How to Make Gold Plated Jewelry Last

Similar to solid gold pieces, gold-plated jewelry may tarnish over time if not properly cared for. When gold reacts to air and moisture, it oxidizes and appears darken. Pieces may start to lose their shine and look dull due to the buildup of dust and dirt, the natural oils of our skin, and the cosmetics we use. If you have noticed your gold-plated jewelry has started to tarnish, there’s no need to worry. We will teach you how to make gold-plated jewelry last for a lifetime.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Pixel-Shot

How to Make Gold-Plated Jewelry Last?

Gentle cleaning

Since we make gold-plated jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and rings, we recommend this technique to our customers for cleaning rose gold or yellow gold-plated pieces. Use a cotton ball or soft cloth (specialized for cleaning glasses or camera lenses) to remove dust and dirt from your piece gently. Gentle-wet wipes can also be used. We advise you to avoid using jewelry cleaners and antibacterial soaps which may cause your pieces to tarnish before time. Instead, you can use warm water and mild soap to soak plated pieces shortly and then dry them with a soft cloth. This can restore their shine.

Avoid using chemicals

To preserve the beauty and longevity of your jewelry, avoid exposure to chemicals. Perfumes, lotions, and other scented moisturizers may cause the gold layer to wear off. While it may sound tempting to spritz your perfume just before going out of the door, this can contribute to tarnishing the gold plating. When wearing gold-plated jewelry, we recommend you apply perfumes and moisturizers before adding your jewelry.

Limit exposure to water

Remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, or using any cleaning products. Water, especially in pools and hot tubs, contains chlorine and other chemicals that can tarnish and weaken metals, dull gemstones and potentially damage finishes.

That is why we advise you to store your jewelry in a dry, cool place when engaging with something that involves chemicals and moisture. These small steps will keep your jewelry looking as stunning as the day you bought it.

Proper storage and protection

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the beauty of your gold-plated jewelry since the thin layer of gold is prone to tarnishing and wear. Store your gold-plated jewelry in a separate compartment in a jewelry box. This is highly recommended as it prevents the pieces from tangling and rubbing against each other.

For a more airtight option, a small Tupperware or other sealable containers work well. We also advise you to add a silica gel packet to the container to absorb moisture, which helps prevent tarnishing. Just ensure each piece is placed in its own small cotton bag before placing it in the container to prevent direct contact with other items.

Cotton bags are another excellent storage choice. They allow some airflow and keep out dust without trapping moisture. Always place only one piece per bag to avoid scratches. Also, store your gold-plated jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or humidity to keep the finishing look fresh. 

Mindful handling and wearing

Gold-plated jewelry care is fundamental to avoid scratches and other signs of wear. Since the gold layer is thin, it can be easily damaged if it comes into contact with hard surfaces or rough materials. Avoid stacking gold-plated jewelry with other pieces, as this can cause them to rub against each other, leading to scuffs and fading of the plating.

Rings are especially vulnerable since our hands come into contact with many surfaces throughout the day. That is why we advise you to remove your ring before doing any heavy work or handling abrasive materials.

It is also essential to avoid exposing gold-plated jewelry to chemicals, as these can wear down the gold layer over time. That is why it is important to learn how to keep gold-plated jewelry from fading.

First, keep it away from chemicals. We advise you to remove your jewelry before using beauty products like perfumes and lotions. It is also best to take off your gold-plated jewelry when swimming, showering, or doing the dishes, as the salt or chlorinated water can erode the plating and cause discoloration. Finally, you should store your gold-plated jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: FabrikaSimf

Importance of regular maintenance

Regular maintenance is a key step to keeping gold-plated jewelry in clean condition. We advise you to clean gold jewelry from time to time to prevent dirt and oil buildup that can damage its shine. We recommend gently wiping down each piece with a soft, non-abrasive cloth, like a microfiber or jewelry cloth. Harsh cleaners, polishing agents, or brushes can wear away the gold layer, so it is best to avoid using them. It is better to use a mild soap solution for cleaning and then gently rub your piece with a soft cloth and rinse with lukewarm water.

We advise you to have heavily worn pieces or ones showing signs of fading re-plated by a professional jeweler. Re-plating renews the appearance by applying a fresh gold layer, making the piece look almost new. Keep in mind that plating services are more affordable than buying new jewelry and can extend the life of your favorite pieces.

By taking care of your gold-plated jewelry, you can prolong their lifespan. 

Conclusion

Knowing how to make gold plated jewelry last is the key to wearing your favorite pieces for a long time. Our tips include gentle cleaning, avoiding moisture and chemicals, proper storage and protection, mindful handling and wearing, and regular maintenance.

If you use all these techniques, you will enjoy wearing your beloved jewelry for a long time. Caring for your gold-plated jewelry also preserves its value as an investment.