You know that gold-plated jewelry is affordable and a good way to get the look of real gold at a lower price. What you might not know is how to take care of it so that it looks nice for as long as possible.

Like all plated jewelry, gold plating on jewelry is more fragile than solid gold. You can’t just toss your gold-plated jewelry in your jewelry box and expect it to last forever. If you want your investment to last, follow these tips for taking care of your gold-plated pieces:

Always store your gold-plated jewelry separately.

The first step in the care of gold-plated jewelry is to store it separately so that it doesn’t scratch or rub against other pieces. This is easy to do if you keep a jewelry box or chest. If you don’t have a jewelry box, you can use a cloth bag.

If you have a jewelry box, try to keep each piece separated from the others by putting in dividers. You may also want to consider keeping your plated jewelry in a safe deposit box if you don’t wear it often. This will protect it from damage and keep it safe from loss if there is a fire or other disaster at home.

Don’t expose your jewelry to chemicals.

Plated jewelry is sensitive to chemicals, including those found in hair and beauty products. You should never clean your plated jewelry with harsh chemicals, or leave it soaking in a chemical cleaner. Instead, wipe it clean with a soft cloth, rinsing it with water if there is any dirt or grit on it.

You can also use a mild soap, but be sure to rinse it thoroughly so that it doesn’t leave a residue on the jewelry. It’s also a good idea to store your plated jewelry separately from other jewelry. That way, if one piece is contaminated, the others won’t be as well. It’s particularly important to keep plated jewelry away from pieces that contain silver. Silver and gold don’t mix, and when they’re in contact, one will tarnish (usually the silver).

Don’t wear your plated jewelry while exercising or swimming.

Gold-plated jewelry is durable, but it’s not impervious to damage. It’s best to keep your jewelry away from vigorous physical activity, such as exercise or sports, as well as swimming. If you do find yourself in a situation where you’re worried about damaging your jewelry, try taking it off and putting it in a safe place. You can also slip on a rubber band or bracelet guard.

Bracelet guards are bands you wear around your wrist that hold your jewelry in place. You can also keep your plated jewelry in a safe place in your gym bag or swim bag if you’re worried about damaging it.

Conclusion

Don’t let good intentions lead you to believe that gold-plated jewelry is easy to care for. Keep the tips above in mind, and you’ll be able to keep your pieces looking shiny and new for years to come.

With good care, you can expect your jewelry to last a lot longer than you might think.