How to clean gold-plated jewelry – what to do to enjoy it longer?
Gold-plated jewelry, especially high-quality jewelry with silver as a base, guarantees the elegant appearance of gold, but at the same time provides a more affordable price. Due to its structure, however, it requires a lot of delicacy and proper care. There are quite a few reasons for the loss of shine and surface scratches - incorrect storage, contact with chemicals or careless cleaning are just some of them. Learn how to care for gold-plated accessories so that they last as long as possible!
Why is proper cleaning of gold-plated jewelry so important?
Unlike solid gold, the surface gold-plated jewelry consists of a thin layer of precious metal applied to a base material, usually silver. Everyday use exposes it to sweat, cosmetics, and detergents, which can cause the coating to fade or wear off. Only by taking the appropriate precautions and using adequate cleaning methods can the durability of the gold plating be extended.
What is the difference between gold and gold plated jewelry?
The basic difference between gold and gold plated jewelry is the structure of the material. Gold jewelry is made entirely of this metal, while gold plated jewelry only has a thin layer of gold, usually from 0.5 to 2 microns. The thicker the layer, the greater the resistance to abrasion. It is worth remembering, however, that it is still less durable than pure gold, which is a precious metal that does not corrode.
The most common causes of tarnishing and damage to gold-plated jewelry
Gradual abrasion of the coating is a common problem with gold-plated jewelry, resulting from errors in cleaning and use. Its fading, damage and loss of shine are influenced by:
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contact with sweat – accelerates the oxidation process;
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cosmetics and perfumes – creams, balms (especially in the case of gold-plated rings ), deodorants and perfumes contain chemical ingredients that can weaken the gold layer and cause it to gradually wear off;
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moisture and detergents – soap, dishwashing liquids and chlorinated water contribute to dulling;
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friction and impacts – storing jewellery loosely, without proper protection, leads to scratches and faster abrasion of the gold-plated layer.
How to clean gold-plated silver?
Regular cleaning of gold-plated silver will help the jewelry retain its shine and flawless appearance for longer. The safest way to clean the surface is to use a soft cloth soaked in lukewarm water with mild soap or dishwashing liquid. The jewelry should be gently wiped and then dried. For more stubborn dirt and deposits, special wipes that do not contain aggressive abrasive substances work much better.
What to avoid when cleaning gold-plated jewelry?
When cleaning gold-plated jewelry, whether it is a necklace or chain, avoid:
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rough brushes and sponges that can scratch the surface;
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strong detergents and chemicals that cause discoloration;
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soaking jewelry for a long time, especially in hot water;
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excessive rubbing and polishing.
Remember – it is better to choose gentle methods that will effectively remove dirt but will not destroy the structure of the jewelry.
How to care for gold-plated jewelry on a daily basis to keep it shiny for longer?
In the daily rush, issues such as proper and systematic care of jewelry often fade into the background. However, this is an extremely important thing that affects how long a gold-plated accessory will serve you. Try to follow the rules below, and the gold layer will retain its shine:
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Always remove jewelry before sleeping and bathing;
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avoid contact with cosmetics and perfumes – it is worth putting on jewelry as the last element of styling;
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take care of proper storage – it is best to keep jewellery in soft bags or separate compartments in a box;
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Clean your jewellery regularly and gently to prevent dirt from building up.
Home Remedies for Cleaning Gold-Plated Jewelry – What Works and What to Avoid?
You don't need to have specialist products to take care of your jewellery. If you're wondering how to clean your gold-plated jewellery, you can start with a tried and tested method, which is lukewarm water with a mild soap. Some methods, especially those reserved for silver, can be too aggressive and cause damage. It's not recommended to use baking soda or toothpaste – the particles can scratch the gold-plated surface.
When is it best to have your jewelry professionally cleaned?
You can also entrust your gold-plated jewelry to a professional. This applies not only to cleaning, but also to renovation, if the surface has started to wear off. Sometimes it is really difficult to keep the jewelry properly clean on your own, especially in the case of small details, e.g. gold-plated earrings .
Professionals have safe cleaning methods and can re-gold the jewellery to restore its original shine. Professional cleaning is also recommended for gemstone jewellery, which can be sensitive to home care methods. At Berries, we also repair and restore jewellery, so if you need assistance, please contact us.
