Gold-plated jewellery brings an undeniable warmth to any look. Designed to catch the light and allow your complexion to glow, it’s essential to make time for cleaning and polishing your gold-plated jewellery to truly sparkle.
As one of the UK’s favourite jewellery brands, here at Estella Bartlett, we’re well-equipped with the knowledge to answer questions like ‘Does gold-plated jewellery tarnish?’ and talk you through how to clean gold jewellery at home. Keep reading for our comprehensive guide on how to clean gold-plated jewellery for some valuable tips that are sure to come in handy!
Does Gold-plated Jewellery Tarnish?
Like solid gold jewellery, gold-plated pieces are also capable of tarnishing when not properly cared for. But why does gold-plated jewellery tarnish, exactly?
Well, tarnishing occurs when gold reacts with its environment. This could be caused by oxidation from moisture in the air, or even be the result of a build-up of dust, dirt, or oil from the skin, ultimately leaving your jewellery with a duller, darkened appearance.
How to Clean Gold Jewellery at Home
We don’t believe in dulling your shine at Estella Bartlett, and the same goes for your jewellery’s. Let’s talk about some of our quick tips on how to clean gold jewellery at home:
- Apply perfume and moisturiser well before your jewellery
- Use a jewellery polishing cloth
- Store your jewellery in jewellery boxes
Apply Perfume and Moisturiser Well Before Your Jewellery
Keeping your gold necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in pristine condition begins before you’ve even put them on. Whilst it mightn’t cross your mind, beauty products like moisturisers and perfumes often contain chemicals and oils that can tarnish your jewellery.
If applying moisturiser and spritzing perfume are essential steps in your morning routine, we recommend using them several minutes before putting on your jewellery to avoid any chance of tarnishing. It’s a simple step, but it gives your products the chance to soak into the skin before you slip on your jewellery.
Use A Jewellery Polishing Cloth
To keep your gold jewellery in tip-top shape, we recommend a little TLC every now and then. Try gently polishing your pieces with a jewellery cloth to remove any signs of dirt or light tarnish.
- Find a quality jewellery polish cleaning cloth, designed to remove dirt.
- Take your time and be gentle. Remember: Wipe. Don’t scrub.
- Buff your jewellery in between deeper cleans for a longer-lasting shine.
Store Your Jewellery Well
Once you’ve taken the time to clean up your gold bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more, carefully store them in a safe space, like a jewellery box. Not only will this limit your jewellery’s exposure to air and moisture, but it’ll also help you keep your collection organised and neatly arranged.
How to Clean Gold-plated Jewellery: Dos and Don’ts
Now that we’ve set out the basics, let’s get into some specifics, shall we? We’re sure you’ve heard a ton of home remedies for cleaning gold jewellery, but here are the dos and don’ts that our experts think are worth bearing in mind:
Dos: |
Dont’s: |
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Use a soft cloth: For the best results, a gentle hand and an even gentler cloth are required. |
Don’t use tough brushes or cloths: Tough cloths and stiff brushes can scratch the gold plating, leading to permanent damage. |
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Use a mild soap: Your typical dishwashing liquid or non-detergent soap is perfect when mixed with warm water. |
Don’t use harsh chemicals: Cleaning products containing harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can cause lasting damage by stripping the plating. |
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Dry your jewellery: Once cleaned, gently pat your jewellery completely dry to prevent potential tarnish caused by residual moisture. |
Don’t soak your jewellery: Leaving your gold-plated jewellery to soak in warm water for extended periods can result in a weakened bond between the plating and base metal. |
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Store your jewellery in a dry place: The final step in the cleaning process is to store your jewellery in a dry, humidity-free location, out of direct sunlight. Estella Bartlett offers plenty of jewellery boxes that do the trick just fine! |
Don’t leave your jewellery exposed: As we’ve mentioned, tarnish is caused by the elements. Leaving your necklaces, etc, on the jewellery table can lead to the colour fading and tarnishing. |
Shop Estella Bartlett’s Waterproof Jewellery
10x stronger than our traditional plating, shopping Estella Bartlett’s waterproof jewellery is yet another fantastic way to avoid scuffs, scratches, and wear! We designed these waterproof necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more to resist tarnishing., regardless of whether you’re taking a dip in the ocean or working up a sweat on the tennis court!
Shop Gold-plated Jewellery at Estella Bartlett
Whether you’re on the lookout for elegant new pieces to add to your collection or are gifting a loved one a special something, Estella Bartlett has plenty of gold jewellery to choose from.
Make a pair of our gold earrings your new everyday staple, or layer our gold-plated necklaces for a glamorous evening look. We have a whole range of stunning gold-plated pieces, perfect for showcasing your personal style that can last a lifetime when properly cared for.
Now that you’re well-equipped to take care of your collection, shop our curated range today. For more information about our products or to learn how to clean gold jewellery at home, please contact us today.
