Gold plated jewellery is the perfect way to mimic the high-end, solid gold pieces that can easily cost thousands of pounds. Gold plating involves coating a base metal like silver in a thin layer of gold, so when it's not cared for or cleaned correctly, the gold plating can sometimes peel away from the surface metal, ruining your jewellery.
However, there are some easy ways you can prevent this from happening. In this blog, we've put together some top tips on how to care for gold-plated jewellery to ensure your collection is wearable for years to come.
Why is it Important to Care for Your Gold Plated Jewellery?
Plated jewellery finishes are often a lot more fragile due to the thin coating of gold over the base metal and can quickly become tarnished with improper care. Thinner layers of gold are more susceptible to damage from chemicals, scratches and even sweat, causing your piece to look dull or uneven - and that's not a look anybody wants for their jewellery!
How to Store Gold Plated Jewellery?
It's best to store your gold plated jewellery in a soft pouch or cloth separate from the other pieces in your jewellery box. To avoid the humidity and heat, which can easily cause tarnishing, it's best to store it in a dark, cool, and dry place.
Additionally, you can also store your gold plated pieces in a small airtight bag to reduce the impact of tarnishing but remember to squeeze the excess air out of the bag before sealing it.
How to Clean Gold Plated Jewellery?
Like many of the finer things in life, jewellery requires specific care and attention to keep it looking pristine for years to come. Here are some cleaning tips and tricks to ensure you don't damage your gold plated jewellery when cleaning.
- Gentle is key! Use a microfibre cloth to remove any smudges and surface dirt. Don't rub too hard as it can remove the gold plating, revealing the base metal underneath.
- Use warm water and mild soap (if necessary) to give your jewellery a good clean. Remember to dry it off using a soft cloth.
- A soft toothbrush is a good way of getting the dirt out of the detailing. WD-40 or mild non-whitening toothpaste can work as effective cleaners for tougher blemishes.
Five Ways to Keep Your Gold Plated Jewellery Looking New
To extend the shelf life and get lots of use from your gold plated pieces, we've put together a few suggestions you can use.
- Put on your jewellery at least 30 minutes after you've applied your lotions and creams to give them a chance to absorb into your skin.
- Avoid swimming or spending time in a hot tub wearing your gold-plated jewellery, as the chlorine or saltwater can speed up the breakdown of the plating.
- Avoid keeping your gold plated jewellery next to other jewellery pieces, as the two metals can easily scratch each other.
- Don't despair if the gold-plating wears off. A professional jeweller can easily replate it, often for a reasonable price.
- Remove all your gold plated jewellery (and all other jewellery, for that matter) before showering, cleaning, exercising, or wearing perfume.
Future Proof Your Gold Plated Jewellery Today
Gold plated jewellery is the perfect way to achieve that sparkle and shine without breaking the bank, but the proper care is required to keep your gold-plated pieces looking beautiful for years. Remember, prevention is better than finding a cure!
Are you looking for a new gold plated piece to add to your collection? At FIYAH, we have a range of beautiful gold plated pieces that will bring your joy for years to come. Check out our Gold plated jewellery pieces today and treat yourself to something special.
Shop FIYAH gold plated jewellery
