How to Clean Tarnished Silver & Gold Plated Bracelets | Easy Care Guide

Why Does Jewellery Tarnish?

Tarnish isn't a sign of poor quality – it's actually proof that your jewellery is made from genuine materials! Tarnish is a natural reaction that happens when metals are exposed to air, moisture, and everyday substances.

For sterling silver bracelets, tarnish appears as a darkening or dullness when the silver reacts with sulphur in the air. For gold-plated bracelets, the thin layer of gold may wear slightly over time, revealing the base metal underneath.

Common tarnish triggers include:

• Body lotions, perfumes and cosmetics
• Sweat and natural skin oils
• Household cleaning products
• Swimming pools (chlorine)
• Air pollution
• Humidity and moisture

The good news? Tarnish is usually just surface-level and can be easily removed with gentle cleaning.

How to Clean Your Sterling Silver Bracelet

Sterling silver requires gentle care to remove tarnish without scratching the surface. Here are three effective methods:

Method 1: Soap and Water (Safest Method)

1. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water
2. Add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid
3. Soak your bracelet for 2-3 minutes
4. Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush (baby toothbrushes work perfectly)
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
6. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
7. Allow to air dry completely before storing

Method 2: Silver Polishing Cloth

A dedicated silver polishing cloth contains special ingredients that remove tarnish while polishing. Simply rub your bracelet gently with the cloth until the shine returns. This method is perfect for light tarnish and regular maintenance.

Method 3: Baking Soda Paste (For Heavier Tarnish)

Note: This method is slightly more abrasive, so use with extra care on detailed or delicate pieces.

1. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste
2. Apply the paste with a soft cloth or very soft toothbrush
3. Rub gently in circular motions
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
5. Dry completely with a soft cloth

Cleaning Gold-Plated Bracelets

Gold-plated jewellery requires extra gentle care as the gold layer is thin and can wear away with harsh cleaning. Always use the gentlest method possible for your gold bracelet.

Method 1: Mild Soap Solution

1. Mix a few drops of mild washing-up liquid in warm water
2. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring out excess water
3. Gently wipe your bracelet (don't soak gold-plated jewellery)
4. Rinse by wiping with a cloth dampened with clean water
5. Dry immediately and thoroughly with a soft cloth

Method 2: Microfibre Cloth

For light tarnish or dullness, simply polish your gold-plated bracelet with a dry microfibre cloth. The gentle friction will remove light oils and restore shine without damaging the plating.

What to Avoid with Gold-Plated Jewellery

• Soaking (can loosen the plating)
• Abrasive cleaners (including baking soda)
• Toothbrushes or scrubbing
• Commercial jewellery cleaners (unless specifically for gold plate)
• Ultrasonic cleaners

Simple Home Remedies for Jewellery Cleaning

Don't have special cleaning products? These kitchen staples can work wonders for silver jewellery:

Aluminium Foil Method (For Silver Only)

1. Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up
2. Place your silver bracelet on the foil
3. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda
4. Pour in enough hot (not boiling) water to cover the jewellery
5. Let sit for 2-5 minutes (you'll see the tarnish disappear!)
6. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely

How it works: This creates a chemical reaction that transfers the tarnish from your silver to the aluminium foil.

Lemon Juice Method (For Light Silver Tarnish)

Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 2 tablespoons water. Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and gently rub your silver bracelet. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. The mild acid in lemon juice helps dissolve tarnish.

White Vinegar and Baking Soda (For Silver Only)

Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with 2 tablespoons baking soda. Soak silver jewellery for 2-3 hours, rinse thoroughly and dry completely. This is excellent for heavily tarnished pieces.

Important: Never use these home remedies on gold-plated jewellery, pearls, or pieces with gemstones.

Preventing Future Tarnish

Keep your bracelets looking their best with these simple prevention tips:

• Wear Regularly: Believe it or not, wearing your jewellery regularly helps prevent tarnish as the natural oils from your skin keep it polished.
• Apply Products First: Put on lotions, perfumes, and cosmetics before your jewellery.
• Remove Before: Take off your bracelet before swimming, showering, cleaning, or exercising.
• Wipe After Wearing: Give your bracelet a quick wipe with a soft cloth after each wear to remove oils and moisture.
• Proper Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Anti-tarnish bags or cloth-lined jewellery boxes are ideal.
• Separate Your Pieces: Store jewellery pieces separately to prevent scratching and chemical reactions between different metals.

Pro Tip: Place a small piece of chalk or a silica gel packet in your jewellery box to absorb moisture and prevent tarnishing.

When to Seek Professional Cleaning

While most tarnish can be handled at home, some situations call for professional help:

• Valuable Pieces: For high-value or sentimental items, professional cleaning ensures safe handling.
• Intricate Designs: Pieces with detailed filigree or hard-to-reach areas may need professional attention.
• Gemstone Settings: If your bracelet has gemstones, especially porous ones like pearls or opals, professional cleaning is safest.
• Severe Tarnish: If home methods aren't working on deeply tarnished pieces.
• Damaged Plating: If your gold-plated bracelet shows significant wear, a professional can advise on re-plating options.

Professional jewellers have specialised equipment and solutions that can restore your jewellery without risking damage.

Explore Our Stunning Bracelet Collection

Ready to add a new sparkling piece to your collection? Ella & Eve offers a beautiful range of bracelets in both sterling silver and gold-plated finishes.

Our collection includes:

• Classic sterling silver bracelets that pair with everything
• Elegant gold-plated designs for a touch of luxury
• Delicate anklets for summer style
• Stunning necklaces and earrings to complete your look

Special Offer: Buy one piece and get 50% off your second item! Perfect for creating a coordinated set or treating yourself and a friend.

Every Ella & Eve piece comes in a complimentary gift box and bag – ideal for keeping your jewellery protected when not being worn.