How to Store Gold Plated Necklaces: Expert Care Tips

Understanding Gold Plated Jewellery: What Makes It Special

Gold plated jewellery offers the luxurious look of solid gold at a much more wallet-friendly price. Gold plating involves applying a thin layer of real gold over a base metal, typically brass, copper, or sterling silver. This creates a beautiful piece with the warm, rich glow that only gold can provide.

The gold layer on plated jewellery is typically between 0.5 and 2.5 microns thick – much thinner than a human hair! This delicate layer gives your gold necklaces, bracelets, and earrings their beautiful appearance, but it also means they need special care to maintain their shine and prevent the plating from wearing away prematurely.

With proper storage and care, your gold plated jewellery can maintain its beautiful appearance for years to come. The key is understanding how to protect that delicate gold layer from scratches, chemicals, and unnecessary exposure to elements that might speed up wear.

Essential Storage Tips for Gold Plated Necklaces

The way you store your gold plated necklace when you're not wearing it makes all the difference in preserving its beauty. Here are the most important storage practices to follow:

• Use Individual Storage: Store each gold plated piece separately to prevent them from scratching against each other. Your Ella & Eve jewellery comes with a complimentary gift box that's perfect for this purpose.
• Soft Cloth Pouches: Anti-tarnish pouches or soft cloth bags provide an extra layer of protection against air exposure and humidity, which can accelerate tarnishing of the base metal beneath the gold plating.
• Keep Clasps Fastened: Always fasten the clasp of your gold plated necklace before storing it. This prevents tangling and reduces stress on the chain links and clasp mechanism.
• Avoid Hanging: While hanging necklaces might seem convenient, it can cause stretching and stress on the chain over time. Laying them flat in a jewellery box is much better for long-term storage.
• Control Humidity: Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place. Avoid bathroom storage where steam and humidity fluctuations can affect the plating.
• Silica Gel Packets: Adding a small silica gel packet to your jewellery box can help absorb excess moisture and protect your gold plated pieces.

Remember that proper storage begins with proper cleaning. Always ensure your gold plated necklace is clean and completely dry before putting it away, as moisture trapped in crevices can lead to tarnishing of the base metal.

Daily Care Tips for Gold Plated Jewellery

How you treat your gold plated jewellery during everyday wear significantly impacts how long it maintains its beautiful finish. Follow these daily care habits to keep your pieces looking their best:

• Last On, First Off: Make your Ella & Eve gold plated jewellery the final touch to your outfit after applying makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions. Remove it first before showering or exercising.
• Avoid Water Exposure: Take off your gold plated necklaces, earrings, and anklets before swimming, showering, or washing dishes. Chlorine, salt water, and even tap water can accelerate wear on the gold plating.
• Avoid Chemical Contact: Chemicals in cleaning products, perfumes, and even natural oils from your skin can gradually break down the gold plating. Limit direct contact where possible.
• Wipe After Wearing: Gently wipe your gold plated jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear to remove oils, sweat, and any residues that might have accumulated during the day.
• Rotate Your Pieces: Give your favourite pieces a break by rotating through your collection. This reduces wear on any single item and gives you a chance to enjoy all your beautiful Ella & Eve jewellery.

Remember that gold plated jewellery is meant to be worn and enjoyed! With these simple daily care habits, you can significantly extend the life of your pieces while still wearing them regularly.

Gentle Cleaning Methods for Gold Plated Necklaces

Regular Maintenance Cleaning

For routine cleaning of your gold plated necklace:

1. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water (never hot).
2. Add a few drops of mild, phosphate-free washing-up liquid.
3. Gently swish the solution to create light suds.
4. Soak your gold plated necklace for no more than 1-2 minutes.
5. Use a very soft brush (like a baby's 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.

Polishing Gold Plated Jewellery

For a quick shine refresh without washing:

• Use a jewellery polishing cloth specifically designed for gold plated items.
• Gently wipe the surface using light, straight motions (not circular).
• Avoid excessive rubbing, which can wear away the gold plating.
• For intricate designs, use the cloth to lightly dab rather than rub.

