One item you should not be without is a jewelry polishing cloth. Jewelry polishing cloths are usually made of cotton and have one side that is treated with a chemical that helps to remove tarnish and the other side is used to buff the jewelry. They are inexpensive and most work very well. Most manufacturers do not recommend using jewelry polishing cloths on items that are 24-karat gold. They are absolutely essential for cleaning gold jewelry and keeping them looking as good as possible. After extended use your jewelry polishing cloth may become darkened. This is normal and does not mean that you must replace the jewelry cloth. You should be able to get satisfactory results until the fabric wears out.

  White gold is simply an alloy composed of gold and white colored metals such as nickel, silver, and palladium. Because this mixture of metals does not look as white, clean and crisp as platinum, white gold jewelry is often coated with a platinum-like substance (member of the platinum family) called rhodium, to give it a flawless beauty comparable to real platinum jewelry at less than half the cost.

  Jewelers also use this plating process to temporarily seal yellow gold with a white rhodium coating to give yellow gold jewelry the crisp appearance of real platinum.
Underneath the dull tarnish on jewelry metals lies the jeweler's original buffed finish and shine. Keep your precious jewelry metals looking like new by removing the accumulated tarnish on the finish.
Proper storage of jewelry when not in use is essential to keep your golden treasures clean and new. When storing your jewelry, be careful that pieces do not tumble against each other to avoid scratching and loss of radiance. Ideally, store your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewel case, or a box with compartments or dividers or store each piece in individual soft cloth pouches.
The safest way to clean your gold or silver jewelry is with and sonic jewelry cleaner. The old toothpaste and toothbrush trick is much too abrasive for both gold and silver. It also helps to use the tarnish free cloth bags for storage or to use the strips of paper that reduce tarnish in your storage areas.

  When cleaning your jewelry, it is satisfying to watch your cherished items turn from dull and drab to shiny and bright. And it takes just a few easy steps to restore your jewelry's brilliance and luster. This section provides you with simple methods on how to clean your jewelry effectively and safely. Take note that certain methods are ideal for some jewelry, but can cause damage to others.