22k Gold Jewellery

22k gold jewellery can be considered an investment in gold as it contains 91.6% pure gold. 22k gold jewellery is more expensive than the usual 14k and 10k and not so hard wearing. However, it is much more beautiful and has a deeper gold hue close to pure gold.

Whereas 24 k is 999.9 percent pure gold, 22k is 916.6 fine and contains a small amount of silver or copper to assist in the hardness.

22k gold jewellery requires, therefore, a little more care if you are to keep it in the same condition in which you bought it. You could, for the purposes of care, regard 22k gold jewellery as 24 k gold jewellery. It will need the same amount of care and attention.

Firstly it not advisable to wear it constantly or for any great lengths of time. It would not be an ‘everyday’ piece. Perhaps for going out to dinner or some special occasion or function. Gold is a malleable and soft metal and subject to knocks, scraps, scratches and chemicals such as you find on and around the body. Hair sprays, perfumes, cleaning mixes, residues on clothes, soap, make up, skin ointments and sweat are just some of the chemicals that can have an effect on gold.

When you have finished wearing your 22k gold jewellery it is a good idea to clean the piece and store it safely.

Clean your gold jewellery with warm soapy water. A soft cloth or, if necessary, a very soft old toothbrush is useful for this. Wash it over a bowl, not the sink. You don’t want any of it ending up down the plug hole!

Do not use a chemical cleaner such as bleach. It will oxidize the metal and turn it black. You will find yourself trying to clean the effects the bleach creates. If it is a difficult piece take it to a trusted jeweller to clean.

Rinse it well with running water. Get every last bit of soap out, especially from any clasp, claw or hinge. If any soap is left it may cause a chemical reaction.

Sometimes clasps and hinges are made from another metal and can rust if left wet or suffer a chemical reaction to the water. Drying the piece after rinsing is very important. A gentle blow dryer is good as it will evaporate any water left and you will not need to rub and possibly scratch the gold.

Store your 22k gold jewellery separately so it does not get scratched by other pieces, particularly diamond settings.By following the above well, your 22k gold jewellery will retain it’s beauty for many years to come.

22k gold jewellery is a great investment in gold with the added enjoyment of being able to wear it.