Care Guide: How to Clean Gold Safely

The eight-minute ritual

Gold in the Gulf works hard. Perfume, sunscreen, hard water, daily wear — it all dulls the metal. This is how to bring the gleam back, safely.

Safe for ultrasonic

• Solid gold (yellow, white, rose) without surface treatments
• Solid silver and platinum
• Diamonds (mounted or loose)
• Hard stones: ruby, sapphire, garnet, quartz, topaz
• Stainless steel watches and bracelets

NOT safe for ultrasonic

• Pearls (cultured or natural) — the vibration damages the nacre
• Opals, turquoise, lapis lazuli — porous stones absorb solution
• Emeralds with surface oiling treatments
• Antique pieces with adhesive settings
• Plated jewellery (gold-filled, gold-vermeil) — ultrasonic can lift the plating
• Watches not rated water-resistant

The eight-minute method

1. Fill the tank with warm water to the indicated line
2. Add one drop of jewellery cleaning solution (not dish soap)
3. Place items in the basket, ensure they don't touch each other
4. Press start — default cycle is 3 minutes, longer for heavily soiled pieces
5. Remove with the basket, rinse under cool water
6. Pat dry with a microfibre cloth, never paper towel

How often

Daily-wear pieces — weekly. Occasion jewellery — monthly. After heavy use (wedding, beach, gym) — immediately.

When in doubt

Take your piece to the jeweller for the first clean. If they confirm it's ultrasonic-safe, you can repeat at home from then on.