How to Prevent Gold Plated Necklaces from Tarnishing | Expert Care Guide

Understanding Gold Plated Jewellery: The Basics

Gold plated jewellery offers the luxurious look of solid gold at a more wallet-friendly price. But what exactly is it? Gold plating involves applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal (often brass, copper, or silver) through a process called electroplating.

This beautiful coating gives your gold necklaces, bracelets, and earrings their stunning shine. However, because the gold layer is relatively thin (typically between 0.5 and 3 microns), it requires special care to maintain its beauty over time.

Understanding this structure helps explain why gold plated pieces can tarnish – it's not the gold itself that tarnishes, but rather the base metal underneath that may begin to show through as the plating naturally wears with time and exposure.

Daily Care: Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference

The good news is that with proper care, your gold plated jewellery can maintain its beauty for years. Here are some easy daily habits that will help preserve your treasured pieces:

• Wipe After Wearing: Take a few seconds to gently wipe your gold plated necklace with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear. This removes oils, sweat, and any residues that could affect the plating.
• Last On, First Off: Make your jewellery the final touch to your outfit after applying lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays. Remove it first before showering or exercising.
• Avoid Water Exposure: While a brief splash won't cause immediate damage, prolonged exposure to water can accelerate tarnishing. Remove your jewellery before swimming, showering, or washing dishes.
• Rotate Your Collection: Give your favourite pieces a break by rotating through your collection. This reduces wear on any single item and is the perfect excuse to expand your jewellery wardrobe with our Buy 1, get 50% OFF a second piece! offer.

Smart Wearing Habits: When and How to Wear Your Gold Plated Jewellery

Being mindful about when you wear your gold plated pieces can significantly extend their life:

Consider the activity before wearing your gold plated jewellery. While perfect for dinners, work, and social gatherings, it's best to remove your precious necklaces and bracelets during these activities:

• Exercising or sports (sweat contains salt that can damage plating)
• Swimming (both chlorine and salt water are harmful)
• Cleaning (household chemicals can strip gold plating)
• Gardening (soil and fertilizers contain compounds that can cause tarnishing)
• Sleeping (friction against bedding can wear down plating over time)

For everyday wear, lighter pieces like our delicate gold necklaces or subtle earrings are excellent choices, while statement pieces can be saved for special occasions to minimise exposure and wear.

Gentle Cleaning Methods: Keeping Your Gold Plated Jewellery Sparkling

Regular Cleaning Routine

When your gold plated pieces need a refresh, follow these gentle steps:

1. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water (never hot).
2. Add a few drops of mild, phosphate-free dish soap.
3. Swish to create a gentle solution without strong bubbles.
4. Soak your gold plated jewellery for no more than 1-2 minutes.
5. If needed, use a very soft brush (like a baby's toothbrush) for crevices.
6. Rinse thoroughly with room temperature water.
7. Pat completely dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
8. Allow to air dry fully before storing.

Polishing Cloths

A microfibre cloth is your gold plated jewellery's best friend. For light cleaning and shine restoration, gently buff your pieces with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Avoid using paper towels or tissues as they can contain wood fibres that might scratch the delicate plating.

What to Avoid

Gold plating requires gentler care than solid gold. Never use:

• Ultrasonic cleaners (too harsh for plated items)
• Jewellery dips or solutions (can strip plating)
• Abrasive materials like baking soda or toothpaste
• Harsh chemicals including bleach, chlorine, or ammonia
• Steam cleaning methods

Storage Solutions: Protecting Your Gold Plated Treasures

Proper storage is perhaps the most important factor in preventing tarnish when your jewellery isn't being worn:

• 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 air exposure and scratches.
• Anti-Tarnish Environment: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid bathroom storage where humidity levels fluctuate.
• Individual Storage: Store pieces separately to prevent scratching and tangling. For necklaces, fasten the clasp before storing to prevent tangling.
• Silica Gel Packets: These moisture-absorbing packets (often found in new shoes or handbags) can be saved and placed in your jewellery box to reduce humidity.
• Anti-Tarnish Strips or Cloths: These can be placed in your storage area to absorb tarnish-causing gases.
• Airtight Containers: Small ziplock bags (squeeze out excess air) can provide additional protection for pieces not worn frequently.

What to Avoid: Common Culprits Behind Tarnishing

Being aware of what causes tarnishing helps you take proactive steps to protect your gold plated jewellery:

Substances That Speed Up Tarnishing

• Chemicals: Perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, sunscreens, and cosmetics contain compounds that can react with the metal and accelerate tarnishing.
• Moisture: Sweat, swimming pools, hot tubs, and even high humidity can trigger chemical reactions that lead to tarnishing.
• Body Chemistry: Some people naturally have more acidic skin, which can speed up tarnishing when in contact with gold plated jewellery.
• Sulphur-Containing Foods: Handling foods like eggs, onions, and some spices before touching your jewellery can transfer tarnish-causing compounds.

Physical Factors

Physical wear is just as important to prevent as chemical reactions. Avoid:

• Rough handling or dropping your pieces
• Stacking multiple gold plated bracelets that can rub against each other
• Sleeping in your jewellery (friction against bedding causes wear)
• Exercising while wearing gold plated pieces (friction and sweat combination)
• Submerging in water for extended periods

Reviving Tarnished Pieces: Is It Possible?

If your gold plated jewellery has already begun to tarnish, don't despair. While severe tarnishing or wear may require professional attention, you can often refresh lightly tarnished pieces:

For Light Tarnish

1. Create a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water.
2. Gently clean with a soft cloth, avoiding rubbing too hard.
3. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a soft cloth.
4. Buff gently with a microfibre cloth to restore shine.

When to Seek Professional Help

For valuable or sentimental pieces showing significant tarnish or wear, professional replating may be worth considering. A jeweller can assess whether your piece is a good candidate for replating, which can give your treasured necklace or anklet a new lease on life.

Remember that prevention is always easier than restoration, so implementing the care tips mentioned earlier will help you avoid reaching this stage.

Your Gold Plated Jewellery Care Questions Answered

How long should gold plated jewellery last?

With proper care, gold plated jewellery can maintain its appearance for several years. The lifespan depends on the thickness of the plating, how often it's worn, and how well it's maintained. Following the care tips in this guide can significantly extend its beauty.

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 the wearing down of the gold layer. The few seconds it takes to remove your jewellery before stepping into the shower can add months to its lifespan.

Why does gold plated jewellery tarnish faster on some people?

Individual body chemistry plays a significant role. People with more acidic skin pH or those who perspire more may experience faster tarnishing. Medications, diet, and even hormone levels can affect how quickly gold plating wears on different individuals.

Is gold plated jewellery worth buying?

Absolutely! Gold plated jewellery offers the beautiful look of gold at an accessible price point. With proper care, these pieces can be enjoyed for years. They allow you to expand your jewellery collection with various styles without the investment of solid gold pieces.

Embrace Everyday Elegance with Ella & Eve

With these simple care tips, you can enjoy your gold plated jewellery for years to come. The small effort of proper maintenance is well worth the continued beauty and enjoyment of your favourite pieces.

Explore our stunning collection of gold plated necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and anklets – each piece designed with quality and timeless style in mind.