Much as we’d like to get the finest quality gold jewelry at all times, our budget may not agree. Gold-plated jewelry is a great way to catch the yellow and rose gold trend without breaking the bank. A little care in handling gold-plated items will go a long way in ensuring that your gold-plated necklaces, bracelets and rings will outlast their worth.
WHAT IS GOLD-PLATED?
Gold-plated jewelry is made by coating a less expensive metal with a thin layer of gold. At Centime, we use sterling silver as the base for all our jewelry, but other shops could use stainless steel or brass. Make sure you always check the base metal to avoid paying more for a necklace, bracelet or ring that is worth much less.
Unlike its solid gold sister however, gold-plated jewelry needs to be handled with care. Follow these 6 golden rules to ensure that your inexpensive pieces will continue to look like a million bucks.
6 GOLDEN RULES IN HANDLING GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY
Rule 1: Last on, first off:
Last on: Put your gold-plated jewelry on last, after make-up, perfume, hairspray and other corrosive chemical substances. If you wear lotion, wait until it is fully absorbed before you wear your plated items.
First off: Take them off first before going to bed. Extra rubbing during the night and night sweat can quickly cause the gold layer to wear off.
Rule 2: Avoid corrosive liquid
Soap, oil, nail polish, polish remover, perfume, detergents and the likes may react with metal or plated jewelry and will cause them to tarnish easily. The same goes with sweat. Depending on one’s diet, it’s not uncommon for the chemicals in your sweat to cause plated jewelry to tarnish and discolor.
Make sure you remove your gold plated jewelry when you exercise or do strenuous house chores such as gardening or cleaning. Do not wear them while showering, or in a pool/hot tub. It is also a good idea to take your gold-plated jewelry off before cooking as certain fruits and vegetables can be very acidic.
Rule 3: Avoid abrasive surface
Avoid rubbing gold plated bracelets in the sand when you go to the beach. Store pieces separately so that they won’t rub against one another. Try not to get plated rings scraped against counter tops or rubbed against car keys in pockets and purses.
Rule 4: Store separately
After wearing, wrap each piece in a soft cloth or tissue paper, then place them separately in cloth pouches, small boxes or individual plastic bags to avoid scratches. Avoid extreme temperature and sunlight; do not store jewelry next to heating vents, window sills, or in the car.
Rule 5: Clean correctly
To clean, gently wipe off any dirt or blemishes with a slightly damp, soft piece of cotton cloth and dry with a clean towel. Stay away from jewelry cleaners or soap - they might have corrosive components that damage the gold-plating.
Rule 6: Not all gold-plated jewelry are created equal
Gold-plated rings will wear off the fastest, especially if you wear them everyday because they rub constantly against your skin and come into contact with the chemicals you use. If your hands sweat a lot, the gold will wear off even more quickly.
Gold-plated bracelets will last longer. Plated necklaces and earrings can last very long if you take good care of them. Consider all these factors before you commit to buying.
SHOP OUR RANGE OF GOLD-PLATED HERE:
From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Name Hoop Earrings
- Initial Signet Ring - Birth Flower Necklace - Grandma Necklace With Names
Still have any question? Feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email at contact@centimegift.com.