Care Guide
How to Clean Gold-Plated Jewellery (And Make It Last for Years)
Gold-plated pieces are real gold — a fine layer of it. Clean them the wrong way (silver dip, toothpaste, scrubbing) and the plating thins. Here's the right way, plus the habits that matter more.
The safe cleaning method (2 minutes)
- Wipe after every wear with a soft dry cloth — prevents 80% of dulling.
- Grime: lukewarm water + one drop of mild washing-up liquid on a soft cloth. Wipe gently; never soak.
- Rinse-dab with a clean damp cloth, then pat dry immediately.
- Buff lightly with a dry jewellery cloth to restore shine.
What NEVER to use on plated jewellery
| Never use | Why it ruins plating |
|---|---|
| Silver dip / chemical cleaners | Formulated for solid metal — strips the layer |
| Toothpaste, baking soda | Abrasive — sandpaper for thin gold |
| Ultrasonic cleaners | Vibrations loosen set stones |
| Alcohol wipes on stones | Can cloud simulated crystals |
The 5 habits that matter more than cleaning
1. Last on, first off. Perfume, hairspray and lotion attack plating — jewellery goes on after them.
2. Keep it dry. Off for washing up, swimming, showers, gym.
3. Store separately. Pieces scratch pieces. Pouch each, dry room.
4. Wipe, don't wash. The evening dry-cloth wipe is the whole secret.
5. Rest days. Rotate two or three pieces instead of living in one.
Weekly care schedule
| When | What | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Every wear | Dry cloth wipe | 30 sec |
| Weekly | Clasp + stone check | 1 min |
| Monthly | Mild-soap clean (if needed) | 2 min |
| Seasonally | Re-sort storage, pouch check | 5 min |
Dull piece that won't revive? Send us a photo — honest answers on what's fixable. More: Materials Guide · Care Guide.
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Cleaning FAQ
Can you shower with gold-plated jewellery?
Advise against it — soap film and humidity dull plating fastest. One shower won't; a month will show.
Does gold-plated jewellery tarnish?
Everything tarnishes eventually — the habits above slow it to a crawl. Well-kept plating looks good for years.
How long does gold plating last?
Years with careful wear; months with daily water and perfume. The difference is entirely habit.