Gold Plated Jewellery Care: Easy Cleaning Tips for Lasting Shine

Understanding Gold Plating: Why Special Care Matters

Gold plated jewellery offers the luxury look of solid gold at a more accessible price point. But what exactly is gold plating? It's a thin layer of real gold applied over a base metal (usually brass, copper, or sterling silver). This delicate layer is what gives your gold bracelet its beautiful shine.

The gold layer on plated jewellery is typically just 0.5 to 3 microns thick – much thinner than a human hair! This is why gold plated pieces require gentler cleaning methods than solid gold. With proper care, your Ella & Eve gold plated jewellery can maintain its lustre for years.

Understanding this delicate structure helps explain why harsh chemicals, abrasives, or even overly vigorous cleaning can wear away the gold layer, exposing the base metal underneath. The good news? With the right approach, keeping your gold plated pieces looking gorgeous is simple.

Gentle Cleaning Methods: Safe Ways to Restore Shine

When your gold plated bracelet needs cleaning, these gentle methods will safely restore its shine without damaging the delicate gold layer:

Method 1: Soap and Water Cleaning

1. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water (never hot)
2. Add a few drops of mild dish soap (free from phosphates and harsh chemicals)
3. Swish to create a gentle soapy solution
4. Soak your bracelet for 1-2 minutes only
5. Use a very soft cloth or an extra-soft baby toothbrush to gently clean crevices
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean, room-temperature water
7. Pat completely dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
8. Allow to air dry fully before storing or wearing

Method 2: Microfibre Cloth Polishing

For light cleaning or quick touch-ups:

• Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth
• Gently buff the surface of your gold plated jewellery
• Use light, circular motions
• Focus on one small section at a time
• This method is perfect for weekly maintenance

Remember: Always be gentle! Let the cleaning solution and soft cloth do the work, not pressure or scrubbing.

What to Avoid: Protecting Your Gold Plating

To keep your gold plated bracelet looking its best, avoid these common cleaning mistakes that can damage the delicate gold layer:

• Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach, chlorine, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners
• Commercial Jewellery Cleaners: Most are too harsh for gold plating
• Abrasive Materials: No toothpaste, baking soda, or rough cloths
• Ultrasonic Cleaners: The vibrations can damage the plating bond
• Steam Cleaning: Heat and moisture can cause the plating to separate
• Excessive Rubbing: Even with soft cloths, too much pressure wears away gold
• Prolonged Soaking: Extended exposure to water can weaken adhesion

Even some hand sanitisers and lotions contain ingredients that can dull or damage gold plating. When possible, remove your gold bracelet before applying these products, and wait until they're fully absorbed before putting your jewellery back on.

Daily Care Tips: Maintaining Your Gold Plated Jewellery

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to gold plated jewellery care. These simple daily habits will help maintain your gold bracelet's shine:

• Last On, First Off: Put your jewellery on after applying makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions. Take it off before showering or swimming.
• Avoid Contact With Water: Remove before washing hands, doing dishes, or any water activities.
• Wipe After Wearing: Use a soft cloth to gently wipe your pieces after each wear to remove oils, sweat, and residues.
• Avoid Exercise: Sweat contains salts that can accelerate tarnishing and damage gold plating.
• Mind Your Activities: Remove when cleaning, gardening, or doing other tasks that might expose jewellery to chemicals or rough surfaces.

These simple habits make a huge difference in how long your gold plating lasts. The same care applies to all your gold plated pieces, whether they're necklaces, earrings, or anklets.

Storage Solutions: Protecting When Not Worn

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning when it comes to preserving your gold plated bracelet. Here's how to store your precious pieces:

• Individual Storage: Store each piece separately to prevent scratching and tangling
• Soft Lining: Use boxes or pouches with soft, anti-tarnish lining
• Airtight Options: Consider small ziplock bags with the air squeezed out
• Silica Gel Packets: These help absorb moisture (just keep away from children)
• Original Packaging: The Ella & Eve gift boxes are perfect for storage
• Cool, Dry Place: Avoid bathroom cabinets where humidity fluctuates
• Clasped and Flat: Close clasps and lay chains flat to prevent tangling

Every Ella & Eve piece comes in a beautiful gift box that doubles as perfect storage. This isn't just lovely packaging – it's designed to protect your jewellery when not being worn.

For your entire jewellery collection, consider a dedicated jewellery box with separate compartments, ideally lined with anti-tarnish material.

When to Clean: Finding the Right Balance

How often should you clean your gold plated jewellery? It's about finding the right balance:

• Light Cleaning: A gentle wipe with a soft cloth after each wear
• Deeper Cleaning: The soap and water method every 2-3 weeks if worn regularly
• Signs It's Time to Clean:
  • Visible fingerprints or smudges
  • Dullness or lack of shine
  • Spots or discoloration

Be careful not to over-clean! Too frequent or aggressive cleaning can wear away the gold plating faster than normal wear. If your gold bracelet still looks good, simply wipe it with a soft cloth and save the deeper cleaning for when truly needed.

Different pieces may need different cleaning schedules. Items worn daily like bracelets and rings typically need more frequent attention than occasionally worn pieces like special occasion necklaces or earrings.

Professional Care: When to Seek Expert Help

While most gold plated jewellery care can be handled at home, there are times when professional help is best:

• Complex Pieces: Items with intricate designs or hard-to-reach areas
• Mixed Materials: Pieces combining gold plating with gemstones or pearls
• Significant Tarnishing: When home methods aren't restoring the shine
• Replating Services: When the original plating has worn thin over time

When seeking professional cleaning, always:

• Specify that the item is gold plated, not solid gold
• Ask about their experience with plated jewellery specifically
• Inquire about the gentle methods they'll use
• Consider replating services if the original plating has worn significantly

Remember that even with the best care, gold plating will eventually wear with regular use. Many jewellers offer replating services that can make your beloved pieces look new again.

Discover the Ella & Eve Gold Plated Collection

Now that you know how to care for gold plated jewellery, why not explore our stunning collection? Each piece is thoughtfully designed to bring elegance to your everyday style.

From delicate gold bracelets that catch the light with every movement to statement necklaces that frame your face beautifully, our gold plated collection offers timeless pieces for every occasion.

Complete your look with our matching earrings or add a touch of summer glamour with our anklets. Each piece comes in our signature gift box – perfect for storage or presenting to someone special.

Special offer: Buy one piece and get 50% off your second item! It's the perfect opportunity to create a coordinated look or to treat yourself and a friend.

Browse our complete collection and find your next favourite piece that will bring joy for years to come with the proper care you've learned today.