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Gold-plated jewellery has the opulent aesthetic of solid gold, without the expensive price tag, making it a beautiful option for any collection. These gorgeous little gems have a layer of gold over a raw metal, and when the pieces are cared for properly, they will stay as shiny as the day you purchased them.
Maintenance should take place in three areas: proactive daily maintenance, a gentle cleaning ritual, and proper storage. By taking these simple steps, you can protect the delicate gold plating and protect the sparkle of your favourite rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
The Golden Rules
By protecting the jewellery from agents and processes that can cause the gold plating to tarnish or wear away, you can keep it pristine.
- Last on, First Off: Jewellery needs to be the icing on the cake of your outfit. Use perfumes, lotions, hairspray and makeup before you put on your pieces so that the chemicals can settle.
- Avoid Moisture: Take your jewellery off before showering, swimming, exercising, or washing your hands. Both chlorine and sweat can speed up the process of tarnishing.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your items away from household cleaners and oils, nail polish removers, and other abrasive substances that would strip the gold layer.
A Gentle Cleaning Ritual
A simple and gentle routine is all you need to clean the day’s oils and dirt accumulation. We suggest doing this ritual once every couple of weeks, or even more often for pieces you wear daily.
- Make Your Solution: Put some warm (not hot) water in a small bowl and add a small amount of mild, phosphate-free dish soap. Stir a little to get a light, soapy solution.
- Soak and Clean: Add your jewellery into the solution and soak it for a while. To do a deeper clean, use a soft-bristled brush or a soft, lint-free cloth to scrub the piece very gently in a circular motion. Look specifically at crevices, on which dirt can build up, but always use a light hand.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Use lukewarm, running water to rinse your jewellery. If you’re trying to avoid losing small items down the drain, then it is advisable to put them in a strainer or rinse them in a separate bowl of clean water.
- Dry: Pat the jewellery thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth. The humidity trapped in the jewellery can tarnish when placed into storage, so make sure it is well dry. To give it a final brush-up, let it air dry on a towel.
What not to use When Cleaning
To preserve the fragile plating, never use:
- Polishing cloths designed for solid gold, as these are too abrasive.
- Harsh chemical jewellery cleaners, antibacterial soaps, or abrasive scrubs.
- Ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations can destroy the plating.
If you take the time and practice these simple techniques, you can confidently wear, and enjoy, your gold-plated pieces for the foreseeable future. Proper care will keep your investment safe while making sure that every piece in your collection continues to be a feast for the eyes. To learn more, visit FAIRLEY today.
