Metal cufflinks (precious or otherwise) generally oxidise over time. For example, gold tends to dull, while silver develops a black patina (silver sulphide). This natural oxidation process can speed up if the jewellery is exposed to certain factors: skin perspiration, friction against certain fabrics, the aggressive action of certain chemicals (perfume, chlorine…), weather conditions, and so on. The quality of the jewellery and the type of alloy it's made from also play a role.
Wondering how to care for your cufflinks if they've lost their shine? Here's our advice.
How to clean gold cufflinks?
A symbol of nobility, high social rank and power, gold was widely used to make cufflinks in the age of kings and nobles. Those who wear shirt accessories made of gold certainly don't go unnoticed, and stand out from the crowd as a matter of course.
Elegant, glamorous and timeless, gold cufflinks don't, however, go with just any outfit, due to their colour. It's therefore essential to try them out before buying this type of jewellery.
When to wear gold cufflinks?
The price of gold cufflinks isn't within everyone's reach. Aside from a minority who choose to wear them daily, these days this luxury jewellery generally only adorns shirt cuffs for special occasions: official ceremonies, galas, weddings, and so on.
Cleaning white-gold or yellow-gold cufflinks
If your white-gold or yellow-gold cufflinks have tarnished, several cleaning solutions can restore their shine: breadcrumbs, baking powder, onion juice, toothpaste. Here's another method using soapy water:
- Soak your cufflinks for 1 to 2 minutes in a bowl of lukewarm water with a little Marseille soap or a few drops of washing-up liquid added.
- Gently rub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Once nicely shiny, rinse them in lukewarm water.
- Dry them with a towel or absorbent paper.
- Finish by buffing them with a chamois cloth.
Cleaning rose-gold cufflinks
If your cufflinks are rose gold, clean them the same way by soaking them in soapy water, but for no more than 1 to 2 minutes. Then rub them with your fingers only, to avoid scratching them. Finish by rinsing and carefully drying them with a soft cloth.
Cleaning gold-plated cufflinks
Gold-plated jewellery is particularly delicate, as the thin layer of gold covering it can wear away very easily. So take care not to wash them too vigorously, and never use alcohol to clean them.
Caution! If your gold cufflinks are set with precious stones or pearls, it's safer to have them cleaned by a jeweller.
How to clean silver cufflinks?
Like gold and platinum, silver is also one of the precious materials most widely used, over the centuries, in cufflink making.
Always chic and elegant, classic and timeless, silver cufflinks add style to an outfit without being over the top, as they're less flashy than gold accessories. And even if you prefer contemporary-style shirt accessories, silver cufflinks are still a great choice, as jewellers offer them in a huge range of designs, patterned or plain, set with gems (precious stones, mother-of-pearl, etc.) or not.
Who wears silver cufflinks?
Businessmen and other professionals in suit and tie are particularly fond of silver cufflinks. They're not the only ones who appreciate this type of accessory, though, as silver pairs easily with any outfit.
In short, silver cufflinks are an essential piece of shirt jewellery.
Have your cufflinks darkened over time, and you're wondering how to clean them without damaging them? Here are our recommendations.
Cleaning a silver cufflink
The safest and simplest method for cleaning a silver cufflink is to gently rub the jewellery with a soft cloth or cleaning cloth (polishing cloth, buffing cloth, jewellery chamois, etc.).
This is the basic method for removing, for example, any fingerprints left on your jewellery. However, if your cufflink has raised details or engraving, cleaning can be trickier and require slightly more vigorous action.
Among the many cleaning solutions for cufflinks made purely of 925 silver are the following:
- Baking soda: sprinkle a little onto a pre-dampened toothbrush or sponge, gently rub the jewellery, rinse under the tap, then dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Lemon juice: apply to the jewellery, brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse, then wipe with a soft cloth or chamois.
- A commercial silver-jewellery cleaning product or bath: follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Of course, other cleaning solutions exist too (silver polish, white vinegar, cold ash, toothpaste, etc.). In most cases, a soft-bristled toothbrush is an essential cleaning ally, especially if the jewellery has raised details. Just be careful to avoid scratching your cufflink while cleaning it.
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Cleaning silver-plated jewellery
Just like gold-plated cufflinks, silver-plated ones also need careful cleaning, as the silver plating can wear off easily with overly vigorous rubbing.
Also take care if your silver cufflinks are set with gems, as they may need specific care. While cleaning with a toothbrush dipped in water and a little toothpaste usually gives a sparkling result, if in doubt, don't hesitate to ask a jeweller for advice.
Cleaning other types of cufflinks
Besides gold and silver, many other materials are used to make cufflinks. Here are a few tips for cleaning the most common ones and restoring their original beauty:
- Stainless steel: clean your cufflink in a mixture of hot water and baking soda (one tablespoon per half-litre of water). Rinse and dry with a soft cloth or absorbent paper.
- Titanium: clean your titanium jewellery with water and mild soap (no detergent). Rinse thoroughly before drying with a chamois cloth.
- Platinum: use a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water to gently remove any dirt from your shirt accessory. Rinse with cold water, then dry with a soft cloth such as a chamois.
- Brass: like titanium and platinum, brass is also cleaned with a little water and soap.
- Mother-of-pearl or shell: restore the shine with a soft cloth dampened with almond oil or mineral oil.
To stop your metal or silk cufflinks from tarnishing or getting damaged over time, get into the habit of storing them in their original packaging or in a storage box. In short, keep them away from light and humidity.
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