Gold-plated jewellery gives you the warm look of gold at a fraction of the price. The plating is a thin layer of gold bonded to a base metal such as brass or stainless steel, so how you wear and store it decides how long that shine lasts. The good news: a few small habits are all it takes.
Last on, first off
Perfume, hairspray, body lotion and sunscreen contain alcohols and oils that slowly dull plating. Get ready first, let everything dry, and put your jewellery on last. At the end of the day, take it off before you wash your face or change.
Keep it away from water
Showers, swimming pools, the sea and even washing dishes are hard on plated pieces. Chlorine and salt are the worst offenders. Remove rings before wudu or handwashing if you can, and never sleep in plated earrings or chains.
Clean gently
- Wipe each piece with a soft, dry microfibre or jewellery cloth after wearing.
- For a deeper clean, dip a cotton bud in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, wipe, rinse with a damp cloth and dry immediately.
- Never use toothpaste, baking soda, silver dip or polishing pastes - they are abrasive and remove plating.
Store pieces separately
Chains tangle and stones scratch softer metals, so give each piece its own pouch or a compartment in your box. A small packet of silica gel in the drawer absorbs humidity, which matters during the monsoon. Fasten clasps before you put necklaces away so they cannot knot.
Kundan and pearls need extra care
Kundan-style stones are set over foil, and water can creep behind the stone and cloud it. Keep bridal and festive sets completely dry and store them flat in their boxes. Pearls, including shell pearls, are soft: wipe them after wearing and keep them away from perfume.
When the shine fades
After a lot of wear, edges and clasps fade first. That is normal for plating, and many jewellers can re-plate a favourite piece. Rotating between a few pieces also helps each one last longer.
Treat plated jewellery like a favourite silk dupatta - wear it often, but store it with care - and it will stay bright for many occasions to come.
