Your gold chain looked brilliant the day you bought it — then daily wear, lotion, sweat, and dust dulled the shine. Good news: you can bring back that just-bought sparkle in about 10 minutes with things you already have at home. Here's the safe method we recommend to our customers in the Diamond District, plus what to never do to real 10K or 14K gold.

What you'll need

• A small bowl of warm (not hot) water
• A few drops of mild dish soap
• A soft toothbrush or makeup brush
• A soft, lint-free cloth

Step-by-step

1. Mix the bath. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to warm water and stir.
2. Soak. Place your gold chain in the bowl and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to loosen grime.
3. Brush gently. Use the soft brush to clean between the links, where dirt and oils hide. Be gentle — no scrubbing.
4. Rinse. Rinse under clean warm water. Tip: close the drain or use a strainer so you don't lose the chain.
5. Dry and shine. Pat dry and buff gently with the soft cloth.

What NOT to do

• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, or ammonia — they can damage gold alloys and any stones.
• Don't use toothpaste or baking soda — they're abrasive and can scratch the surface.
• Take gold off before swimming, showering, or the gym to keep it cleaner, longer.

➤ Ready to add to your collection? Browse our real gold chains and pendants.

When to get a professional cleaning

For chains with pavé stones, intricate links, or heavy tarnish, a professional cleaning restores the shine without risk. If you're near the Diamond District, stop by — we're happy to take a look at your piece.

En español: Cómo limpiar tu cadena de oro en casa

Para devolverle el brillo a tu cadena de oro 10K o 14K: mezcla agua tibia con unas gotas de jabón suave, deja la cadena en remojo 10–15 minutos, cepilla con delicadeza entre los eslabones con un cepillo suave, enjuaga con agua limpia (¡tapa el desagüe!) y seca con un paño suave. Nunca uses cloro, amoníaco, pasta de dientes ni bicarbonato, porque rayan o dañan el oro. Quítate el oro antes de nadar o bañarte para mantenerlo limpio más tiempo. Para piezas delicadas o muy opacas, tráelas a nuestra tienda en el Diamond District y las revisamos.

Quick recap

• Warm water + mild soap + a soft brush is all real gold needs.
• Skip abrasives and harsh chemicals.
• Professional cleaning is best for delicate or stone-set pieces.

Keep your gold looking new — and when you're ready for your next piece, visit us at 20 W 47th St or explore our gold chain collection.