Caring for your Gold Plated Jewelry

Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is placed on the surface of a different material. As it is a thin layer of gold, extra care should be taken to maximize its lifespan.

Below are some tips on caring for your gold plated jewelry:

• Clean your plated jewelry with a cotton ball or a very soft cloth to remove any dust and dirt it has acquired. Gently rubbing the surface of your gold plated jewelry using a soft jewelry cloth also helps restore shine.

• After wearing, wrap your jewelry in a soft cloth after cleaning or keep it in a jewelry box separate from other types of jewelry you have to avoid scratches. I keep mine in plastic baggies and store them in a jewelry box.

• Do not spray on perfume or other sprays while wearing your gold plated jewelry. Wear your jewelry after you have sprayed on your favorite perfume so that chemicals on the spray or perfume does not interact with your jewelry’s metal.

• Remove your jewelry before swimming, bathing and exercising.

• Avoid rubbing plated bracelets, necklaces and rings against each other.

Cleaning Tips:

If your jewelry needs more cleaning you may clean it with warm, soapy water. Soak it for a few minutes and you may clean it with a soft brush. Stay away from jewelry cleaners and antibacterial soaps which may have certain components that will just make your gold plated jewelry tarnish more quickly.

If you know that your piece has been exposed to even more than normal (ex: sunscreen, extra humidity, chlorinated pools, salt water, etc.) or it's just been a while since you’ve last cleaned it, you can do a deeper clean by following the steps below:

1. Prepare a bowl of warm water with just a tiny squeeze of a mild, clear dish soap.

2. Let your piece soak for about a minute.

3. Gently brush off your piece with a very soft toothbrush and pay extra attention to the areas where the dirt builds up such as chain loops, under bezels, etc. A soft cloth would also work on less detailed pieces if a toothbrush isn't available. 

4. Rinse thoroughly, several times if necessary, to make sure all of the soap is off. 

5. Dry off piece completely before wearing or storing your jewelry. 

XOXO,

Paloma