As a technician I get asked a lot of questions about watch/ timepiece care and gold care. This is a loaded answer question because there are many levels. Most people want the simple upkeep they can do at home so I will share that with you all.
The simplest way to remove all those small surface scratches and tarnish spots is the trusty jeweler cloth. This isn't a micro-cloth but two cloths. One cloth has rouge and the other is for final wipe down. But I add one more step.. soap and water. As many of us have different skin types, doing a final wash with soap and water makes sure you don't have a reaction or your clothes don't get stained.
Different pressures will result in different results. On matte or non-shiny surfaces you can use this cloth, but with little pressure. On shiny surfaces use more pressures. The trick with rings is an easy one.. use a Ring Mandrel
.
Old watches.. be careful of your case gaskets! They may be old and may let water in. In this case use a jewelers cloth and hand clean.
For stainless steel necklaces and those really dirty watch bracelets I have used the standard Ajax Stainless Steel Cleaner
instead of dish cleaner. Follow up with the can of compressed gas and repeat if necessary.
Question? Ask away.
Red or Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring, Necklace, Watch, Bracelet:
Different pressures will result in different results. On matte or non-shiny surfaces you can use this cloth, but with little pressure. On shiny surfaces use more pressures. The trick with rings is an easy one.. use a Ring Mandrel
White Gold Ring, Necklace, Watch, Bracelet:
Sorry to say to you.. just soap and water for you. The average white gold is plated and you will remove the plating if you polish it. Use soap and warm water. All scratches need to see a professional.Stainless Steel Necklace, Watch, Bracelet:
The simplest and cheapest cleaner is a dish cleaner (I use Dawn Ultra) , warm water (not hot!!!), a tooth brush, a can of compressed gas and an old towel. Why the can of gas? If you keep your bracelet wet and use the compressed air on it you will see why. Keep repeating until clean. The towel is to wipe down the case and protect your household surfaces.Old watches.. be careful of your case gaskets! They may be old and may let water in. In this case use a jewelers cloth and hand clean.
For stainless steel necklaces and those really dirty watch bracelets I have used the standard Ajax Stainless Steel Cleaner
Question? Ask away.