes in the luster of the jewelry. If necessary, the wiping time and force can be appropriately increased.
After wiping, set the jewelry aside and let it dry naturally.