Fashion Jewellery
How to Clean Gold-Plated Jewellery without Damaging It
Do you own gold-plated jewellery and have resisted cleaning it out of fear of ruining it? You’ve probably heard horror stories of people trying to clean their much-loved pieces only to destroy them and leave them unable to be worn. The problem is that jewellery takes a lot of wear and tear so regular cleanings are often necessary to keep them looking beautiful. Here’s a look at some tips you can use to clean your gold-plated jewellery without damaging it.
Use a Microfiber Cloth After Each Wear
The first tip is to get into the habit of using a microfiber cloth on the jewellery after each wear. Just give it a quick wipe with a dry cloth to remove any surface oils, dust and dirt. Then be sure to store it in a dust-free container to keep it looking good. Gold-plated jewellery can tarnish just like silver, so keeping it clean will help prevent that from happening.
Gentle Soap and Water Is All That’s Needed
If a cloth isn’t doing a good enough job of cleaning your jewellery, gentle soap and water is the next step. You’ll want to look for a soap that is free of dyes, fragrances and harsh chemicals so that it is gentle on your jewellery. Simply fill a bowl with warm water, put a little liquid soap in the water, stir it around and then let your items soak in it. Give it a few minutes to soak, take them out and rinse them carefully and then use a clean soft cloth to dry them off.
However, if the piece is intricate and soaking doesn’t do a good enough job of cleaning, this is when you can reach for a clean, soft-bristled brush, like a very soft toothbrush, to give it a light brushing. You may need to soak it again, and then rinse it again.
Keep Makeup, Lotions and Perfumes Away from Jewellery
Did you know that makeup, lotion, perfumes and oils can all damage your gold-plated jewellery over time? You may be able to cut down on the amount of cleaning simply by being more careful with what your jewellery touches. For example, never spray perfume on the parts of your body where you also wear jewellery, and don’t use a moisturiser on the skin where your jewellery is sitting either.
Gold Plated Jewellery Never Goes Out of Style
The great thing about gold-plated jewellery is that it never goes out of style. Gold has a certain elegance and sophistication to it that continues to trend year after year, season after season. Depending on the piece, the gemstones used, and the style, you can either dress it up or down. And now that you know how to clean it, you may be inspired to purchase some more pieces and expand your options. You can have a look at online shops like Chapter 79 for what’s trending right now.
Because you can spend a lot of money on your gold-plated jewellery, and it is likely pieces that you truly love, you want to do all you can to keep them in like-new condition. Using these cleaning tips will help you do just that.