A 14k gold pendant can mean a lot more than just a piece of jewelry. It can be a way to show who you are, a meaningful gift, or even a family heirloom that has been passed down through the years. 14k gold has a warm glow that will never go out of style, so you should keep it safe. You should keep it, whether you bought it for yourself to remember a special event or got it from someone special.
But over time, gold’s shine can fade on its own. Things like sweat, lotions, perfumes, cleaning chemicals, and the weather can all have an effect. Your pendant can stay shiny for a long time if you take care of it.
’This guide will show you how to keep your pendant looking as good as it did when you first wore it. It will talk about everything from what makes 14k gold Pendants unique to how to clean and store it and how to avoid making common mistakes.
What is 14k gold, and how do you care for it?
Before we start cleaning and taking care of it, it’s good to know what makes 14k gold different from other types of gold jewelry.
- Composition: 14k gold is made up of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% metals that are mixed together, such as copper, silver, nickel, or zinc.
- Durability: 24kt and 18kt gold are not hard like gold since it is an alloy and will tend to bend over.
- Color: The metals comprising the gold alter the color of gold a tad. Some 14k gold pieces are slightly yellower and others are softer.
- Why it should be looked after: 14k gold is a mixture of metals which can rust or react to chemicals, moisture and body oils. This over time may cause the gold to appear dull, tarnished or scratched.
This is the reason you ought to clean your pendant frequently and carefully. It will maintain its form and appearance.
1. How to Clean Your 14k Gold Pendant at Home
Cleaning your pendant is the best way to keep it shiny. It’s not hard, but you have to be careful not to wear it out too much.
Steps for Cleaning Guide
Make a cleaning solution
- Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water.
- Add a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid strong-smelling or harsh chemical nature of anything.
Put the necklace in water
- Soak your pendant in solution taking 10 to 15 minutes.
- This disperses oils, dirt and other material that sticks to your skin and is in the air.
Gently scrub
- Soft bristled toothbrush will clean around engravings, fine details, settings of gemstone crystals and chain links.
- Not scrubbing, otherwise you might end up with small scratches.
Wash it well
- Warm running water can be used to eliminate soap by placing the pendant under it.
- Also recheck and ensure that there is no soap that was left sticking in hard-to-reach areas.
Get completely dry
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to pat dry.
- Don’t use paper towels because they can damage the gold.
Extra Tip: Before you soak your pendant, make sure the gems can be cleaned with water. You should be extra careful with stones that are porous, like opal and pearl.
2. How often do you need to clean it?
How often you wear your pendant will decide how often you need to clean it:
- Every two to four weeks for everyday use
- Wear every two to three months
- If you come into contact with sweat, strong perfume, makeup, or hairspray after a special event, clean right away.
Cleaning often stops dirt from building up, which can be harder to get rid of if you wait too long.
3. Stopping scratches and other harm to the body
14k gold is stronger than gold with a higher karat, but it’s still not as strong as most things. You need to be careful when you handle and store things so they don’t get scratched.
- Keep separate: Put your pendant in a soft pouch or a compartment in a jewelry box that is lined.
- Don’t let your gold jewelry touch other jewelry because harder metals or gemstones can scratch it.
- Take it off before you do things like clean, garden, play sports, or work out. These things can cause wear and tear, bending, or damage.
- Don’t let the chains get all twisted up. Put them up separately or lay them flat so they don’t get tangled up, which makes the links weaker.
4. Protecting it from chemicals and bad weather
Chemicals are one of the most common things that make gold change color. Sometimes, exposure can dull the shine and even make the metal weaker.
- Before you swim, always take off your pendant. Chlorine and saltwater can both corrode metal.
- Put on perfumes and lotions before you wear your pendant and let them soak into your skin.
- Cleaning supplies: A lot of household cleaners have bleach, ammonia, or strong acids that can damage gold.
- Extreme heat and sunlight: Don’t leave your pendant in a hot car or in the sun for too long.
5. When to see a jeweler
There are times when it’s worth it to pay for professional help, even if you take good care of your home.
- Polishing: Removes small scratches and restores the mirror-like shine.
- Ultrasonic cleaning: Uses vibrations to get rid of dirt that is stuck deep down, so it’s great for cleaning intricate designs.
- Structural checks: A jeweler can check the clasps, links, and settings to see if they are broken or worn out.
- Repairs: As soon as you see weak spots, loose stones, or broken links, fix them so you don’t lose them.
Going to a jeweler once or twice a year is a simple way to find problems before they cost a lot of money.
6. Quick Shine Refresh Between Deep Cleanings
It might not be dirty; it just needs to be brighter.
- Gold polishing cloth: These cloths have been treated in a special way so that they shine right away.
- Baking soda paste (use it once in a while): Mix baking soda with a little water, rub it in, rinse it off, and let it dry. Don’t use too much or you’ll wear down the gold.
- Microfiber cloth: Great for getting rid of fingerprints and light smudges after wearing them every day.
7. How to Keep Your Pendant Safe While You’re Traveling
When you travel, your jewelry could get lost or broken. This is how to keep it safe:
- Use a travel jewelry case that has separate sections and padding.
- Don’t put it in your checked luggage; put it in your carry-on.
- When you’re hiking, swimming, or going to the beach, don’t wear it.
- When you need to, bring a small cloth to polish with you.
8. Things You Shouldn’t Do
Even the most careful pendant owners make these mistakes:
- When you sleep with it on, it makes chains tangle, stresses them out, and scratches them.
- When you work out, sweat and constant movement can make things dull and hurt them.
- If you keep silver or costume jewelry with other metals, the tarnish can spread to those metals.
- Using rough cleaners: Toothpaste or rough brushes can hurt gold for good.
FAQs
Q: Does 14k gold get dirty?
A: Yes. Gold doesn’t tarnish, but the metals that make up the alloy can oxidize over time, which can cause a little tarnish. If you clean often, this doesn’t happen.
Q: What is the safest way to clean your house?
A: Using warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush is the safest and most effective way.
Q: Should I take off my necklace before I take a shower?
A: Yes. Gold becomes less shiny because of a film left by soap and shampoo.
Q: Can I clean my gold using ammonia? Can I clean it using vinegar?
A: No. The chemicals are too powerful to be used on a day to day basis and can corrode alloys.
Q: What can I do to ensure that my pendant will be safe over long periods of time?
A: In a soft pouch or lined box, away from the sun, water, and other jewelry.
Q: What can I do to keep things shiny until I clean them?
A: Gently rub the surface with either a gold polishing cloth or microfiber cloth.
Q: Given that the pendant is made out of 14k gold, will it change color as time passes?
A: If you take care of it, it will stay golden. Some pieces may get a warmer tone, which many people find beautiful.
Q: Is it safe to clean all pendants with ultrasonic waves?
A: It’s best to talk to a jeweler first if your pendant has certain gemstones or glued settings.
Q: How often should I visit a jeweler?
A: If the clasps are loose, the chains are worn, there are scratches, or the jewelry is dull and doesn’t get better after you clean it at home.
The Last Word
These care tips will help you keep your 14k gold pendant shiny and protect its value, beauty, and sentimental meaning. If you clean it gently, wear it carefully, and store it properly, your pendant can stay a treasured piece for a long time.
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