How to Care for Gold-Plated Jewellery
Gold-plated jewelry offers a beautiful, affordable way to enjoy the elegance of gold without the high cost. However, it’s also more delicate than solid gold and needs some extra care to maintain its shine and avoid tarnishing. Here’s a guide on how to keep your gold-plated jewelry looking as good as new.
#1. Understand Gold-Plating Basics
Gold-plated jewellery is made by covering a base metal (such as brass, copper, or silver) with a thin layer of gold. Because the layer is thin, it’s more prone to wear and tear. Knowing this helps us understand why gold-plated pieces require extra care.
#2. Avoid Contact with Perfumes, and Chemicals
Gold plating can wear off easily, so it’s essential to avoid exposing your jewelry to substances that can strip it. Here’s a quick list:
- Perfumes and Lotions: Apply these before putting on jewelry, and let them dry first.
- Household Chemicals: Cleaning products, bleach, and even certain soaps can dull or damage gold plating. Avoid wearing gold-plated jewelry while cleaning.
#3. Remove Before Physical Activities
Sweat and friction can wear away the gold layer, so it’s best to remove gold-plated jewellery before any activity that may cause perspiration or involve physical contact (like exercising, cooking, or gardening).
#4. Store Properly
Storage plays a huge role in prolonging the life of your gold-plated jewelry:
- Use a soft cloth pouch or a jewellery box with a soft lining to prevent scratches.
- Store pieces separately to avoid tangling and scratching against other items.
#5. Clean Gently and Regularly
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the shine of your gold-plated jewelry:
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down the jewelry after each wear.
- For deeper cleaning, use warm water and a mild dish soap solution. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, gently rub the jewellery, and then rinse with clean water. Pat dry with a soft cloth.
#6. Polish Sparingly
Avoid over-polishing gold-plated jewellery. Over time, excessive polishing may remove the gold layer. Use a dedicated polishing cloth for gold-plated items, and polish lightly.
#1. Understand Gold-Plating Basics
Gold-plated jewellery is made by covering a base metal (such as brass, copper, or silver) with a thin layer of gold. Because the layer is thin, it’s more prone to wear and tear. Knowing this helps us understand why gold-plated pieces require extra care.
#2. Avoid Contact with Perfumes, and Chemicals
Gold plating can wear off easily, so it’s essential to avoid exposing your jewelry to substances that can strip it. Here’s a quick list:
- Perfumes and Lotions: Apply these before putting on jewelry, and let them dry first.
- Household Chemicals: Cleaning products, bleach, and even certain soaps can dull or damage gold plating. Avoid wearing gold-plated jewelry while cleaning.
#3. Remove Before Physical Activities
Sweat and friction can wear away the gold layer, so it’s best to remove gold-plated jewellery before any activity that may cause perspiration or involve physical contact (like exercising, cooking, or gardening).
#4. Store Properly
Storage plays a huge role in prolonging the life of your gold-plated jewelry:
- Use a soft cloth pouch or a jewellery box with a soft lining to prevent scratches.
- Store pieces separately to avoid tangling and scratching against other items.
#5. Clean Gently and Regularly
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the shine of your gold-plated jewelry:
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down the jewelry after each wear.
- For deeper cleaning, use warm water and a mild dish soap solution. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, gently rub the jewellery, and then rinse with clean water. Pat dry with a soft cloth.
#6. Polish Sparingly
Avoid over-polishing gold-plated jewellery. Over time, excessive polishing may remove the gold layer. Use a dedicated polishing cloth for gold-plated items, and polish lightly.
