How to Clean Gold Plated Jewelry
Gold plating adds significant shine, beauty, and durability to your jewelry at a more accessible price point than solid gold. While gold plating enhances the longevity of your accessories, proper care is essential to maintain their pristine condition. Understanding the correct techniques for cleaning and preserving gold plated jewelry will ensure its lasting brilliance. If you’re wondering how to clean gold plated jewelry, we'll guide you through effective cleaning methods and provide valuable tips to keep your gold-plated pieces looking their best for longer.
What Is Gold Plated Jewelry?
Gold plating involves applying a thin layer of gold onto a base metal, like copper, silver, or steel. This technique is often used for jewelry made from less expensive metals, giving them the luxurious look of gold while also boosting their durability. It's an excellent option for those who desire the aesthetic of gold without the higher cost.
However, it's important to remember that gold plating isn't permanent and can wear away over time, especially with frequent use. This regular wear can also cause the jewelry to appear dirty or dull. While cleaning solid gold is simpler due to its uniform composition, proper methods exist for cleaning gold plated jewelry to maintain its appearance.
How Often to Clean Gold Plated Jewelry
The ideal cleaning frequency for your gold plated jewelry depends largely on how often you wear it. Regardless, aim for a thorough cleaning at least once a year. If you wear your pieces more frequently, consider cleaning them every three to six months to maintain their shine. On the other hand, remember that deep cleaning of gold plated jewelry should not be done more than once a month. This can cause wear and tear.
Clean Your Favourite Piece Step By Step
To achieve beautiful and sparkling gold-plated jewelry, just follow the steps below.
Wipe Down
The easiest and most fundamental step in maintaining your gold plated jewelry is a quick wipe-down. Use a damp, soft, and lint-free cloth for this purpose. You might even consider having a dedicated jewelry cloth to wipe your pieces after each wear. After wiping, ensure the jewelry is completely dry before storing it properly.
Soapy Water Clean
For a more thorough cleaning, a simple wipe-down may not suffice. If your jewelry pieces do not have adhesive (such as those used for rhinestones), prepare a cleaning solution by dissolving a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid in a cup of lukewarm water. Submerge your gold plated jewelry in this solution and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Afterward, use a cotton swab to carefully clean all the intricate details.
Two crucial points to remember during the soapy water cleaning process:
1. Check for phosphates: Ensure your dishwashing liquid does not contain phosphates, as these can erode the gold plating.
2. Avoid sharp objects: Never use sharp tools, such as knives, to clean grooves or intricate details, as this can scratch or damage the plating.
Rinse and Dry
After cleaning your gold plated jewelry, it is crucial to ensure no residue of dishwashing liquid remains. Therefore, rinse the piece thoroughly with lukewarm water. Proper drying is equally important. You can either allow your jewelry to air-dry completely or gently pat it dry with a soft cloth. Ensuring the piece is thoroughly dry before storage helps prevent tarnishing and water spots.
Polishing
It is important to note that polishing is not a mandatory step in cleaning gold plated jewelry, as over-polishing can potentially damage the delicate gold layer. If your jewelry appears clean and shiny after the previous cleaning steps, no further action is required.
However, if your piece still exhibits a dull appearance, you may opt to gently polish it using a specialized gold cleaning cloth.
Detailed Areas
For cleaning the delicate parts of your gold-plated jewelry, use a soft toothbrush or a small, soft brush dipped in a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. It is crucial to avoid using hard or rough brushes, as these can scratch or damage the plating.
Gently brush the intricate details, avoiding excessive pressure or vigorous rubbing on the jewelry's surface. After brushing, rinse the piece thoroughly with clean water. Finally, dry the jewelry completely with a soft, lint-free cloth.
If the jewelry is exceptionally dirty or presents a particular challenge to clean, it is advisable to consult a professional jewelry cleaning service.
How to Remove Tarnish From Gold Plated Jewelry
If your gold plated jewelry does not return to its desired cleanliness and luster using the previously mentioned methods, it is possible that the gold plating has been damaged. In such cases, unfortunately, replating is often the only viable solution.
First, it's important to distinguish between tarnish and actual damage to the plating. If the discoloration you're observing is the underlying base metal showing through, then the plating is indeed compromised. In this scenario, further polishing will only exacerbate the damage.
While a professional jeweler can expertly replate your jewelry, there are also options for at-home gold plating. Various home gold-plating kits are available on the market, offering an engaging and exciting way to restore your pieces. These kits can be particularly beneficial if you're considering entering professional jewelry plating, as they allow you to test the entire process and practice plating your own items.
Tips for Keeping Jewelry Clean for Longer
Like all plated items, gold plating can wear off over time, potentially peeling or revealing the base metal beneath. The shine of plated pieces will naturally diminish, but with proper care, their luster can last for five years or more.
Store Your Gold Plated Jewelry Correctly
When you're not wearing your gold plated jewelry, store it in a jewelry box or a soft pouch. This helps protect it from air and environmental factors that can cause tarnishing. Avoid storing multiple plated pieces together, as they can rub and scratch one another.
Maintaining the Luster
To ensure the longevity of your plated jewelry, keep it away from chemicals, oils, and makeup. It's best to consider wearing gloves before applying cosmetics and chemical products, or simply remove your jewelry. Additionally, avoid wearing gold-plated jewelry during activities like cleaning, gardening, or exercising, as these can accelerate wear.
Environmental Factors and Cleaning
Extreme heat and humidity can damage your jewelry. Always take off your gold-plated jewelry before bathing, sauna, or swimming to prevent tarnishing.
Remember, regular and proper cleaning will significantly extend the life of your gold-plated pieces. When cleaning, use a mild liquid soap and steer clear of harsh chemicals. Also, avoid rubbing your jewelry on rough surfaces like carpets or thick fabrics, as this can cause the plating to peel.
