There is positive upward movement in the price of gold in South Africa, and many people are taking this opportunity to sell their unused or old jewellery. As experts in the dazzling trade of gold and diamonds, we know what buyers look for and how they justify pricing. Make sure you get the best possible price when selling your jewellery, by presenting them at their best.

If you are asking, “Is now a good time to sell jewellery?” the short answer is yes. You could choose to hold on to your gold, track market trends, and sell it in the future, but there is no telling what the value of gold will be then. Currently, the value of gold is high, meaning you will receive a good price when you sell. Here are some easy and effective jewellery cleaning tips to boost resale value.

Know What You’re Cleaning

Before you begin, take note of what you are cleaning. Different karats of gold vary in purity and hardness, so they require different handling methods. If your jewellery has diamonds, find out if they are natural or lab-created. Lastly, jewellery with delicate gemstones (such as pearls or opals) requires extra care.

Practice Gentle Cleaning Methods  

When cleaning gold, combine a gentle solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid. Let your gold items soak in it for about 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, use a soft toothbrush to remove dirt buildup from the crevices. If you are working with high karat gold (22K – 24K), be careful not to scrub hard.

Note that gold-plated jewellery is even more delicate – avoid over-cleaning or scrubbing, as it could strip the gold layer. When cleaning gold, always avoid bleach, vinegar, or strong commercial jewellery cleaners unless they are specifically made for gold.

When cleaning diamonds, use the same gentle warm water and dishwashing liquid solution. Another effective method is to mix 1 part ammonia with 6 parts water for extra sparkle.

Polishing and Drying

Avoid using paper towels or tissues to dry or polish your jewellery, as they can leave fine scratches, especially on gold surfaces. These tiny marks may seem minor, but they can dull the shine and reduce the resale value of your piece. Instead, always use a soft, lint-free jewellery polishing cloth.

What to Avoid

Note that gold-plated jewellery is very delicate – avoid over-cleaning or scrubbing, as it could strip the gold layer. When cleaning gold, always avoid bleach, vinegar, or strong commercial jewellery cleaners unless they are specifically made for gold. Bleach and chlorine are particularly harmful to diamonds. While diamonds are incredibly hard, these chemicals can erode the metal prongs holding them in place, increasing the risk of losing a stone. These are our expert jewellery cleaning tips to boost resale value. Book a free consultation with us today – we buy gold and jewellery, and can also assist you with jewellery repairs.