How to Clean Gold Plated Sterling Silver Earrings: Simple Care Guide

Understanding Gold Plated Sterling Silver Jewellery

Before diving into cleaning methods, it helps to understand what gold plated sterling silver actually is. Your beautiful gold earrings consist of a sterling silver base (92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals) covered with a thin layer of gold through an electroplating process.

This gold layer is delicate – typically between 0.5 and 3 microns thick – which is why special care is needed. The right cleaning approach will preserve this precious gold coating while keeping your earrings looking their best.

Gentle Cleaning Methods for Gold Plated Earrings

When it comes to cleaning gold plated sterling silver earrings, gentle is the key word. Here are the safest and most effective methods:

Mild Soap Solution Method

1. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water (never hot)
2. Add a few drops of mild, phosphate-free washing-up liquid
3. Mix gently to create a light soapy solution
4. Dip a soft microfibre cloth into the solution
5. Wring out excess water so the cloth is just damp
6. Gently wipe your earrings, paying attention to any dirt in crevices
7. Rinse with a clean damp cloth (not under running water)
8. Pat completely dry with a soft, lint-free cloth

Microfibre Polishing Method

For light cleaning and shine restoration:

1. Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth
2. Gently buff the surface of your gold plated earrings
3. Use light, circular motions
4. Focus on one small area at a time

This method is perfect for regular maintenance between deeper cleanings and helps maintain the shine of your gold earrings without risking damage to the plating.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Gold Plated Jewellery

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right cleaning methods. Avoid these common mistakes to protect your gold plated sterling silver earrings:

• Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners
• Abrasive Materials: Avoid toothpaste, baking soda, or any abrasive cleaners
• Rough Cloths: Paper towels and rough fabrics can scratch the gold plating
• Ultrasonic Cleaners: These are too aggressive for gold plated items
• Jewellery Dips: Commercial silver dips will strip the gold plating completely
• Excessive Rubbing: Too much friction can wear away the gold layer
• Submerging: Don't soak gold plated jewellery for extended periods

Remember that gold plating is delicate, and harsh treatments will significantly shorten its lifespan. Gentle care preserves both the beauty and value of your Ella & Eve pieces.

Daily Care Tips for Gold Plated Earrings

Proper daily habits can dramatically extend the life of your gold plated sterling silver earrings:

• Last On, First Off: Put your earrings on after applying makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions. Remove them before showering or swimming.
• Avoid Contact with Chemicals: Keep your gold earrings away from household cleaners, chlorine, and even some beauty products.
• Wipe After Wearing: Use a soft cloth to gently wipe your earrings after each wear to remove oils, sweat, and residues.
• Handle with Care: Always hold gold plated earrings by the posts or hooks rather than the decorative elements to avoid oils from your fingers transferring to the plated surface.
• Remove During Activities: Take off your earrings during exercise, swimming, cleaning, and sleeping to prevent unnecessary wear.

These simple habits take just seconds but can add months or even years to the life of your gold plating. The same care principles apply to all your gold plated pieces, including necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.

Storing Your Gold Plated Earrings Properly

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the beauty of your gold plated sterling silver earrings:

• Use Your Ella & Eve Packaging: Every piece of our jewellery comes with a complimentary gift box and gift bag. The lined box provides excellent protection against scratches and air exposure.
• Store Separately: Keep your gold plated earrings separate from other jewellery to prevent scratching. Individual pouches or compartments are ideal.
• Control Humidity: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid bathroom cabinets where humidity fluctuates.
• Anti-tarnish Strips: While primarily for silver, these can also help protect the sterling silver base of your gold plated earrings.
• Sealed Containers: Airtight containers or ziplock bags can provide extra protection against air exposure.

Good storage habits prevent unnecessary exposure to elements that can damage the gold plating and help maintain the pristine condition of your gold earrings between wears.

When to Clean Your Gold Plated Earrings

Finding the right cleaning frequency is important for gold plated jewellery:

• Light Cleaning: A gentle wipe with a microfibre cloth after each wear is ideal for removing oils and everyday residues.
• Deeper Cleaning: The mild soap method should only be used when earrings show visible dirt or have lost their shine – typically every 1-2 months depending on wear frequency.
• Signs Cleaning is Needed: Dullness, visible smudges, or a film on the surface are indicators that cleaning is required.
• Preventative Approach: Regular light cleaning prevents the need for more intensive cleaning methods that might stress the gold plating.

Remember that over-cleaning can be as damaging as neglect when it comes to gold plated jewellery. Each cleaning, even gentle ones, creates some friction that gradually affects the plating. Balance is key.

When to Consider Professional Care

While most cleaning can be done at home, there are times when professional help is advisable:

• Complex Designs: If your gold plated earrings have intricate details that trap dirt in hard-to-reach places.
• Gemstone Settings: Earrings with gemstones may require special care that's best left to professionals.
• Visible Wear: If you notice the gold plating starting to wear off in certain areas.
• Re-plating: When the gold layer has significantly worn, professional re-plating can restore your earrings' appearance.

A reputable jeweller can assess the condition of your gold plated sterling silver earrings and recommend the appropriate treatment. For valuable or sentimental pieces, professional cleaning every 6-12 months can be a worthwhile investment.

Extending the Life of Your Gold Plated Jewellery

Beyond cleaning, these additional tips will help maximise the lifespan of your gold plated sterling silver earrings:

• Rotation is Key: Avoid wearing the same pair of earrings every day. Rotating your collection reduces wear on any single piece and gives you more opportunities to enjoy your Ella & Eve jewellery.
• Apply a Protective Barrier: Some jewellers recommend applying a thin layer of clear nail polish to areas that experience the most friction (not on the visible front of earrings).
• Consider Your Environment: Be extra cautious with your gold plated earrings in high-humidity climates or during activities that cause perspiration.
• Mind Your Products: Check that your hair products, perfumes, and skincare items are free from ingredients that might react with gold plating.

With proper care, your gold plated sterling silver earrings can maintain their beautiful appearance for years. The same principles apply to all your gold plated pieces, from necklaces to anklets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Plated Jewellery Care

Can I shower with my gold plated sterling silver earrings?

No, it's best to remove gold plated jewellery before showering. Soaps, shampoos, and water can accelerate the wearing of the gold layer and potentially tarnish the underlying silver.

Why is my gold plated jewellery changing colour?

Colour changes usually indicate that the gold plating is wearing off, revealing the sterling silver underneath. This is a natural process that happens over time but can be delayed with proper care.

Can tarnished areas of gold plated silver be restored?

If the tarnish is on exposed silver areas where plating has worn away, gentle silver polishing cloths can help those specific spots. However, complete restoration requires professional re-plating.

How long does gold plating typically last?

With proper care, gold plating can last from several months to several years. Factors affecting longevity include the thickness of the plating, wear frequency, care habits, and exposure to chemicals.

Discover Ella & Eve's Gold Plated Collection

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

From delicate gold earrings to statement necklaces, versatile bracelets, and eye-catching anklets – our gold plated sterling silver collection offers timeless pieces for every occasion.

Every Ella & Eve purchase includes our signature gift box and branded gift bag – perfect for storing your jewellery properly or presenting a special gift to someone you love.