What to Avoid

These cleaning methods can damage gold plating and should always be avoided:

• Ultrasonic cleaners (too harsh for plated jewellery)
• Abrasive cleaners like toothpaste or baking soda
• Harsh chemicals including bleach, ammonia, and acetone
• Commercial jewellery dips or solutions not specifically formulated for gold plated items
• Steam cleaning
• Excessive rubbing or scrubbing

Travelling with Gold Plated Jewellery: Storage on the Go

Travelling with your favourite gold plated pieces requires extra care to prevent damage during transit. Here's how to keep your gold necklaces and other jewellery safe while you're on the move:

• Use Your Ella & Eve Gift Bag: Every piece of our jewellery comes with a complimentary gift bag that's perfect for travel. The soft lining helps protect your gold plated pieces from scratches.
• Invest in a Travel Case: A dedicated travel jewellery case with individual compartments keeps pieces separate and secure. Look for ones with soft lining and secure closures.
• The Straw Method: For necklaces, thread the chain through a drinking straw and fasten the clasp. This prevents tangling and keeps the chain straight during travel.
• Button Method: Alternatively, fasten necklace clasps through a button hole, then place in a soft pouch. The button keeps the chain from tangling.
• Pill Organizers: Small pill organizers make excellent travel containers for earrings and smaller jewellery items, keeping pairs together and preventing loss.
• Pack in Carry-on: Always pack valuable jewellery in your carry-on luggage, never in checked bags where it could be lost or damaged.

When you reach your destination, unpack your jewellery right away and store it properly. Don't leave it in luggage or travel cases longer than necessary, as these aren't designed for long-term storage.

Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, many of us make storage mistakes that can shorten the life of our gold plated jewellery. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:

• Storing Different Metals Together: Mixing gold plated pieces with silver or other metals can cause chemical reactions that accelerate tarnishing. Keep your gold necklaces separate from other metal types.
• Bathroom Storage: The humidity and temperature fluctuations in bathrooms create the perfect environment for damaging gold plating. Store your jewellery in your bedroom instead.
• Jumbled Jewellery Box: Tossing all your pieces into one compartment leads to scratches, tangles, and broken clasps. Use dividers or individual pouches.
• Storing When Damp: Always ensure your gold plated jewellery is completely dry before storing it. Trapped moisture can lead to tarnishing and discolouration.
• Storing When Dirty: Oils, perfumes, and other residues left on jewellery can damage the gold plating over time. Clean pieces before storing them.
• Exposure to Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade and damage gold plating over time. Keep jewellery boxes away from windowsills and sunny spots.
• Plastic Bags: Some plastics emit gases that can tarnish metals. Only use anti-tarnish pouches or cloth bags specifically designed for jewellery storage.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll significantly extend the life and beauty of your gold plated jewellery collection.

Extending the Life of Your Gold Plated Jewellery

Beyond proper storage and cleaning, there are additional steps you can take to maximise the lifespan of your gold plated pieces:

• Reapply Clear Nail Polish: For areas that receive the most wear (like the back of pendants or parts of bracelets that rub against your desk), a thin coat of clear nail polish can provide an extra protective barrier. Apply sparingly and let dry completely.
• Consider Re-plating: When the gold plating eventually wears thin, professional re-plating is an option to restore your favourite pieces to their original beauty.
• Rotate Your Collection: The more pieces you have, the less wear each one receives. Our Buy 1, get 50% OFF a second piece! offer is the perfect opportunity to expand your collection.
• Match Jewellery to Activities: Save your finest gold plated pieces for special occasions and less active days. For workouts, gardening, or beach days, consider simpler, more durable pieces.
• Apply Skincare Products First: Always apply lotions, perfumes, and other products at least 15 minutes before putting on your gold plated jewellery. This gives products time to absorb into your skin rather than onto your jewellery.

Remember that some wear is inevitable with gold plated jewellery – it's part of the natural lifecycle of these beautiful pieces. With proper care, however, you can significantly slow this process and enjoy your Ella & Eve jewellery for much longer.

Your Gold Plated Jewellery Questions Answered

Can I shower with my gold plated necklace?

No, it's best to remove gold plated jewellery before showering. Soaps, shampoos, and water can accelerate the wearing away of the gold plating. Always remove your pieces before bathing, swimming, or engaging in water activities.

How long does gold plating typically last?

With proper care and storage, gold plated jewellery can maintain its appearance for several months to a few years. Factors affecting longevity include the thickness of the plating, how often you wear the piece, your body chemistry, and how well you follow care guidelines.

Is it normal for gold plated jewellery to change colour over time?

Yes, some colour change is normal as the thin layer of gold gradually wears away, revealing the base metal underneath. However, proper storage and care can significantly slow this process and extend the life of your gold plated pieces.

Can I use jewellery polishing cloths on gold plated items?

Yes, but choose cloths specifically designed for gold plated jewellery and use them gently. Aggressive polishing can wear away the gold layer faster. Light, straight strokes are better than vigorous rubbing.

Discover Ella & Eve's Gold Plated Collection

With the right care and storage, gold plated jewellery can be a beautiful, affordable way to enjoy the luxury of gold. Our collection of gold plated necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and anklets offers timeless designs that complement any style.

Each piece comes with our complimentary gift box and branded gift bag – perfect for proper storage and protection when you're not wearing your treasures. And remember, proper storage is the key to maintaining that beautiful golden glow for as long as possible.