How to Clean Gold Plated Sterling Silver Necklaces | Expert Care Guide

Understanding Gold Plated Sterling Silver Jewellery

Before diving into cleaning methods, it's helpful to understand what gold plated sterling silver actually is. Gold plated jewellery consists of a thin layer of gold bonded to a sterling silver base. This gives you the beautiful warm glow of gold at a more accessible price point than solid gold.

The gold layer on plated jewellery is typically quite thin (usually between 0.5 and 2.5 microns). This is why special care is needed – harsh cleaning methods can wear away this delicate gold layer, revealing the silver underneath. With the right approach, however, your gold plated necklace can maintain its beauty for years to come.

Gentle Cleaning Methods for Gold Plated Necklaces

The key to cleaning gold plated jewellery is gentleness. Here are the safest and most effective methods:

Method 1: Warm Soapy Water Bath

1. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm (never hot) water
2. Add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid (avoid harsh detergents)
3. Stir gently to create a light soapy solution
4. Soak your necklace for 1-2 minutes only
5. Use a very soft cloth or an extra-soft baby toothbrush to gently clean any 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

Method 2: Microfibre Cloth Cleaning

For light cleaning or regular maintenance:

1. Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth
2. Gently polish your gold plated necklace with light, sweeping motions
3. Focus on one small section at a time
4. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, which can wear down the gold plating

Remember: Less is more when cleaning gold plated jewellery. Frequent gentle cleaning is better than occasional aggressive cleaning.

Daily Care Tips to Extend the Life of Your Gold Plated Necklace

• Put it on last, take it off first: Apply perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and cosmetics before putting on your necklace. Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming, or exercising.
• Avoid contact with chemicals: Household cleaners, chlorine, and even some beauty products can damage gold plating. Remove your necklace before cleaning or using beauty products.
• Wipe after wearing: Use a soft jewellery cloth to gently wipe your necklace after each wear to remove oils, sweat, and residues that can dull the finish over time.
• Rotate your jewellery: Give your gold plated pieces a break by alternating with other jewellery. This reduces wear on any single piece. Our jewellery collection offers many beautiful options to create a versatile rotation. Buy 1, get 50% OFF a second piece!

What to Avoid with Gold Plated Jewellery

To preserve your gold plated sterling silver necklace, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Harsh chemicals: Never use bleach, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners on gold plated jewellery.
• Abrasive materials: Avoid toothpaste, baking soda, or any abrasive cleaners that can scratch and remove the gold layer.
• Ultrasonic cleaners: These are too harsh for gold plated items and can damage the plating.
• Polishing compounds: Most jewellery polishes are designed for solid gold or silver and are too abrasive for plated pieces.
• Extended water exposure: Don't soak gold plated jewellery for long periods, as this can weaken the bond between the gold and silver base.
• Excessive rubbing: Even with a soft cloth, too much friction can wear down the gold layer over time.

Storing Your Gold Plated Necklace Properly

Proper storage is just as important as proper cleaning for maintaining your gold plated jewellery:

• Store separately: Keep your gold plated pieces separate from other jewellery to prevent scratches and tangling. Individual pouches or compartments are ideal.
• Use your Ella & Eve packaging: Every piece of our jewellery comes with a complimentary gift box and gift bag. The lined box provides perfect protection from scratches and air exposure.
• Control humidity: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid bathroom storage where humidity can accelerate tarnishing of the underlying silver.
• Add anti-tarnish strips: These can help protect the sterling silver base if the gold plating has any tiny scratches or wear.
• Fasten clasps: Always fasten the clasp of your necklace before storing to prevent tangling and chain kinks.
• Lay flat or hang properly: For delicate or longer necklaces, laying them flat prevents stretching. For shorter chains, proper jewellery hooks can work well.

Reviving the Shine of Your Gold Plated Jewellery

If your gold plated necklace has lost some of its lustre but isn't damaged, try these gentle methods to revive its shine:

Gentle Baking Soda Method (for very light cleaning only)

1. Line a small bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up
2. Place your necklace on the foil, ensuring it makes contact
3. Sprinkle a very small amount of baking soda over the jewellery
4. Pour just enough warm water to cover the piece
5. Let sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute maximum
6. Remove, rinse thoroughly with clean water
7. Dry completely with a soft cloth

Note: This method should be used sparingly (no more than once every few months) as it can eventually wear down the gold plating if used too frequently.

Microfibre Buffing

Sometimes all that's needed is a good buffing with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Use gentle, circular motions to restore shine without removing any of the gold plating.

When to Seek Professional Care

While regular at-home cleaning is usually sufficient, there are times when professional help is best:

• Visible wear in the gold plating: If you notice the silver base showing through in areas, a jeweller may be able to re-plate the piece.
• Damaged clasps or findings: These require professional repair to avoid further damage to the piece.
• Gemstone settings: If your gold plated necklace includes gemstones that have become loose, seek professional help.
• Stubborn tarnish on exposed silver: If areas where the gold has worn away show tarnish that won't clean with gentle methods, a jeweller can safely address this.

Remember that professional cleaning services for gold plated jewellery should specifically mention they work with plated pieces, as techniques for solid gold are often too harsh for plated items.

Your Gold Plated Jewellery Care Questions Answered

How often should I clean my gold plated necklace?

Light cleaning with a soft cloth after each wear is ideal. A gentle soap cleaning should only be done when visibly needed, typically every few weeks to months depending on wear frequency.

Can I shower with my gold plated necklace?

It's best to remove gold plated jewellery before showering. Soaps, shampoos, and hot water can accelerate wear on the gold plating and potentially expose the silver underneath to tarnishing.

Will my gold plated jewellery eventually fade?

With proper care, gold plating can last for years. However, being a thin layer of gold, it will eventually show some wear with regular use. The timeline varies greatly depending on care, body chemistry, and environmental factors.

Can tarnished areas of my gold plated silver necklace be restored?

If the gold plating has worn away in spots, revealing tarnished silver underneath, a jeweller can clean the tarnish and potentially re-plate the piece. Home remedies risk damaging the remaining gold plating.

Discover Ella & Eve's Gold Plated Collection

With proper care, gold plated sterling silver jewellery offers the perfect blend of luxury and value. Our collection features stunning gold necklaces, elegant gold bracelets, beautiful gold earrings, and delicate gold anklets – all designed to bring timeless style to your everyday look.

Each piece comes with our signature complimentary gift box and branded gift bag, perfect for gifting or storing your treasures safely between wears.