Here’s the mildest method for cleaning gold—and also the easiest and most economical method. Mix a bowl of suds using warm water and a little washing-up liquid. Soak the gold briefly and then gently scrub crevices and design details using a soft toothbrush or eyebrow brush. Place the jewelery in a wire strainer and rinse under warm running water. Pat it dry with a chamois cloth. Any clean, white, soft cotton cloth will do.
For a stronger cleaning solution, mix equal parts of cold water and ammonia. Soak the jewelery in the solution for 30 minutes. Gently scrub with a toothbrush or eyebrow brush. Rinse with water and dry on a soft towel.