Gold plated jewelry offers the luxurious look of solid gold at a more affordable price. But, to keep your pieces looking their best, knowing How To Care For Gold Plated Jewelry is essential. Without proper care, the gold layer can wear away, diminishing its shine and revealing the base metal underneath.
Understanding Gold Plated Jewelry
Before diving into care tips, it’s important to understand what gold plated jewelry is. Unlike solid gold, gold plated pieces are made with a base metal, like brass or copper, and then covered with a thin layer of gold through a process called electroplating.
The thickness of the gold plating can vary, affecting its durability and how long it lasts.
Caring for Your Gold Plated Jewelry: Dos and Don’ts
Follow these dos and don’t to keep your gold plated jewelry looking its best:
Do:
- Put Your Jewelry On Last: Apply lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays before putting on your jewelry. These substances can contain chemicals that can tarnish the gold plating over time.
- Store It Properly: When you’re not wearing your gold plated jewelry, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. An airtight container or jewelry box lined with anti-tarnish fabric is ideal.
- Clean It Gently: Regular cleaning can help maintain the shine of your jewelry. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away dirt or debris.
- Dry It Thoroughly: If your jewelry gets wet, make sure to dry it completely with a soft cloth to prevent water spots or tarnishing.
Don’t:
- Wear It While Swimming or Exercising: Chlorine, saltwater, and sweat can damage the gold plating, so it’s best to remove your jewelry before swimming or engaging in strenuous activities.
- Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, or ultrasonic cleaners on your gold plated jewelry, as these can wear down the gold layer.
- Expose It to Extreme Temperatures: Extreme heat or cold can also damage gold plating.
Cleaning gold plated jewelry with a soft, dry cloth
Cleaning Your Gold Plated Jewelry: Simple Methods
Over time, even with careful wear, gold plated jewelry can start to look a little dull. Here are a few easy ways to clean it at home:
- Warm Water and Dish Soap: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water, wring it out well, and then gently clean your jewelry. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water. Apply the paste to your jewelry using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Preserving the Life of Your Gold Plated Jewelry
While gold plating will eventually wear down over time, you can take steps to help preserve its lifespan:
- Apply a Jewelry Protectant Spray: These sprays create a barrier over the gold plating, helping to reduce exposure to air and moisture, which can cause tarnishing.
- Get It Re-plated: If your gold plating has worn off significantly, consider taking it to a professional jeweler for re-plating.
Conclusion
Taking care of your gold plated jewelry isn’t difficult, but it does require a conscious effort. By following these simple cleaning and care tips, you can help keep your pieces looking radiant and extend their lifespan, allowing you to enjoy their beauty for years to come.
FAQs About Caring for Gold Plated Jewelry
Can I wear my gold plated jewelry in the shower?
It’s best to avoid getting your gold plated jewelry wet, so it’s advisable to remove it before showering.
How often should I clean my gold plated jewelry?
How often you need to clean your jewelry depends on how often you wear it and your environment. Generally, cleaning it every few weeks or as needed is a good rule of thumb.
Can I use toothpaste to clean gold plated jewelry?
Toothpaste can be abrasive and damage the gold plating. Stick to mild soap and water or a baking soda paste for cleaning.
My gold plated jewelry has tarnished. Can I fix it?
If your jewelry has tarnished, try the cleaning methods mentioned earlier. However, if the tarnishing is severe or the plating has worn off, you might need to get it professionally cleaned or re-plated.
What’s the best way to store gold plated jewelry?
Store your jewelry in an airtight container or jewelry box lined with anti-tarnish fabric in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It’s also helpful to store pieces separately to prevent scratching.
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